2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla represented a significant redesign from its predecessors. Though the modern Toyota aesthetic often evoked mixed reactions, describing it as resembling 'malevolent aliens suffering hunger pangs,' the Corolla still found a way to charm. Particularly appealing in SE or XSE trim with Celestite paint, it managed to offer a compelling, compact sedan look. The XSE trim ensured a more tolerable headlamp design compared to other Toyota sedans, contributing to a gradually more palatable face that people might get accustomed to.

Inside, the XSE trim showed marked improvements in perceived quality. The once prevalent cheap, hard plastics were now replaced by soft-touch materials. The remaining plastic panels were treated to avoid the glossy, tacky look from previous models. However, the transmission shifter did remind drivers of the Corolla's economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in Hyundai or Kia models.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat did not radically change its appearance from the previous generation. The new Passat closely resembled its 2012-2019 version, with styling cues borrowed from the redesigned VW Jetta. The redesigned interior, however, still retained a simpler and straightforward dashboard design without the advanced tech seen in newer models.

Inside, high-gloss plastic was more common, but this made for easy cleaning. The overall theme of the Passat seemed to be simplicity and ease—easy to look at, easy to get in and out of, and easy to drive. The base model, Passat S, started at $22,995, with the top-tier SEL trim priced at $31,095. The sporty R-Line, tested here, came to $30,206 with additional options.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered different powertrains based on its trims. The L, LE, and XLE came with a modest 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 139 horsepower. They were equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 16-inch wheels. These trims promised a calm, unexciting driving experience. Moving up to SE and XSE trims introduced a more spirited 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower, with a sophisticated CVT featuring paddle shifters and a physical launch gear for improved acceleration. For those who enjoyed driving, an optional 6-speed manual gearbox was also available in the SE trim.

The driving dynamics of the Corolla XSE were refined yet engaging. The newly introduced independent rear suspension contributed to a balanced ride quality. While not overly stiff, the Corolla effectively communicated road conditions, although the lack of steering feedback could be improved. Handling was confident, brakes were robust, and overall driving manners were commendable, except during aggressive acceleration where the absence of a turbocharger was felt. The EPA-rated fuel economy was 31 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined. In testing, it averaged 29.8 mpg under more taxing driving conditions.

On the other hand, every 2020 Passat came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, yielding 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. This engine ran on regular gas, unlike many turbocharged units. The powertrain included a 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, and a straightforward approach without multiple driving modes. The engine's torque provided smooth acceleration, though it wasn't exceptionally powerful. The transmission sometimes upshifted eagerly, affecting engine performance, but switching to Sport mode could resolve this issue. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, and the test car delivered 26 mpg.

Driving the Passat was comfortable due to light steering and German engineering finesse. The brakes were responsive and predictable under various driving conditions. However, the suspension tuning was not ideal. It was stiff over sharp bumps and soft over larger undulations, resulting in an inconsistent ride quality. Despite these flaws, the car retained its German characteristic of conveying road texture details well.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, redesigned on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, was unexpectedly spacious for a compact car, even earning a midsize classification from the EPA. Despite being smaller than a Camry, it provided ample room for a family of four. However, rear-seat passengers, especially children, found the experience uncomfortable due to the heat-absorbing black SofTex leatherette, lack of rear air vents, and absence of privacy-tinted rear glass. Front passengers also faced issues such as the low seating position and lack of front seat height adjustability.

Storage inside the Corolla was insufficient, with minimal cubbies and small cupholders. The trunk space measured 13.1 cubic feet, enough for several suitcases and smaller bags. Unfortunately, there was no handle to close the trunk without touching the exterior.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, designed with American preferences in mind, offered a spacious interior with wide comfortable seats and generous door openings. It could comfortably accommodate five people, complete with ample storage bins, trays, and sizable cupholders. Visibility was excellent all around.

Standard fabrics for the Passat S included cloth upholstery, while the SE and R-Line trims featured V-Tex leatherette, closely mimicking real leather in look and feel. Genuine leather was provided in the SEL trim along with sport seats. The Passat catered to various weather conditions with available seat heaters and rear air conditioning vents.

Trunk space in the Passat was a substantial 15.9 cubic feet, flat-floored for maximum utility. It could easily hold full-size suitcases, strollers, and other cargo, with grips inside the trunk lid to help close it without dirtying hands.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla boasted the Entune 3.0 infotainment system that finally integrated Apple CarPlay, though Android Auto was still missing. Entune 3.0 was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, intuitive volume and tuning knobs, and accessible buttons. Voice recognition worked seamlessly with Apple CarPlay, and the USB port was conveniently placed. Wireless device charging was available in higher trims.

Standard Entune 3.0 features included Amazon Alexa compatibility, Siri Eyes Free, and trials for various connected services like Safety Connect and WiFi Connect. Higher trims upgraded the touchscreen size, added a USB charging port, and offered more advanced features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and JBL premium sound.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, while lacking the latest VW tech, still offered essential infotainment features. It included App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, a CD player, and Bluetooth capability. SEL trim added navigation and an impressive Fender sound system.

The Passat’s straightforward approach, with physical buttons and knobs, was a welcome departure from complex modern systems. The test car also included remote engine start for added convenience, with SEL trim exclusively offering a parking steering-assist system.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and road-sign recognition. Lane Tracing Assist, part of the adaptive cruise control, helped keep the car centered in its lane.

While TSS 2.0 operated with impressive refinement and accuracy, the lane departure warning was a bit jarring. The tested Corolla also featured a blind-spot monitoring system, standard on higher trims and optional on lower ones. NHTSA rated the Corolla with five stars for frontal impacts, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat did not skimp on safety features. Standard technology included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and post-collision automatic braking.

The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim further included parking sensors and adaptive headlights. In IIHS testing, the Passat earned the top rating of Good.