2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels positioned at the corners, moving away from the rugged appearance of models like the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it offered a crossover feel compared to other EVs, its SUV-like styling was less pronounced, similar to other electric crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the iconic Wrangler design, with signature elements like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, and seven-slot grille. The plug-in hybrid was distinguishable by blue decals, badging, and a charger port on the driver's side front quarter panel. The interior quality was consistent across the lineup, with three grades available: Unlimited Sahara, Unlimited Sahara High Altitude, and Unlimited Rubicon. The Sahara models featured leather-faced seats and power-adjustable driver's seats, while the Rubicon offered cloth seats with optional leather upgrades. Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the Wrangler 4xe retained its off-road capabilities, with features like solid axles, locking differentials, and a fully articulating suspension.

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. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes, though it exhibited body roll in corners. Unlike many electric cars, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes in its default setting.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and retained its trail-rated capabilities, with a Selec-trac or Rock-trac transfer case, solid axles, and up to 76 cm of water fording capability. The Wrangler 4xe offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with hybrid, electric, and e-save modes for battery management. The Max Regen button enhanced regenerative braking, allowing for near one-pedal driving. The electric motors provided a burst of energy from a stop, though the Wrangler 4xe was not the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, more than some EVs but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but substandard rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate a battery pack under the rear seats, minimizing space loss. The Sahara grades offered 1,023 mm of headroom and 970 mm of legroom, while the Rubicon provided more headroom with its soft-top roof. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to other Wrangler models, with 784 litres with the seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler 4xe included a home charging cable and an optional power-retracting roof, enhancing the open-air experience. Some quirks, like the centre stack power window controls, remained part of the Jeep experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, though they were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield for driver communication. While some features felt gimmicky, the infotainment basics were well-executed, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe ran Uconnect 4C with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Uconnect was intuitive, with touch layout and hard buttons for critical functions. The Wrangler 4xe included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for efficiency settings. The instrument cluster featured a traditional tachometer and a 7-inch colour information display. While lacking some modern tech features like wireless phone charging, the Wrangler 4xe offered a practical and user-friendly infotainment system.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with 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 were also included, enhancing highway driving and driver safety.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its safety ratings with other Wrangler models. It received a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests, though the driver's side small overlap front test was rated Marginal. The NHTSA noted a recall for a clutch pressure plate issue. Safety features were limited, with blind spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude. The Advanced Safety Group offered additional features like automatic high beams and forward collision warning.