2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks received a bolder exterior design for the model year, aligning it with the new faces of the Nissan Armada, Ariya, and Rogue. The Kicks sported a deep V-motion design with a new "double V-motion" feature, thinner and longer headlights, and a redesigned rear bumper and LED taillight combination. The interior remained mostly the same but featured higher quality materials, new seat and door designs, and a full center console armrest in mid-range trims. The Kicks SR trim level included LED headlights, fog lights, and a sportier aesthetic with black heated outside mirrors and dark chrome grille accents.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes but noticeable body roll in corners. Volkswagen chose not to implement aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Kicks featured electric power-assisted steering with vehicle-speed variable assist, making it nimble in various driving conditions. Despite its low power, the Kicks had a good power-to-weight ratio, providing adequate performance for its size. The Kicks SR trim included an integrated dynamic-control module with active engine brake, intelligent trace control, and intelligent ride control. The EPA rated the Kicks at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than several EV competitors but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, but its interior felt spacious with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made the most of its small size with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, good small-item storage, and multiple smartphone storage options. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver's seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat as standard. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though its hip room proportions were less ideal for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information to the driver through a light strip at the base of the windshield.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a host of standard tech features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, satellite radio, and remote engine start. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with speakers in the front seat headrests. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and an available WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updating.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation detection.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Kicks featured 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert on higher trims. The 2020 Kicks received Good marks in IIHS crashworthiness tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.