Volkswagen ID.Cross: what does the competition have to offer?

The compact electric crossover market has just got a lot more competitive with the arrival of the Volkswagen ID.Cross.

Sitting on the firm’s new ‘MEB+’ platform, the newcomer is on offer with a choice of two battery packs that can provide a claimed range of up to 265 miles between charges.

Inside, there is a 475-litre boot and an adjustable boot floor to boost flexibility, while the 25-litre frunk is perfect for stowing away the charging cables.

So, if you’re in the market for a new compact electric crossover and think the new Volkswagen ID.Cross ticks all of the right boxes, what about the competition?

We’ve compiled a list of all the ID.Cross’ main rivals to see whether they are worthy contenders.

Ford Puma Gen-E

Already Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Puma, is now available with an electric powertrain.

The Puma Gen-E is equipped with a 43kWh battery pack and a single electric motor to provide a claimed range of up to 233 miles between trips to the plug.

Where the Puma surges ahead of the competition is with space inside. The standard ‘Gigabox’, which is a large underfloor storage area in the boot, provides a 523-litre load capacity – that’s best in class for this type of vehicle.

It also shares the same sporty driving experience as the standard car with precise steering and a well-controlled chassis.

Jaecoo E5

Jaecoo has become one of the most popular car manufacturers in a very short period of time.

The E5 is the smallest model the firm builds and is the electric counterpart to the petrol-powered 5 SUV.

Underneath, it’s fitted with a 61.1kWh battery pack and an electric motor that provides a claimed range of up to 248 miles.

All models come with a decent amount of standard kit with the entry-level Pure fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 540-degree surround parking camera and a 13.1-inch infotainment system.

Kia EV2

The Kia EV2 is one of the best cars in this sector thanks to its impressive interior space and affordable prices.

There are two variants to choose from with the ‘Standard-Range’ car fitted with a 42.2kWh battery pack and an electric motor that provides a claimed range of up to 197 miles, while the larger ‘Long-Range’ 61kWh model can achieve a claimed 275 miles between charges.

It’s also great to drive and has a stylish exterior design, plus all models come with Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty as standard.

Peugeot E-2008

Peugeot’s E-2008 is a stylish and affordable electric crossover that’s been around for a few years.

It features Peugeot’s ‘Lion Claw’ front headlights and taillights, while the futuristic cabin is complemented by a compact steering wheel and the firm’s 3D ‘i-Cockpit’ display.

It’s not the most practical car on this list with a boot space measuring at 434 litres, but the square shape does make it very usable.

Powering the car is a 54kWh battery pack with an electric motor that produces 134bhp and can take this French SUV a claimed 248 miles between top ups.

Renault 4

The Renault 4 is all about style and this latest model is a pastiche of the original car that ran from 1961 to 1992.

Similar design cues from its predecessor include the circular front headlights, the triangular rear quarter window and chunky cylindrical door moulding.

This new model has a more SUV appeal with its rugged wheel arch extensions and roof bars, while there is even a variant that’s fitted with a full-length fabric-opening roof called the ‘Plein Sud.’

Underneath, the R4 is fitted with a 52kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 148bhp and can take the car a claimed 249 miles.

Skoda Epiq

The Skoda Epiq sits on the same Volkswagen Group ‘MEB+’ platform as the ID.Cross.

That means it’s available with 37kWh and 52kWh battery packs that provide claimed ranges of up to 190 miles and 267 miles, respectively.

Inside, the Epiq’s cabin features lots of sustainable and recycled materials, while all cars have a simplistic layout with physical shortcut buttons.

In terms of practicality, the Epiq matches the ID.Cross when it comes to boot capacity; offering a 475-litre capacity and an additional 25-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet.

The Skoda comes packed with lots of the firm’s ‘Simply Clever’ storage solutions including an umbrella in the driver’s door, a windscreen-mounted parking ticket holder and mobile phone pockets located in the backrests of the front seats.