INFINITI QX50 vs Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4, based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and innovative VC-Turbo engine. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic-looking hood gave it a sporty appearance, further emphasized by the view from the driver’s seat. A unique chrome strip at the rear added character, while the panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. The Sensory AWD model featured 20-inch alloy wheels and all-season run-flat tires. Inside, the QX50 boasted an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions.

At launch, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This made it the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The unique VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The QX50’s FWD was standard, with AWD available as an option. The drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, with Sport mode enhancing responsiveness and Eco mode prioritizing fuel efficiency. The QX50’s CVT provided a smooth driving experience, though it lacked the refinement of traditional automatic transmissions. The AWD system performed well in various conditions, ensuring stability and composure.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4’s interior featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console with limited storage space. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, enhancing comfort in cold weather.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 felt spacious inside, with ample hip and shoulder room and plentiful headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The QX50 offered 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.4 cubic feet with them folded, slightly more in models without the moonroof. The optional Cargo package added practical features like a reversible cargo area protector and cargo nets. The QX50 also provided numerous storage options and charging ports, ensuring convenience for passengers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most physical controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. Despite some gimmicky features, the ID.4’s touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive menus and smart-looking graphics.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens—an 8-inch upper LCD and a 7-inch lower color unit. It included voice recognition, Infiniti InTouch Services, and a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The QX50 also came with an Around View Monitor and ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The native navigation system was less user-friendly than CarPlay, but the overall tech package was comprehensive and effective.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new standard features, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation detection.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a robust suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and more. The QX50 received a four-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for moderate overlap front and side crash protection. The vehicle also earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.