Cadillac XT4 vs Volkswagen ID.4

The 2020 Cadillac XT4, with its Premium Luxury trim, presented a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic. Its exterior, highlighted by 20-inch aluminum wheels and Silver Radiant metallic paint, was visually striking, especially with its crisp, tailored styling. The interior offered a pleasant experience with competitive quality materials, although some elements, like the plain black trim around the power window controls, fell short of luxury expectations. Despite these minor setbacks, the XT4 maintained a generally upscale feel, with a spacious cabin that provided comfort for both driver and passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased a distinctive design, emphasizing its electric vehicle roots. It departed from the traditional gasoline model aesthetics, opting for a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward approach, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. While the ID.4's cabin felt spacious, the rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars. The ID.4's design choices aimed to create a modern, tech-savvy environment, appealing to those seeking a fresh take on crossover styling.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, thanks to its broad torque band. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission showed hesitancy in downshifting, particularly in Tour mode. The XT4's ride and handling were mixed, with good steering effort but an artificially heavy sensation in Sport mode. The suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps, though the oversized wheels offered impressive grip. Despite some noise issues, the XT4 could be enjoyable on smooth roads.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 initially launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version increased power to 295 horsepower. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience. While not a performance vehicle, the ID.4's electric motor delivered sufficient power for everyday driving, with the AWD version offering enhanced traction and power.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 offered a comfortable interior with soft leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear passenger compartment was spacious, though the seat cushion lacked support. The XT4 excelled in climate control, quickly cooling the cabin during a heatwave. Storage was ample, with innovative features like an angled wireless smartphone charger. However, cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more front and rear headroom than many EV competitors, though legroom was average. Cargo space was generous, with 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," but the cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The interior featured a unique gear selector and limited storage on the center console. Heated seats and a steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heating during cold weather.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured an improved Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The system offered multiple interaction methods, including voice recognition, though the screen size could be larger. The optional 13-speaker Bose audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. However, some advanced features like a head-up display were not included in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The control setup relied heavily on haptic touchpads, which lacked tactile feedback. A natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative to the touchpads, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a visual element to the interior, but its novelty wore off quickly. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 included forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and low-speed automatic emergency braking as standard. Premium Luxury trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The Driver Awareness Package offered additional features like lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not completed all testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced highway driving and safety. Travel Assist performed well, offering smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration.