2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat gave off a sense of familiarity at first glance. It borrowed heavily from its predecessors sold between 2012 and 2019, as well as drawing styling cues directly from the VW Jetta. Essentially, it was as if the design of the Jetta had been transposed onto the Passat's older frame. However, the real changes became apparent inside the vehicle. A revamped dashboard maintained the previous car's architectural T-square, housing a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Unlike its Jetta cousin, the Passat did not have the latest VW technology, forgoing larger displays and digital instrumentation.

This model relied on inexpensive, glossy plastic that, while easy to clean, might not have appealed to everyone. Yet, the overall theme of the Passat was simplicity and convenience. It was designed to be easy in almost every aspect—from usage to driving to affordability.

Volkswagen offered the 2020 Passat in four trim levels: the base S ($22,995), the SE ($25,845), the sporty-looking R-Line ($28,645), and the top-tier SEL ($31,095). The R-Line model, tested here with Aurora Red paint and remote engine start, brought the total to $30,206 with destination charges included.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Sentra wasn't renowned for its looks historically. But the new design impressed many, including those familiar with earlier versions like the 2019 Sentra NISMO or the late '80s Sentra Sport Coupe. The refreshed model, especially in Electric Blue paint, stood out with its matured and recognizable V-shaped grille and detailed headlight designs.

The Sentra felt larger than it actually was, thanks to a design leaning more towards a scaled-down Altima than the more compact Versa. It had a sophisticated appearance with its lower and wider body, refined creases, and detailed stampings. The SV Premium Package introduced 17-inch wheels, while the SR trim featured 18s and fog lights.

Internally, the Sentra’s upgrade was significant. Most interior materials exuded quality, save for the hard plastic panels on the rear doors and the flimsy window and mirror switches. The flat-bottom leather steering wheel and leatherette dash with white stitching featured a luxury feel. The SV Premium Package added quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade leatherette on the console, doors, and dash. The base gauges and touchscreen were satisfactory, but the larger screens on the higher trims were notable upgrades.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While not exceptionally powerful, it had the advantage of not requiring premium gasoline. A 6-speed automatic transmission drove the front wheels and provided a more traditional driving experience compared to CVTs or DCTs.

The powertrain's simplicity was a selling point, with easy-driving characteristics and decent performance. Even though the engine's power didn't thrill, it wasn't lackluster either, offering enough torque to get the car up to speed without feeling underpowered. The transmission sometimes shifted gears to optimize fuel economy, resulting in an average of 26 mpg during testing, close to the EPA’s combined rating of 27 mpg.

Steering in the Passat was light yet precise, with predictable handling and considerable grip from the R-Line's 19-inch wheels. However, the suspension had a dual personality—too stiff over sharp impacts and overly floaty over larger undulations. Despite these drawbacks, the vehicle maintained good road surface communication, a hallmark of its German engineering.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produced 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, drove the front wheels. Unlike some competitors, AWD was not available for the Sentra. Acceleration felt brisk initially but tapered off after 30 mph, exacerbated by a throttle pedal that was overly sensitive.

However, the CVT excelled at simulating gear shifts smoothly without manual mode or paddle shifters. Engine noise and vibration were mostly suppressed, providing a smooth drive, especially when toggling between Eco and Sport modes.

The Sentra’s steering response and handling were commendable. The switch to an independent suspension kept the ride quality agreeable and the cornering flat. The steering felt quick with good on-center feel, providing a sense of control. Fuel economy was a strong point, rated at 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, and during testing, it averaged about 30 mpg.

Volkswagen designed the 2020 Passat with American consumers in mind, resulting in a spacious interior with wide seats, generous door openings, and plenty of room for five passengers. The Passat offered cloth upholstery in the S trim, V-Tex leatherette in the SE and R-Line trims, and genuine leather in the SEL trim. Heated seats were available, and rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents.

Cargo space in the Passat was impressive, with a trunk measuring 15.9 cubic feet. The flat load floor made it easy to fit full-size suitcases and even compact folding strollers with ease. The trunk lid opened fully with the key fob, and inner grips made closing it convenient.

Conversely, the 2020 Nissan Sentra provided deceptive spaciousness, particularly in the backseat. At 5-foot-11, a passenger had ample knee room and head clearance, thanks to the roof’s thoughtful design. The front seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushioning, aimed at reducing muscle pressure and fatigue, which proved beneficial on longer drives.

Visibility from the driver’s seat was generally good, with low windowsills aiding side views, though the rear window's rake limited the rear view. The rear-view mirror’s manual adjustment for night driving further obstructed clarity. The cabin layout was intuitive, with controls easily within reach and simple to use.

The Sentra’s trunk, at 14.3 cubic feet, was slightly smaller than the Passat’s but still spacious for its class. Seatbacks folded to extend cargo capability, emphasizing versatility.

Despite lacking Volkswagen’s latest tech advancements, the 2020 Passat still offered essential features. The 6.3-inch touchscreen included App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, HD and SiriusXM radio, CD player, and Bluetooth. SEL trims added navigation and a Fender premium sound system.

The simplicity of the Passat’s infotainment system, featuring traditional buttons and knobs, was seen as a refreshing departure from modern touch-heavy systems. The tested model included remote engine start for pre-conditioning the interior in extreme weather, and the SEL offered a parking steering-assist system.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, while not featuring ProPilot, still provided a rich tech package. Standard on the mid-level SV were Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. Optional upgrades included LED headlights, a Bose stereo, sunroof, heated front seats, and a 360-degree camera system.

Even though higher-end features like navigation and wireless charging weren't available, the Sentra’s technology offerings were comprehensive for its price range.

Volkswagen prioritized safety in the 2020 Passat, equipping every trim with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The automatic post-collision braking system added an additional layer of safety by stopping the car promptly after a collision. The SE trim included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL added parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat earned a top rating of Good from the IIHS.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra came with a robust suite of safety features, though it hadn’t been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time. The Sentra included rare features like rear side airbags and knee airbags for both front occupants. Standard safety features encompassed forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor.