2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2019 Toyota Prius

The 2019 Toyota Prius was not typically celebrated for its aesthetics, with its design often seen as more functional than attractive. The fourth-generation model, introduced in 2016, continued this trend with an even more extroverted design that some argued detracted from its appeal. Despite its unconventional looks, the Prius offered a practical solution for those seeking a reliable daily driver. The 2019 lineup included various trims, with the XLE AWD model featuring a unique Electric Storm Blue color and a range of upgrades, making it a well-equipped option. Inside, the Prius maintained its distinctive style with centralized controls and a glossy black interior trim that, while functional, required frequent cleaning.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat retained a familiar exterior design, reminiscent of its predecessors and the VW Jetta. However, the interior saw a revamp, maintaining a straightforward dashboard layout with a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen. The Passat prioritized ease of use, with simple controls and a focus on practicality. It offered a range of trims, from the base Passat S to the top-tier SEL, with the R-Line providing a sporty appearance. The Passat's interior was characterized by its use of glossy plastic, which, while not luxurious, was easy to maintain. Overall, the Passat was designed to be user-friendly, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2019 Toyota Prius combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor, which powered the rear wheels at low speeds and provided extra traction when needed. This system, however, resulted in slightly lower fuel efficiency, with the AWD-e model achieving 50 mpg compared to the standard front-drive Prius's 52 mpg. The Prius featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered a smooth ride with decent handling, especially in Power mode. It also provided an EV driving mode for low-speed, electric-only operation, and its regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, which powered the front wheels and offered a Sport mode for more dynamic driving. The Passat's engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving, and it achieved an average of 26 mpg during testing. The car's steering was light yet precise, and its brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning was a point of contention. While the Passat handled well on smooth roads, its ride could be harsh over rough surfaces, and it exhibited a tendency to float over undulating terrain.

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered a surprisingly spacious interior, comfortably accommodating four adults. The driver's seat featured manual height adjustment, while the front passenger seat sat high off the floor. Rear passengers enjoyed good thigh support and legroom, though the absence of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Prius's hatchback design provided ample cargo space, with up to 27.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 65.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the SofTex leatherette upholstery in higher trims could become uncomfortable in hot weather, and the lack of privacy glass and seat ventilation options exacerbated this issue.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide seats and generous legroom for five passengers. The car featured numerous storage compartments and excellent outward visibility. Cloth upholstery was standard, with higher trims offering V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather seats. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, easily accommodating large suitcases and strollers. The trunk's flat load floor and wide opening made loading and unloading items convenient. The Passat's size and practicality made it a compelling alternative to more expensive SUVs, provided all-wheel drive or additional cargo capacity was not a priority.

The 2019 Toyota Prius's most advanced infotainment system was reserved for the Limited trim, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium JBL sound system. The XLE AWD-e test car had a more basic setup with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a CD player. While the system looked sophisticated, it lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prius's instrumentation was displayed in a strip below the windshield, with some displays appearing outdated. The Advanced Technology Package added a head-up display and adaptive headlights but fell short of expectations.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat did not include Volkswagen's latest infotainment technologies, but it offered a functional system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim added navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat's infotainment system was straightforward, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. The test car also featured remote engine start, allowing for pre-conditioning of the interior. The SEL trim offered additional features like parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights, enhancing the car's convenience and safety.

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered a range of safety features, with the Limited trim including Safety Connect services for the first year. Standard across all trims was the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist sensors. The Prius received a 5-star rating in federal crash tests and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it had some areas for improvement in passenger protection.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. An automatic post-collision braking system was also standard, helping to reduce the risk of secondary collisions. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top rating of Good in IIHS crash tests, highlighting its strong safety credentials.