2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in its A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided the rugged off-road look, focusing instead on a sleek design suitable for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's trim hierarchy, offering a sporty interior with features like front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night.

In contrast, 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, eschewing the fake toughness of traditional crossovers. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, using piano black and matte plastic materials. While the ID.4's design was unique, it didn't quite resemble an SUV, which could be a point of contention for some buyers. The interior offered a blend of practicality and style, with a focus on creating a spacious cabin.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, which improved handling by delivering up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The A-Spec trim came with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its sporty appeal. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport modes were noted drawbacks.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base RWD version had a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An AWD version added a second motor, increasing total output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. Unlike many EVs, it didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience. While not a performance car, the ID.4 provided ample power and a fun driving experience with its instantaneous torque.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres with the seats folded. Despite its official cargo volume, the trunk was accommodating, with additional storage compartments for organization.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 felt spacious compared to other EVs, offering more front and rear headroom than its competitors. It provided 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 ID.4 prioritized cabin space, resulting in a roomy interior. The dashboard featured a 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's heated steering wheel and seats efficiently maintained cabin warmth during cold weather.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it improved upon Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. The RDX offered smartphone projection, voice recognition, and physical controls for stereo and climate functions, enhancing user convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The control setup relied on haptic touchpads, which lacked tactile feedback and required relearning simple tasks. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to bypass haptic controls. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, communicating information through a light strip. While some features felt gimmicky, the touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.