2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence with its slightly longer and wider dimensions compared to its predecessor. The new design featured a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, giving it a more dramatic look than the previous generation's staid appearance. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, creating a cabin that was both spacious and attractive, with a premium feel despite not all surfaces being soft-touch. The seats were notably comfortable, suitable for long drives, and the base S trim came well-equipped with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat retained a familiar exterior design, reminiscent of the previous Passat models and the redesigned Jetta. However, the interior did not adopt the latest VW technology, sticking with a 6.3-inch touchscreen and lacking the digital instrumentation found in the Jetta. The Passat's cabin was characterized by easy-to-clean glossy plastics and a focus on simplicity, making it user-friendly and budget-friendly. The Passat was available in four trims, with the R-Line offering a sporty appearance. Despite its dated architecture, the Passat provided a spacious interior with wide seats and ample storage, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less horsepower than the previous model, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission, which replaced the older 6-speed version. This transmission allowed for better power management and efficiency across various speeds. The Jetta's steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a smooth yet sporty driving experience, akin to an entry-level BMW 3 Series. Both manual and automatic versions delivered impressive fuel economy, with 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, the engine did not require premium gas, and the 6-speed automatic transmission provided a straightforward driving experience. The Passat's torque allowed for decent acceleration, although the transmission occasionally upshifted too eagerly for fuel economy, which could be remedied by selecting Sport mode. The Passat averaged 26 mpg in combined driving. Its steering was light and effortless, with commendable grip from the R-Line's 19-inch wheels. However, the suspension tuning was less than ideal, with a stiff ride over sharp bumps and a floaty feel over undulations.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats, even on long trips, and adequate rear-seat space despite a slight reduction in legroom. Trunk space decreased to 14.1 cubic feet from the previous 15.7 cubic feet, but it remained average for the class. The cabin layout was practical, with the touchscreen positioned above the climate vents for easier access, and the shifter moved back to allow for a larger center tray. The Jetta's blend of touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials emphasized practicality and user-friendliness.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five passengers. The trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, configured for maximum utility with a flat load floor. The Passat's interior featured numerous storage bins and trays, and the large door openings facilitated easy entry and exit. Cloth upholstery was standard, with V-Tex leatherette and genuine leather available on higher trims. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical alternative to more expensive SUVs, except for those needing all-wheel drive or additional seating.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. This allowed drivers to use navigation apps without needing to upgrade to higher trims. The SEL and SEL Premium trims offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that replaced the conventional instrument panel, providing a personalized driving experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked Volkswagen’s latest infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, but it included a 6.3-inch touchscreen with App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim added navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat's infotainment system was simple, with buttons and knobs for easy operation. Optional remote engine start was available, and the SEL trim offered parking steering-assist.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. An automatic post-collision braking system was standard, while driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision avoidance were standard on higher trims and optional on the base S. The SEL and SEL Premium trims included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came standard with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. An automatic post-collision braking system was also included. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim featured parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top safety rating of Good from the IIHS.