2020 Lexus ES 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. The exterior design borrowed heavily from the Jetta, giving it a familiar yet slightly updated look. Inside, the Passat's dashboard retained the architectural T-square design of the previous model, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, but it was easy to clean and user-friendly. The Passat was available in four trims: S, SE, R-Line, and SEL, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $31,095.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES underwent significant updates to shed its "boring" label. The large spindle grille introduced in 2016 grew even larger, fitting well with the car's larger proportions. The rear featured thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the ES blended modern technology with soft-touch materials, creating an elegant cabin. The center of the dash was dominated by a large infotainment screen, seamlessly integrated into the design. The ES was available in four trims: 350 FWD, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport, with a range of standard and optional features.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It used a 6-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. The Passat's powertrain was simple, with no premium gas requirement and a Sport transmission setting. The car's torque allowed for decent acceleration, though it wasn't particularly thrilling. The Passat averaged 26 mpg in combined driving, just shy of the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The steering was light and precise, and the brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning left something to be desired, resulting in a busy ride over sharp bumps and a floaty feel over undulations.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The Dynamic Control Shocks and optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) contributed to a smooth driving experience. The ES offered multiple drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ (with AVS), enhancing the car's performance and handling. The F Sport trim added paddle shifters and a sportier suspension setup, making the ES more engaging to drive.

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 sizable cupholders, storage bins, and excellent outward visibility. Cloth upholstery was standard in the Passat S, while the SE and R-Line trims had V-Tex leatherette seats, and the SEL trim featured genuine leather. The trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a flat load floor for maximum utility. 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 an SUV.

The 2020 Lexus ES boasted a spacious cabin with plenty of head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly without compromising rear-seat legroom. The rear-seat headroom was improved with the 2019 redesign, accommodating taller passengers. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console featured multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES offered 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the car's ability to carry larger items.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked Volkswagen's latest infotainment system and Digital Cockpit instrumentation, but it still offered essential features. The 6.3-inch touchscreen display included 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 infotainment system was simple and user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs. The Passat also offered an optional remote engine start system and a parking steering-assist system on the SEL trim.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlled by a touch-sensitive pad in the center console. The system operated an 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display, though it was not a touchscreen. The ES gained standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020, enhancing its infotainment capabilities. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization options. The infotainment system included real hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came standard with a comprehensive 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. The Passat SE 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-test assessments by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 Lexus ES was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The system also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for semi-autonomous driving. The ES included a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.