2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither embarrassing nor overly impressing its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille, creating an expressive face. The MDX's exterior was sleek and low-slung for a three-row SUV, with flawless paint and chrome, a testament to Acura's attention to detail. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, with a centre stack highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave the vehicle a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from its gasoline counterparts. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of traditional crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it didn't quite resemble an SUV, it shared this trait with many other EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars. The ID.4's interior design aimed to provide a tech-forward experience, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats as standard.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The first was a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The second option was the MDX Sport Hybrid, featuring a 3.0-litre V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system was connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX demonstrated good straight-line performance, with nimble handling, especially with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system. This system incorporated torque-vectoring technology, enhancing cornering and handling. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive 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 version added a second electric motor for a total power output of 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's rear-wheel drive setup offered balanced handling, although it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness. The electric motor provided ample power, with instantaneous torque making acceleration enjoyable. Unlike many electric vehicles, the ID.4 did not heavily rely on regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience. This decision aimed to provide a familiar feel for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2020 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered practicality and functionality for families. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, facilitating access to the third row and allowing for flexible legroom distribution. The MDX provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, which expanded to 1,229 litres with the third row folded and 2,574 litres with the second row down. The interior boasted ample storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible centre console, and various cupholders and storage pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to minivans.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, while feeling like a crossover compared to other EVs, offered more front and rear headroom than its competitors. However, its legroom was average for the segment, with gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 providing more space. The ID.4 offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,818 litres with the seats folded. While it lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector, freeing up space on the centre console, although storage options were limited. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating during colder months.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, with trim levels simplified into packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like front and rear parking sensors, navigation, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included additional tech features, while the Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system. The Elite Package provided advanced features like an Active Damper System suspension and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 5.3-inch display screen serving as the instrument cluster. The ID.4's control setup relied on haptic touchpads, which proved challenging to use without tactile feedback. However, a natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier operation. The ID.4 also introduced ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. While some features felt gimmicky, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX featured a sophisticated body design for crash impact absorption. The IIHS rated the MDX as "good" in crash tests, with a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star safety rating for RWD versions from the NHTSA. It offered driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Travel Assist, which added automated lane centring, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, providing smooth handling and responsive acceleration and deceleration.