2022 Cadillac XT5 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 featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, the ID.4 aimed to appeal to North American crossover buyers. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 blended Cadillac's signature design elements with a compact footprint and tall profile. It featured a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. The XT5's styling varied slightly between the Premium Luxury and Sport trims, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter opting for darker trim and a mesh grille. Inside, the XT5 offered a luxurious feel, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfibre sueded headliner. However, the interior design lacked a strong theme, unlike some of its competitors, and didn't have distinct brand-specific markers.

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 motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. It didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with two engine options. The base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 3.6-litre V6 delivered 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The XT5's suspension, especially with the optional Platinum Package, offered a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without being overly sensitive.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it lacked a "frunk," the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited 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, which proved effective in cold conditions.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 compared favourably to German luxury crossovers in terms of interior space, offering more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It had more legroom in both rows but less front legroom than the Lincoln Corsair. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding. The XT5 included a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen for additional storage.

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. While the haptic touchpads looked modern, they were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, which communicated information through a light strip. The touchscreen was well-positioned with easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system was an improvement over previous versions but still lacked the sophistication of some competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but the array of secondary controls was cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

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, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced braking features. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it had lower ratings for headlights and child seat anchor ease of use.