2020 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, evolved into its own model by 2015. By 2019, it had received infotainment updates that carried over to the 2020 model. The WRX featured a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and a large functional air intake, making it the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the non-STI version maintained a sleeper appeal, with a cabin that some might find pedestrian for a new car in 2021. Trim levels included Base, Premium, and Limited, each offering various features from 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.5-inch touchscreen to leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and Limited trims, added more performance-oriented features like a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, and Recaro sport bucket seats.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the 2020 facelift, which was the first major update in nearly a decade. The Passat's design bore a strong resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan, offering a more understated look compared to rivals like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry. With a drag coefficient of 0.28, the Passat aimed for aerodynamic efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with SE and R-Line models offering larger wheels and sportier styling elements. The interior followed a clean, functional design with analog controls and a low dashboard for enhanced visibility. However, the interior materials were mostly plastic, with cloth upholstery on S models and V-Tex leatherette on SE and R-Line trims. Fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat’s value-oriented market positioning.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT featuring Subaru’s SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The AWD system varied by transmission, with the manual offering a 50:50 torque distribution and the CVT providing a 45:55 split. The manual transmission was praised for its precise feedback and smooth clutch pedal, making it ideal for performance driving. The WRX STI, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivered 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering. However, the taut handling resulted in a rough ride, especially on imperfect roads.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD. While the torque output was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. Power delivery felt uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved responsiveness. The Passat’s driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and slanted hood. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating provided plenty of head- and legroom, while rear-seat space was adequate for adults on short trips. However, the WRX’s 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though comparable to sports cars.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. Front legroom and headroom were below average, resulting in an uncomfortable driving position for many. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than the Accord and Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with door bottle holders poorly shaped for large bottles. However, the layout of controls was user-friendly, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly interface. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat included the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity, with two additional rear charge-only ports on SE models. The touchscreen was small but functional, with pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and the newer MIB3 infotainment system found in other VW models.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top “good” scores in all IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a “marginal” rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 model. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.