2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 design was part of Volkswagen'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 blended Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, on the other hand, aimed to appeal to those who love black-on-black vehicles. The Black Line treatment eradicated almost all chrome from the GX's exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. However, the GX's design looked dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin's quality was undeniable, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet ride. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. Despite its dated appearance, the GX's interior featured high-quality materials and a comfortable, quiet ride.

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's RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered added traction and power. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners. Volkswagen chose not to implement aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more familiar driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's 0-60 mph time was a leisurely 7.8 seconds, and its fuel economy was an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while reducing body motions on pavement. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with slow, heavy steering and a touchy brake pedal being the main drawbacks.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though 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 substandard due to thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console with limited storage space. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The GX's tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various situations. The seats were comfortable, with physical controls clearly labeled. However, the rear seat access was tricky, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's tailgate swung open to the side, making loading difficult in tight spaces. Lexus claimed 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row 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 nearly all switchgear. While the setup looked cool, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were oddly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. For 2022, Lexus made its Intuitive Parking Assist technology standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

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 driver aids 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 and Emergency Assist were new standard features for 2021, with Travel Assist providing automated lane centering and Emergency Assist stopping the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally unchanged for 13 years, lacked crash-test ratings. Standard Lexus Safety System+ included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.