2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning it with the rest of Volvo's lineup through signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It also featured a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour and a charging port in place of the fuel filler. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that diverged from the gasoline models like the Tiguan and Atlas. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, emphasizing its EV identity. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its lineage with the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it boasted more front and rear headroom than some EV competitors, its SUV-like styling was less pronounced compared to traditional crossovers. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 model delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant increased output to 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featured dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive 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 version added a second motor for a total output of 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling, thanks to its RWD setup. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, instead relying on friction brakes to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

Volvo claimed no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline XC40 models, although the XC40 Recharge was not particularly spacious. It offered less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and its cargo area was smaller. The frunk was also limited in size due to powertrain components. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins made possible by relocating the audio system's speakers to the dashboard.

The Volkswagen ID.4 felt more like a crossover compared to other EVs, offering more front and rear headroom than some competitors, although legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a frunk, opting instead for more cabin space. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow centre console with limited storage space.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth, with built-in Google features. The Recharge also offered OTA update capability, although Volvo was vague about future plans for this feature. The model lacked a start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park with the key fob present.

The Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch screen optional, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, responding to prompts like "Hello ID," and the ID.Light feature, a light strip at the base of the windshield providing visual cues. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The electric XC40 Recharge was not rated, but Volvo expected it to perform well due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The Volkswagen ID.4 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by 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, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2021 included Travel Assist, providing automated lane centring, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver is incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.