2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat bore a striking resemblance to its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. It essentially took styling cues from the Jetta and applied them to the older Passat model. However, the interior was a different story. The revamped dashboard adhered to the previous car's design, featuring a small 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that lacked the latest VW technology. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, but it was easy to clean. The Passat was designed to be user-friendly, with easy access, simple controls, and a budget-friendly price.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was almost indistinguishable from other models in the Accord lineup, save for the "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This subtle approach was smart, avoiding the odd design cues that often deter buyers. The Accord Hybrid maintained the same attractive look as the standard Accord, making it appealing to those who appreciated the current design. The car was available in four trim levels, with prices starting at $25,620. The Hybrid EX trim, priced at $29,520, was particularly recommended for its blend of driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, along with comfortable seating and practical features.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It used regular gas and featured a 6-speed automatic transmission that powered the front wheels. The powertrain was simple, with a Sport transmission setting and paddle shifters, but no additional driving modes. The engine's torque allowed the Passat to accelerate smoothly, though the transmission occasionally upshifted too eagerly. The car averaged 26 mpg, just shy of the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The steering was light and precise, and the brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning was less than ideal, resulting in a stiff ride over bumps and a floaty feel over undulations.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 42.6 mpg in real-world testing and 44.1 mpg in city and suburban driving. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line and responsive, especially in Sport mode. The electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) could be noisy under hard acceleration, but the car's overall performance was impressive. The Accord Hybrid handled well, with predictable ride motions, flat cornering, and natural-feeling regenerative brakes, though it could lose composure on undulating roads.

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 car featured large door openings, plenty of storage bins, and excellent outward visibility. Cloth upholstery was standard, with V-Tex leatherette seats available in higher trims. The trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, easily accommodating full-size suitcases and compact folding strollers. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical choice, with only all-wheel drive, big-box cargo capability, or a third-row seat as reasons to opt for a more expensive SUV.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid did not compromise on passenger space or trunk room, maintaining the same full-size interior and 16.7-cubic-foot trunk as the standard Accord. The backseat was particularly spacious, with excellent thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. However, the front seats lacked height adjustment, which could be an issue for taller drivers. The seat cushions were comfortable, and higher trims offered heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The trunk was deep and versatile, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback for added utility. The Accord Hybrid's interior storage was generous, making it a practical family sedan.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, featuring a small 6.3-inch touchscreen display. However, it included App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim added navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The infotainment system was simple and user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs. The Passat also offered optional remote engine start and a parking steering-assist system in the SEL trim.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, starting with the EX trim, featured a robust Display Audio infotainment system with a large, intuitive touchscreen, clear graphics, and physical knobs for power, volume, and tuning. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and quick-charge USB ports. Higher trims added a premium sound system, navigation, HD digital traffic data, a wireless smartphone charger, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services. HondaLink offered in-car delivery of Amazon packages, a Find My Car function, a stolen-vehicle locator, and remote locking, unlocking, and engine starting. The Touring trim also included a head-up display (HUD) visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came standard with a suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning with 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 earned the top rating of Good in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that enhanced safety and convenience. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign-recognition technology, and road-departure mitigation. The Accord Hybrid also had automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. Higher trims added a blind-spot-warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord received top ratings from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).