2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it offered a unique design, it didn't quite resemble an SUV, a common trait among many EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, consistent with Dodge's family of vehicles. The exterior design had remained largely unchanged since 2011, but the 2021 model year introduced revisions, particularly in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model. This version featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered a range of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours. Inside, the Durango's cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and touchscreen options, enhancing its modern appeal. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with various stitching options adding a touch of flair.

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 lb-ft of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, its RWD setup provided balanced handling. The electric motor delivered ample power, and the ride was smooth, though body roll was noticeable in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 engine produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced a staggering 710 hp. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering. However, the chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango's towing capacity was notable, especially with the Tow N Go Package, which provided stability and control when hauling heavy loads.

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. While it lacked a "frunk," the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector, freeing up space on the centre console, though storage was limited. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many rivals. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly. It provided a comfortable and versatile interior, with easy access to the third row. The Durango's midsize packaging made it a practical choice for families, balancing space and athletic design.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12-inch screen was optional. The infotainment system included a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster and haptic touchpads for controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 also offered a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, which communicated information through a light strip. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Dodge Durango came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch screen running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable, offering connected services, navigation, and wireless smartphone connectivity. The Durango's infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. A rear-seat family entertainment system was available, featuring Blu-ray and DVD players with high-resolution screens. The TomTom navigation system was a standout feature, providing easy-to-read graphics and quick responses.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind rivals in safety features. It came standard with a back-up camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated the Durango as Marginal for small overlap frontal impact, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.