2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of its gasoline counterparts. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels positioned at the corners, moving away from the rugged aesthetics of models like the Tiguan and Atlas. 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, such as plastic body cladding and a slightly elevated ride height, it didn't quite resemble an SUV. 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 Lexus NX presented a more refined and spacious design, with a focus on comfort and luxury. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature spindle grille and simplified styling details. It offered more passenger and cargo space than its predecessor, with options for NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather upholstery. The F Sport variant stood out with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a distinctive steering wheel. The interior design was minimalist, with a focus on decluttering, although some controls were integrated into the touchscreen, which could be challenging to use. Despite this, the NX provided a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, with thoughtful touches like padded surfaces for added comfort.

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 lacked aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2022 Lexus NX, particularly the NX 350, featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The NX 350h hybrid offered 239 horsepower, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid boasted 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of electric range. The NX 350 F Sport variant provided a more dynamic driving experience with additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX demonstrated improved handling and performance, although the turbocharged engine wasn't as refined as some German competitors.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though legroom was average. It offered 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, rearward visibility was limited 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 Lexus NX claimed increased interior space, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat. It offered comfortable seating, especially with heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased to 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured thoughtful touches like padded surfaces and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing comfort and practicality.

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, a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads for controls. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. The NX also featured a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems allowed for natural voice commands, and the NX included several connected services and cloud-based features. However, the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and there was no tuning knob.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Travel Assist, which added automated lane centring, and Emergency Assist, which stopped the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New technologies included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, including a panoramic view monitoring system and lane-change assistance.