2022 Ford Bronco 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 crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it was marketed as a crossover, its design closely resembled the ID.3, lacking the SUV-like styling that many buyers might expect. 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design with a focus on off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was utilitarian, with features like large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a full-size spare tire. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes for different terrains and a digital instrument panel. It balanced its rugged capabilities with on-road comfort, offering a smoother ride than its competitors.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) model 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. Unlike many EVs, it did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine with 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and four-door models. All Broncos featured four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a trail camera and Trail Turn Assist, while also providing a comfortable on-road experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rear visibility was hindered by thick pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails. It also offered stowable doors and removable fender flares for added utility.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. The ID.4's haptic touchpads were challenging to use, lacking tactile feedback. It featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light strip for visual cues. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-designed with easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. It featured G.O.A.T. modes for different terrains and a forward-looking trail camera for better visibility. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses, sharp graphics, and off-road apps. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, paired with an available wireless charging pad.

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 models. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Travel Assist for automated lane centring and Emergency Assist for driver incapacitation.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the four-door Bronco a four-star frontal crash rating, while the IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most tests.