2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat maintained a familiar exterior design, reminiscent of its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. This continuity in styling was evident, with the new Passat adopting Jetta's design cues while retaining the architectural essence of the previous model. Inside, the Passat featured a revamped dashboard that adhered to the previous car's design, including a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The interior was characterized by the use of cheap, glossy plastic, which, while not luxurious, was easy to clean. The Passat was designed with ease in mind, offering a user-friendly experience in terms of entry, usability, driving, and affordability. It was available in four trims, with the base Passat S starting at $22,995 and the top-tier SEL at $31,095. The R-Line trim, priced at $28,645, added a sporty appearance to the lineup.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a choice between sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out for its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, however, was more aligned with upmarket competition. Both body styles exuded a special appeal, with the sedan featuring a Premium Package and all-wheel drive. The design was marked by a blacked-out mesh front grille and round running lamps, although the rear of the sedan appeared slightly disproportionate. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with surfaces free of clutter. The interior featured creamy white leather and a driver-focused design, with the armrest extending to the center console. However, the sheet metal felt less robust, lacking the solid construction found in more expensive luxury sedans.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While not exceptionally powerful, it did not require premium gas. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. The powertrain was simple, with a Sport transmission setting and paddle shifters, but lacked multiple driving modes. The Passat's torque allowed for smooth acceleration, although the transmission occasionally upshifted eagerly to maximize fuel economy. In Sport mode, this was less noticeable. The Passat achieved an average of 26 mpg, close to the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The steering was light yet precise, and the brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning was less than ideal. It was too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulations, but the car conveyed road texture well.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's performance was impacted by the switch from a multi-link rear suspension to a torsion beam setup. While this cost-cutting measure affected ride quality, it was unlikely to deter buyers. The steering remained precise, with minimal roll through corners, though the ride could be jostling over potholes. The Mazda3 was powered by a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation. The engine was predictable but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. A manual transmission was available only with specific configurations, while most models featured a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3 Turbo, announced for 2021, promised a more powerful option.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide seats, large door openings, and ample room for five passengers. The car featured numerous storage options and excellent outward visibility. Cloth upholstery was standard in the Passat S, while higher trims offered V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather seats. The trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a flat load floor for easy storage of large items. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical choice, with the only reasons to opt for an SUV being all-wheel drive, big-box cargo capability, or a third-row seat.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length on a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. Despite its compact dimensions, the Mazda3 offered ample room for the driver, with supportive front seats and soft front seatbacks. The rear seat was tight on legroom, and the large transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback. The sedan's trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked Volkswagen's latest infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, but it offered a 6.3-inch touchscreen display with App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The system was simple and functional, with the SEL trim adding navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat also featured an optional remote engine start system and parking steering-assist system on the SEL trim.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, eliminating the "tacked-on" look. The system was not a touchscreen, with Mazda opting for a rotary dial controller for navigation and infotainment functions. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The infotainment software was faster and featured sharp graphics, complementing the cabin's minimalist design. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a range of safety systems, 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 received a top rating of Good from the IIHS.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, receiving the top score of Good in all crash tests. The Premium Package's LED headlights also received a Good rating, while lower trims received an Acceptable score. The Mazda3 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support.