2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

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 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback in Europe. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, the ID.4 aimed to appeal to the U.S. market's preference for crossovers. However, its SUV-like styling was subtle, 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 included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with revised front and rear fascias, improved LED lighting, and sporty character lines. The Kona's exterior was further refined with new alloy wheel designs and body cladding. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to create a more spacious feel, complemented by ambient lighting and a rear USB port. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims added unique styling elements, such as body-color cladding and exclusive interior features like black seats with red stitching and alloy sport pedals. The Kona N took sportiness to another level with wide fenders, 19-inch alloy wheels, and N sport bucket seats, offering a more athletic driving experience.

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 marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive (RWD) in the U.S. with a passenger car since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, introduced later in 2021, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, its RWD configuration provided balanced handling, and the electric motor's instantaneous torque made city driving enjoyable. The AWD version offered more power and traction, enhancing its performance on twisty roads. However, the ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For more spirited performance, the N Line and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Kona N, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, produced 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured performance enhancements like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential. The Kona's handling was composed, with a low center of gravity and ample torque, making it agile and stable. The DCT provided smooth shifts, although minor turbo lag was noted.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing competitors like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric. However, it lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though storage options were limited. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, offered ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona wasn't recommended for towing, limiting its utility. Despite these constraints, the Kona's interior was well-designed, with a focus on front-seat comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip on the dashboard. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and user-friendly.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims, like the N Line and Limited, featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. The Kona also offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the base screen, with wired versions on the larger screen. Hyundai Blue Link provided connected services, including remote engine start and stolen-vehicle recovery. The infotainment system was intuitive, with easy smartphone connectivity and a user-friendly interface.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation 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, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, offering automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, which stopped the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a basic suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, it didn't achieve Top Safety Pick status due to the "Marginal" rating for child-seat anchors.