2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

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 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 in Europe. While it was designed to appeal to North American crossover buyers, its SUV-like styling was subtle, resembling more of a hatchback. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward 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 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid arrived with a bold new design, characterized by sharp, angular lines and a wider, longer stance. This dramatic styling set it apart from its predecessor and other vehicles in its segment. The Tucson's exterior featured a unique grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, creating a futuristic look. The interior offered a spacious and airy feel, with standard heated front seats and cloth upholstery. Higher trims added features like a 10.25-inch digital driver display, wireless device charging, and ambient lighting. The Tucson's design was a gamble, with its aggressive styling appealing to some but potentially alienating others.

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 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. However, it lacked the aggressive regenerative braking found in many EVs, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AWD drivetrain was standard on most trims, providing responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension that absorbed road imperfections. The Tucson Hybrid's fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 6.4 combined. A plug-in hybrid version offered even greater efficiency with a 13.8 kWh battery and 53 kilometres of all-electric range.

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 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid boasted a generous cargo capacity, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. It offered excellent front and rear legroom, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. The Tucson's cargo floor had a dual-level system, and the interior featured ambient lighting in higher trims. The centre console provided ample storage, and the vehicle's design ensured a spacious and comfortable cabin experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The control setup relied heavily on haptic touchpads, which lacked tactile feedback and proved challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface used touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to operate. However, the Tucson offered plenty of USB ports, a premium audio system in the Ultimate trim, and steering-wheel controls for infotainment commands.

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. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came standard with safety features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot view monitor, remote smart park assist, and a surround-view monitor. The Tucson was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, though it had not yet been tested by the NHTSA.