2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

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. However, its SUV-like styling was subtle, making it less distinguishable as an SUV compared to other EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its bold styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature two-line lighting design, creating a circular illusion around the vehicle. The GV70's styling was unique, with a distinct shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows. It offered six grades in Canada, with two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. The Sport and Sport Plus grades received sportier design elements, including dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior. Genesis offered a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for customization. The interior featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with premium materials and unique upholstery configurations, including quilted leather seats in higher trims.

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. It marked Volkswagen's return to RWD passenger cars in North America. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, its RWD setup provided balanced handling, and the electric motor delivered ample power with instantaneous torque. However, it was tuned for comfort, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 relied on friction brakes, with limited regenerative braking, to provide a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options. The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 delivered 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine aimed to compete with mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Fuel consumption for the V6 was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined. All GV70 models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-biased torque distribution. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive driving, although Sport mode was more suitable for everyday use. The electronically controlled suspension system provided a balance between comfort and road feedback, and the GV70's tight turning radius was advantageous in urban settings.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, although 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 crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the centre console, although storage options were limited. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heating in cold conditions.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design and ergonomics. The centre console was tall, separating the driver from the front passenger, with intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, offering a more tactile experience. Climate controls were consolidated under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The rear passenger space featured a large panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, although storage options were limited. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor when not in use.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to adjust settings with simple commands. The ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield, communicated information to the driver through colour changes and flashes. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate, with a choice between smartphone-like icons or a split-screen setup.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics, although it was slower to respond to inputs. The screen's wide layout allowed for split-screen functionality, accommodating in-car functions and smartphone integration. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the display with layered graphics. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless vehicle start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on higher trims. The GV70 included two USB ports for both the front and rear rows.

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

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system included lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, although it required the driver's hands on the wheel. The system was more of an advanced blind spot warning than a self-driving technology. As of publication, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the GV70.