2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were upgrades of a commodity car rather than premium products.

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 Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of its gasoline counterparts. The ID.4 was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it didn't look like a traditional SUV, it offered a blend of Volkswagen's minimalism and a smartphone aesthetic inside, with piano black and matte plastic elements. The interior was spacious, with good front headroom, but rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine standard across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain was well-suited to the CR-V. Despite the CVT's reputation for sluggishness, Honda's engineers managed to deliver a responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its low curb weight, ranging from 1,521 kg for the FWD LX model to 1,641 kg for the AWD Touring and Black Edition models, contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. The FWD CR-V achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres, while the AWD version managed 8.1, making it one of the most efficient non-hybrid models in its class.

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. While the ID.4 wasn't sporty, it provided a comfortable ride with balanced handling. The electric motor delivered ample power, and the instantaneous torque made acceleration enjoyable. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't emphasize regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes. This decision aimed to provide a familiar feel for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. It provided excellent head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to its well-designed seating position and low cowl. The cargo compartment was roomy, with a two-position load floor allowing for flexible storage options. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V offered up to 1,110 litres of cargo space, making it easy to accommodate various needs. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep centre console and large door pockets, added to its practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, while feeling spacious compared to other EVs, offered less rear headroom and legroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing some EV competitors but falling short of the CR-V and RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow centre console, offering limited storage for larger items. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats helped maintain cabin comfort in colder conditions.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, featuring a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth. It lacked the sophistication of competitors like the Volkswagen Tiguan, which offered an optional Digital Cockpit. The CR-V's system was challenging to operate, with limited hard buttons and a cumbersome interface. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they felt tacked on rather than seamlessly integrated. However, the CR-V did provide ample USB ports and a wireless phone charger in higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster and haptic touchpads for controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to bypass the haptic controls. The ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield, added a futuristic touch, providing visual cues for various functions. Despite some gimmicky features, the ID.4's infotainment system was well-positioned and user-friendly.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came equipped with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features as standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims due to headlight performance. A safety recall affected a small number of vehicles for a potential rear subframe failure.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced its safety offerings, providing automated lane centring and emergency stopping capabilities.