2022 Toyota Highlander 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, built on VW’s MEB platform, was introduced to the North American market as a crossover, though its design leaned more towards a hatchback-like appearance. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalist design with a tech-forward approach, 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 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. The spacious interior was cleverly designed for family use, offering ample cabin space and storage solutions. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and unique exterior styling. The Highlander’s trim lineup in Canada included LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from standard AWD and an 8-inch touchscreen to premium options like a panoramic moonroof and a JBL audio system.

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, though it lacked the aggressive regenerative braking found in many EVs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. The Highlander’s performance was solid, with good pickup at highway speeds and a throaty exhaust note. The XSE trim featured a sport-tuned suspension, enhancing handling while maintaining comfort. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place 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, though the driver’s seat lacked thigh support.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it offered 453 litres behind the third row. The interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and second-row captain’s chairs in the XSE trim. The third row was less spacious, suitable for short trips.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system featured haptic touchpads, which were challenging to use without tactile feedback. A natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light strip added to the tech experience, though some features felt gimmicky.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supported by hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim featured a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system were available, though the base system was more user-friendly.

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, though their packaging in Canadian models was not specified.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and a surround-view monitor.