2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

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 shared its platform with the European-market ID.3 hatchback, but with a slightly taller ride height and plastic body cladding, it aimed to appeal to North American crossover buyers. Despite its SUV-like intentions, the ID.4's design was more akin to a hatchback, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while leatherette upholstery was available in the Statement Package.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered to a more traditional design approach, closely resembling its gasoline counterpart. It maintained the same basic shape and structure, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grille and unique 19-inch alloy wheels. The XC40's exterior was marked by Volvo's signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design sensibilities, offering an airy and spacious cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The dashboard featured harmonious lines and shapes, contributing to a premium feel. Volvo's attention to detail and quality was evident in the XC40 Recharge, positioning it as a genuine luxury SUV.

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. Unlike many EVs, it relied on friction brakes rather than aggressive regenerative braking, providing a more familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge boasted a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, making it a quick compact SUV. The XC40 Recharge featured regenerative braking with one-pedal driving capability, allowing drivers to slow the vehicle by easing off the throttle. Its low centre of gravity and well-tuned suspension contributed to stable and confident handling. The XC40 Recharge offered a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities for added convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, opting for more cabin space instead. 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 for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. It included a front trunk for additional storage, along with ample cabin cubbies and nooks. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers but tight for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge provided up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. Its interior design and functionality reflected Volvo's commitment to passenger convenience and comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12-inch screen was optional. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-designed, with easy-to-navigate menus and smart graphics.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge came equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features. It included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring. The XC40 Recharge featured a 9.3-inch centre-stack touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. This system integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth also available. The XC40 Recharge supported over-the-air updates for both infotainment and vehicle software. However, its range display showed a percentage of remaining charge rather than distance, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with 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 like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced highway driving safety and driver incapacitation response.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The XC40 Recharge also introduced a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety features and Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared road condition information with other connected Volvo vehicles.