2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased a refined design that marked a significant improvement from its predecessors. With updates carried over from the 2020 model, the XT5 featured a more distinct exterior with a snub-nosed front and sleek LED lights that accentuated its robust proportions. The interior, while not entirely luxurious, offered a more upscale feel compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The Premium Luxury trim level, in particular, exuded elegance with its cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, reminiscent of the finery Cadillac had been striving to reclaim.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, boasting a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. Its streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners gave it a unique appearance, although it didn't quite resemble a traditional SUV. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. While the ID.4's cabin felt spacious, the rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The seats provided adequate cushioning, but the driver's seat lacked thigh support, leading to an uncomfortable driving position.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6 was standard on the Sport trim and optional on the Premium Luxury trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less so when downshifting. The XT5's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the AWD V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km. The base engine offered 9.5 L/100 km with FWD and 10.1 with AWD.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came in two powertrain configurations. The base RWD version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The AWD version added a second motor for a total of 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't sporty, it offered a comfortable ride with balanced handling due to its RWD setup. The electric motor provided ample torque for quick acceleration, but the lack of aggressive regenerative braking meant it relied more on friction brakes, offering a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults comfortably, though it technically accommodated five with a three-seat bench in the second row. The rear seat offered limited headroom for taller passengers, but legroom was adequate in both rows. The XT5's cargo space was 850 litres, less than some competitors, but its deep rear cargo area was practical despite being narrowed by wheel bump-outs. The SUV's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline models like 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 rearward visibility was hindered by design elements. The centre console offered limited storage, though there were ample spots for phones. Heated front seats and a steering wheel were standard, enhancing comfort in colder climates.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic, offering haptic feedback. The system included a rotary controller on the centre console, which, while functional, cluttered the screen's aesthetics. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A rear camera mirror and a head-up display were available, enhancing visibility and providing essential driving information. The digital instrument cluster was functional, though not particularly impressive in design.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls were challenging to use without tactile feedback. A natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, communicating information through light signals. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with intuitive menus, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. However, not all features were standard across trim levels. The Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, allowing for better visibility of large wildlife and hazards. The Teen Driver software was standard, enabling parents to monitor and limit certain vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist added automated lane centring and emergency stopping capabilities. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to acceleration and deceleration.