2022 Chevrolet Suburban 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 the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback, and was introduced to North America due to the popularity of crossovers. Despite its SUV-like intentions, the ID.4's design closely resembled the ID.3 hatchback, which might not have resonated with buyers seeking a traditional SUV look. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels contributed to its supersized appearance. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options, with our RST test vehicle featuring a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin, ranging from comfortable on the base LS trim to luxurious on the High Country. The RST trim included 10-way power front seats and Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching. Despite its spaciousness, the predominantly black interior of the RST felt somewhat dark, with chrome sill plates and red stitching offering limited contrast.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in 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's RWD setup provided balanced handling, though it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners. The electric motor delivered ample power, and the instantaneous torque made acceleration enjoyable. However, Volkswagen opted for a more traditional braking system, relying on friction brakes rather than aggressive regenerative braking, which might have disappointed some EV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The turbodiesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent towing capability and fuel efficiency. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space. Our RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-litre V8, which provided effortless power and acceleration, particularly noticeable during a 130-kilometre tow test. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for hauling.

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, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by 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 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. It offered 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats could slide forward or backward, and both rear rows folded flat with ease. The Suburban's optional power-sliding centre console provided additional storage, though its size made maneuvering and parking challenging in tight spaces. Chevrolet replaced the traditional column-mounted shifter with electronic push-button controls, requiring some adjustment for long-time Suburban drivers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12-inch screen available as an option. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster. The ID.4's haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, which proved challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. Volkswagen included a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to bypass the touchpads. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, though its novelty wore off quickly. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on LT and above. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard across the lineup. The Suburban's audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup on the LS to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on the Premier and High Country.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with points docked for certain headlights. The NHTSA awarded RWD versions a five-star safety rating, though AWD versions were not yet tested. The ID.4 offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2021 included Travel Assist, which added automated lane centring, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with Chevrolet's Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and front pedestrian braking. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance became standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with specific ratings for front crash protection, side crash protection, and rollover resistance.