2022 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

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 fake toughness 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 finishes. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular design with balanced proportions and trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. For 2022, Kia made minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges. The Telluride's interior was upscale and organized, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in the front seatbacks. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, making the interior feel luxurious. The Telluride's seats were comfortable for adults in all three rows, and the SUV offered ample cargo space with a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet.

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 sporty handling, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. However, it lacked the aggressive regenerative braking found in other EVs, relying more on friction brakes.

The 2022 Kia Telluride featured a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered all-wheel drive with a Lock mode for even power distribution. It performed well on various terrains, including snow and muddy roads, and provided a smooth ride on dry pavement. The Telluride's brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and multiple driving modes enhanced its handling. During testing, the Telluride SX AWD returned 21.1 mpg, matching the EPA's combined driving estimate.

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. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, 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's center console was narrow, offering limited storage space for larger items.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control for front-seat occupants and single-zone control for the rear. The Telluride offered plenty of storage space, with 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row and a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet. The SX Prestige package added premium touches like Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride's seats were comfortable for adults in all three rows, and the SUV's folding seats and flat load floor made it easy to haul large items.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (a 12-inch screen was optional) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a 5.3-inch display screen as the instrument cluster and haptic touchpads for controls. 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 through a light strip at the base of the windshield.

The 2022 Kia Telluride made its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including navigation and voice recognition technology. However, it lost the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality of the previous 8-inch display. The Telluride offered USB charging ports in all three rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad in all trims except the LX. Standard Kia Connect services included emergency assistance, remote engine start, and home-to-car smart speaker integration. The Telluride also featured Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions for managing audio and communication within the vehicle.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS's 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, 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 response.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard safety features under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. The Telluride also featured Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control-Curve, and Safe Exit Assist. In NHTSA crash tests, the Telluride earned a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick designation.