2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels positioned at the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, such as plastic body cladding and a slightly elevated ride height, the ID.4's SUV-like styling was less pronounced compared to other EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design 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, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a more conventional design that blended in with other compact crossovers. Its styling was similar to many competitors, with only minor details like the grille and chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were shades of grey, black, or white, with limited availability of more vibrant options like Radiant Red Metallic. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of materials depending on the trim level. While it didn't stand out in terms of design, the CR-V was practical and functional, focusing on comfort and utility rather than aesthetics.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. While not sporty, the ID.4 prioritized comfort, offering a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 relied on friction brakes rather than aggressive regenerative braking, aiming to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came with a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Its acceleration was modest, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 kilometres per hour. The CR-V's drivetrain was less engaging compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered conventional automatic transmissions with sport modes. The CR-V was available with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option on the LX trim and standard on higher trims. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, providing decent handling and ride quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with the seats folded, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, opting for more cabin space instead. Its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the centre console, though storage options were limited.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering more than 100 litres of interior volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, accommodating a significant amount of luggage. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered different tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of 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 infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying speaker setups, while the Touring trim offered a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V included multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger. The Touring and Black Edition trims also offered a satellite navigation system with voice recognition.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also included, enhancing its safety capabilities.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features as standard across all trims. These features included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.