2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform since 2018. This platform was shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60 featured an elegant, tailored crossover design with short front and rear overhangs, and a body that emphasized an agile form. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, and the front headlights had an LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor’s hammer. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels added to its fashionable appearance. Inside, the XC60’s cabin was defined by clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura, with a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen that became easier to accept over time. The little details, such as the elegant HVAC vents, added to the near-luxury status of the XC60.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an EV, showcasing a distinctive look with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners of the body. It was based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform and followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4 replaced the fake toughness of gasoline models with a more modern aesthetic. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s trademark minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while the Pro S and 1St Edition models had leatherette upholstery. The ID.4’s interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but substandard rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars and a small back window.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models offered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 models produced 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, which were plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased the output to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 T8 PHEV could drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone and had an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg combined, with 57 MPGe in electric-only mode. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring provided a solid and secure driving experience, with a smooth suspension and a quiet cabin.

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, increasing the power output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4’s RWD provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered additional power and traction. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, instead relying on friction brakes for a more familiar driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats that were praised for their comfort. The heating system was effective in sub-freezing temperatures, and the heated seats, rear glass heater, and windshield defroster performed well in winter conditions. The XC60 offered smart storage solutions throughout the cabin, with intuitive controls for passengers. It had 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Each XC60 model could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, although legroom was average for the segment. It had 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The ID.4 did not have a front trunk, as VW prioritized cabin space. The interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, although the console itself was narrow and close to the floor. The heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in maintaining cabin heat during cold weather.

The 2021 Volvo XC60’s infotainment system was centered around the Sensus system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system was intuitive for frequent iPad users, with a portrait orientation and segmented screen for different functions. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot with a free three-month trial. The Volvo On Call app added vehicle-specific functionality. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system on the test XC60 was exceptional.

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 nearly all switchgear. The touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback, making simple tasks challenging. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The XC60 was governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.

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, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist was designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.