2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Toyota Venza was often compared to a Lexus in terms of its design, with critics noting its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Its sleek profile and refined styling set it apart from other Toyota SUVs, offering a more luxurious appearance. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights, a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with upgrades available in higher trims.

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. Its streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners gave it a unique appearance, although it didn't quite resemble a traditional SUV. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The ID.4 offered a spacious cabin with more front headroom than some competitors, although rearward visibility was limited due to thick rear pillars.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza offered smooth acceleration and confident handling. Its fuel efficiency was a standout feature, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations: a rear-wheel-drive version with a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, and an all-wheel-drive version with dual motors delivering 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, offering a smooth ride with balanced handling. Its electric motor provided instant torque, making acceleration from stoplights enjoyable. However, the ID.4's regenerative braking system did not allow for one-pedal driving, as Volkswagen aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console with resizable cup holders and a wireless charging pad. The Venza provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating for both front and rear occupants. While it had less cargo space than some competitors, its 816 litres of cargo capacity was sufficient for daily use. The Venza's interior was more refined than the rugged RAV4, offering a more elegant experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided a spacious interior with more front headroom than some gasoline crossovers. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for additional storage, but its cabin felt roomy. The dashboard featured a twist-grip gear selector, freeing up space on the centre console, although storage options were limited. The ID.4's heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in maintaining cabin warmth during cold weather.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Entune infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and Limited trims. While the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its interface was not the most user-friendly. The Venza also included a nine-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims and various connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch screen. The infotainment system included haptic touchpads, which were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also offered a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information to the driver through a light strip. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a pre-collision warning system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for its RWD version. It offered a range of driver aids, such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing its safety features.