2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

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, moving away from the sharp angles and straight lines of the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it was designed to appeal to the North American market, its SUV-like styling was subtle, making it hard to distinguish from its hatchback sibling. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, featuring a blacked-out exterior for a sporty look. This trim level sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering unique design elements like black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a special grille. The interior boasted water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats in a grey two-tone scheme. While the StarTex material was practical, it tended to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature. The Ascent's interior was designed for comfort, with metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, and a range of features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats, making it well-suited for winter conditions.

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 was tuned for comfort, with a smooth ride and balanced handling, though it wasn't particularly sporty. It relied on friction brakes rather than aggressive regenerative braking, providing a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's engine featured a flat-four layout, offering a lower centre of gravity for improved handling. The CVT provided eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, contributing to a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system and 22 centimetres of ground clearance enhanced its off-roading capabilities. While the Ascent demonstrated competence in various driving conditions, its lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies could feel uncertain.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, 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 on the dashboard, freeing up space on the centre console, though storage was limited.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors. The Ascent provided ample storage, with a useful dashboard shelf and large cupholders. It offered 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and up to 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system included volume and tuning knobs, making it user-friendly. However, the voice recognition technology required improvement, as it was slow to respond and needed specific commands. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, which lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features, like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera, were reserved for the Premier trim.

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. The ID.4 introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features, enhancing highway driving and safety.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent also earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. It came standard with EyeSight driver-assist technology, offering collision avoidance and driving aids. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and its adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.