2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

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 replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 featured a blend of Volkswagen’s minimalism and a tech-focused aesthetic, with piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Ford Explorer lineup included eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding destination charges. The King Ranch trim, tested here, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Visually, the King Ranch was distinguished by its emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer’s rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it an athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. However, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, with some elements reminiscent of the base trim.

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 RWD Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An AWD version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered additional power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for a total of 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, offering up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer’s ride was robust, handling bumps and off-road terrain well, with the Timberline model offering even better off-road capabilities. The Explorer also felt athletic in daily driving, with the sport-tuned ST trim providing the most engaging experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than some EV rivals but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a frunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but poor rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up center console space, though the console itself was narrow. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch trim included triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, suitable for long drives, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and uncomfortable for long periods. The Explorer’s cabin lacked practical storage spaces, with limited center console storage and few pockets or shelves. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system, responding to prompts like “Hello ID,” though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield, communicated information to the driver but was mostly a novelty. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch portrait-style screen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen seemed like an afterthought. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition, often misinterpreting commands. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the vehicle.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and received five stars 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. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the 2021 model received five stars overall, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. Co-Pilot360 and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ operated smoothly, though the system sometimes failed to detect the driver’s hands on the steering wheel.