2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting to the crossover trend by enhancing its Impreza hatchback with rugged aesthetics, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a higher driving position. This approach mirrored the success of the larger Outback, which had outlasted many station wagons in the U.S. market. The Crosstrek distinguished itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek an SUV-like appearance and more character than the base Impreza hatchback. The Crosstrek's vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Crosstrek shared its underpinnings with other Subaru models, ensuring a refined driving experience. Inside, the Crosstrek's interior was functional but plain, with some design elements like simulated carbon-fibre trim appearing cheap. However, the water-repellant upholstery was a practical touch for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle (EV) from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. Unlike the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers, the ID.4 featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, emphasizing its EV identity. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback, with the decision to bring the ID.4 to North America reflecting the region's preference for crossovers. While the ID.4's styling didn't scream SUV, it was in line with 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 ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package. The interior design aimed to provide a comfortable and spacious experience, with heated steering wheel and front seats enhancing comfort during colder months.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Outdoor and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Other trims retained the 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Subaru's signature boxer engine design, with cylinders parallel to the ground, contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. However, the raised ride height for an SUV-like stance somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, but most buyers opted for the continuously variable transmission (CVT). All trims came with standard AWD, a rarity among small crossovers. The Crosstrek's X-Mode, with hill descent control and new Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like features, the Crosstrek excelled on pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride. The new 2.5-litre engine provided a modest power boost, but acceleration remained adequate, accompanied by CVT droning.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (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. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The RWD setup provided balanced handling, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and noticeable body roll in corners. The electric motor delivered ample power, and instantaneous torque made acceleration enjoyable. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't emphasize regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, opting for friction brakes in its default setting. This decision aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars, though it might disappoint EV enthusiasts.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was competitive among small crossovers, with 588 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded. While the Crosstrek offered more cargo space than the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Renegade, it lagged behind the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Qashqai. The CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Up front, a cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports provided convenient phone storage, though rear-seat passengers lacked USB access. The Crosstrek's driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but it didn't offer the commanding view of traditional SUVs. However, outward visibility was excellent, thanks to ample side glass and a car-like front fascia.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 felt spacious compared to other EVs, with more front and rear headroom than competitors. However, legroom was average for the segment, and the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offered more rear headroom and legroom. The ID.4 provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and Chevy Bolt EUV, but falling short of the CR-V and RAV4. The absence of a "frunk" allowed for more cabin space, contributing to a roomy interior. Forward visibility was good, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the centre console. However, the console's narrow design limited storage for larger items. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient warmth during cold weather, though the driver's seat lacked thigh support.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio was included on all but the base model. Outdoor, Sport, and Limited trims received an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited. Subaru's unique dual-screen setup displayed information on a second screen above the main touchscreen, though it seemed redundant. The 8-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions like audio volume and climate control. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via chunky steering wheel buttons, ensuring ease of use.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch screen available as an option. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a 5.3-inch display screen serving as the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, but they lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The control setup required relearning simple tasks, such as adjusting mirrors or lowering rear windows. Volkswagen included a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to bypass haptic controls. The ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield, communicated information to the driver, but its novelty wore off quickly. Despite some gimmicky features, the ID.4's infotainment system was well-designed, with a well-positioned touchscreen, smart graphics, and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Crosstrek a "Top Safety Pick" rating, with the highest "good" rating in all crash tests and for front-crash prevention tech. However, this rating applied only to models with available EyeSight driver-assist features and Steering Responsive Headlights. EyeSight offered standard features like adaptive cruise control with lane centring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning on CVT-equipped models. Sport and Limited grades included automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking, while lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were available on those and the Outdoor grade. Subaru's adaptive cruise control worked well but struggled with highway curves. The optional blind-spot monitoring system featured prominent warning lights on the exterior mirrors, enhancing effectiveness. EyeSight's cameras, mounted behind the windshield, were better protected than grille-mounted cameras but could be blocked by wipers or direct sunlight.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with points docked only for certain headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded RWD versions a five-star safety rating, though AWD versions had not been tested. The ID.4 offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. New standard features for 2021 included Travel Assist, which added automated lane centring to adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to acceleration and deceleration.