2020 Toyota Prius vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Toyota Prius retained its iconic jellybean-like shape, a design optimized for aerodynamic efficiency. This shape, consistent since the second generation, evolved with visual tweaks to resemble a sedan while maintaining its hatchback functionality. The Prius's futuristic style, with its central instrumentation and gauges, continued to look contemporary despite the industry's advancements. The cabin's unorthodox design, a hallmark for over 20 years, defined the Prius's unique interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's exterior styling remained largely unchanged from its 2020 facelift, which was the first major update in nearly a decade. The Passat's design bore a strong resemblance to the smaller Jetta, offering a more understated look compared to its rivals. Its aerodynamic shape, reminiscent of 1990s sedans, contributed to a drag coefficient of 0.28. The Passat's interior followed a clean, functional design with well-placed analog controls, enhancing visibility and ease of use, though some might find it plain.

The 2020 Toyota Prius featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD-e) variants, the Prius offered smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and conventional power. It had three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving needs. The unique shifter design and Engine Braking mode added to its distinctive driving experience, making it engaging yet efficient.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The Passat's power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, though switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved responsiveness. Overall, the Passat offered a plain driving experience, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made excellent use of its compact platform, offering spacious and comfortable front seats with good visibility. The rear seats provided ample space, though taller passengers needed to be cautious. The Prius excelled in cargo space, with 50.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded and up to 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, making it one of the most versatile hybrids.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than some competitors, and sacrificed front legroom and headroom. The driving position was uncomfortable for many, with limited thigh support and flat rear seats. The Passat offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others. Its control layout was user-friendly, with big buttons and knobs, though the interior materials and storage options were basic.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, and three USB ports. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto. The Prius also offered satellite radio, HD Radio, a head-up display (HUD), and a 10-speaker JBL audio system. The top-center instrument panel, a defining feature, provided critical readouts and hybrid status.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a 6.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. A single USB-A port was standard, with two additional rear charge-only ports on SE models. The Passat's infotainment system was simple and functional, though it lacked advanced features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 system found in other VW models.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and lane-tracing assist. The Prius earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to average scores in some tests.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, but its headlights earned a "marginal" rating. NHTSA ratings were not available. 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.