2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Lexus RX

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 in Europe. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, the ID.4 aimed to appeal to North American crossover buyers, though its SUV-like styling was subtle 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 finishes. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued its modern and sporty design, building on the 2020 facelift that introduced a revised grille and exterior enhancements. Competing in the midsize luxury crossover segment, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by sharp character lines and angular features. The F Sport models added performance-oriented elements, including 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and distinctive badging. The RX's interior maintained a luxurious appeal, with F Sport models incorporating sporty touches like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its high-quality materials, the centre stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less comfortable than expected. The RX offered a range of seating configurations, with the three-row L models providing additional passenger capacity, albeit with limited cargo space.

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, though it exhibited body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration. Volkswagen aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars, focusing on coasting efficiency.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added two electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and sluggish acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the differences in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and effective noise isolation. Fuel efficiency varied between models, with the RX 450h hybrid achieving better consumption ratings than its gasoline counterparts.

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 in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals 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, 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, enhancing comfort in colder climates.

The standard two-row Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models provided additional seating but limited cargo space, with only 210 litres available with all seats upright. The RX's cargo area featured a high load-in height due to its sporty bumper design. Interior features included a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a head-up display button. The RX's thoughtful design elements enhanced convenience, though the rear seats did not fold completely flat.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12-inch option available. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and featured a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. The ID.4's haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, but they were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, providing visual cues for different drive modes and navigation. Despite some gimmicky features, the ID.4's infotainment system was well-positioned and user-friendly.

The Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version standard on the 450h L and optional for other trims. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver in the 2020 refresh, but their positioning remained ergonomically unfriendly. The RX's infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was hypersensitive and difficult to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, smartphone integration, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, allowing for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with points docked for certain headlights. The NHTSA awarded the RWD versions a five-star safety rating, though AWD versions were not yet tested. The ID.4 included a variety of driver aids, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist offering smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests but four in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.