2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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 positioned at the corners, moving away from the 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. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, such as plastic body cladding and a slightly elevated ride height, the ID.4's SUV-like styling was subtle. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. 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 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. The XC90, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, had a sleek and athletic stance, with pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose reminiscent of classic Volvo designs. The interior was a blend of "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambour cover, and a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was designed for comfort and luxury, with features like a panoramic moonroof enhancing the spacious feel.

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's RWD setup provided balanced handling, although it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness, with a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with three powertrain options. The T5 models used a turbocharged 2.0-litre gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge models combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Recharge model offered an EV range of up to 58 kilometres and could be charged in about five hours with a Level 2 charger. The XC90 provided a superb driving experience, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, although 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. However, it lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, prioritizing 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, which proved effective during cold weather.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. It offered 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, suitable for light trailers. The interior was designed for family comfort, with ample storage and a spacious cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well during a heat wave, and the XC90's AWD system and heated features made it suitable for winter conditions.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. 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. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with easy-to-navigate menus and smart graphics.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive for tech-savvy users, it was occasionally slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization, and the Advanced package included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 featured standard keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims, with multiple USB ports for device charging.

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 like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced highway driving and safety.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for assisted highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.