2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, with minimal changes that were well-received. The vehicle featured a bold grille and sleek headlights, moving away from the outdated "beak" grille of earlier models. A notable design element was the oversized logo on the grille, which, despite its size, complemented the overall aesthetic. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a distinctive upper character line and a spoiler-like appearance created by intersecting lines. Inside, the RDX boasted a sharp design with eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a striking red-and-black contrast. The vehicle came well-equipped with features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique visual elements and interior upgrades, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered additional luxury features.

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 featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, departing from the traditional SUV styling. The ID.4 was based on VW's MEB platform and was introduced to the North American market as a crossover, although its design didn't fully resemble an SUV. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package. The interior design aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD), which was standard in Canada. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The vehicle's handling was exceptional, offering a balance between comfort and performance.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in 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 motor, increasing total output to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience. This decision aimed to provide a familiar feel for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also provided good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large door pockets and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo area offered 835 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with the seats folded, and up to 2,260 litres of maximum capacity. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a liftable panel revealing additional storage.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more front and rear headroom compared to competitor EVs, although legroom was average for the segment. 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," 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. However, the console's narrow design limited storage for larger items. The ID.4 included standard heated steering wheel and front seats, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, featuring a vivid widescreen display operated via a touchpad, known as the True Touchpad Interface. This system lacked the intuitive scrolling ability of competitors, requiring constant attention to the screen. Despite standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchpad complicated their use. The RDX offered Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 9-speaker audio system. Higher trims added more USB ports, navigation, and premium audio systems, with the A-Spec featuring the impressive ELS Studio 3D system.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, complicating use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, allowing for hands-free operation. The ID.Light feature added a unique touch, providing visual cues for various functions. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, LATCH child-seat systems, and a rear-view camera with a washer nozzle. It also featured driver-assistance technologies like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera. The 2019 RDX, mechanically identical, received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

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 a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing automated lane centring. The system performed well, offering smooth handling and responsive acceleration and deceleration.