2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2020 Nissan Versa
Overview | |
MSRP$22,995 | MSRP$14,830 |
Listings260 | Listings303 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
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2020 Volkswagen Passat Reviews SummaryVolkswagen builds a full-size car in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and has for nearly a decade. It’s called the Passat, and it gets a restyle for 2020. Huge inside like a full-size automobile, priced like a midsize sedan, and thrifty with gas like a compact car, the Passat has long been one of my favorite family haulers. Unfortunately, what it needs is a redesign, not a restyle. But since consumers want SUVs instead of sedans and VW is about to roll out a squadron of electric vehicles, the company couldn’t make a business case for spending a pile of cash to craft a new gas-powered car. Instead, you get the old one wearing a new suit. | |
2020 Nissan Versa Reviews SummaryWhen you're on a tight budget and need to replace a car, you often face a tough choice: Do you buy a new small car or something that’s pre-owned but has more space? For many years, if you were in the market for a new car, few came as cheaply as the Nissan Versa. Not only was it marketed as the least-expensive car in the United States, but it also had a plucky, underdog appeal to it. However, the charm of the Versa started to wear off as its shortcomings became more apparent. If you look at the “cheap” end of the market, you'll find some pretty unlovable cars, like the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevrolet Spark. But there are also some bright spots. The Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are both competent cars in their own ways, and the Honda Fit has always been a serious player. With the Fit, you never felt like you were seriously compromising to meet your budget. It seems as though Nissan has caught on to the realization that racing to the bottom works for only so long. Buyers have certainly caught on to the notion that you can have a small car that’s actually kind of good (See: Fit). In response, Nissan has rolled out the all-new 2020 Versa. It’s no longer the cheapest car in America, and in fact, it costs a couple of thousand dollars more than last year's version. But does that mean it’s more car, too? Read on to find out. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine1.6L 122 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway35 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name1.6L 122 hp I4 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway35 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space14.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3325 lbs | Curb Weight2650 lbs |
Height58.0 in | Height57.3 in |
Length193.6 in | Length177.0 in |
Width72.2 in | Width68.5 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase103.1 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload955 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $22,995 | $14,830 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
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Cons
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Summary | Volkswagen builds a full-size car in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and has for nearly a decade. It’s called the Passat, and it gets a restyle for 2020. Huge inside like a full-size automobile, priced like a midsize sedan, and thrifty with gas like a compact car, the Passat has long been one of my favorite family haulers. Unfortunately, what it needs is a redesign, not a restyle. But since consumers want SUVs instead of sedans and VW is about to roll out a squadron of electric vehicles, the company couldn’t make a business case for spending a pile of cash to craft a new gas-powered car. Instead, you get the old one wearing a new suit. | When you're on a tight budget and need to replace a car, you often face a tough choice: Do you buy a new small car or something that’s pre-owned but has more space? For many years, if you were in the market for a new car, few came as cheaply as the Nissan Versa. Not only was it marketed as the least-expensive car in the United States, but it also had a plucky, underdog appeal to it. However, the charm of the Versa started to wear off as its shortcomings became more apparent. If you look at the “cheap” end of the market, you'll find some pretty unlovable cars, like the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevrolet Spark. But there are also some bright spots. The Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are both competent cars in their own ways, and the Honda Fit has always been a serious player. With the Fit, you never felt like you were seriously compromising to meet your budget. It seems as though Nissan has caught on to the realization that racing to the bottom works for only so long. Buyers have certainly caught on to the notion that you can have a small car that’s actually kind of good (See: Fit). In response, Nissan has rolled out the all-new 2020 Versa. It’s no longer the cheapest car in America, and in fact, it costs a couple of thousand dollars more than last year's version. But does that mean it’s more car, too? Read on to find out. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 1.6L 122 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City | 23 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 35 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 1.6L 122 hp I4 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 35 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3325 lbs | 2650 lbs |
Height | 58.0 in | 57.3 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 177.0 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 68.5 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 103.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 955 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat maintained a familiar exterior design, reminiscent of its predecessors from 2012 to 2019 and the redesigned VW Jetta. It borrowed styling cues from the Jetta, giving it a recognizable yet refreshed appearance. Inside, the Passat's dashboard adhered to the previous model's design, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, but it was easy to clean and user-friendly. The Passat was available in four trims, with the base model starting at $22,995 and the top-tier SEL at $31,095. The R-Line trim, priced at $28,645, offered a sporty look and additional features.
In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling for a more refined and handsome design, drawing inspiration from its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. The interior of the Versa was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme and unique seat designs. The Versa was available in three trims: S, SV, and SR. The base S trim offered basic features, while the mid-range SV trim added more amenities, including an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier SR trim featured additional enhancements, but the SV trim was recommended for its balance of price and features. Despite some cost-cutting measures, the Versa's cabin offered a decent level of comfort and style for an economy car.
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 a 6-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels, offering a simple and straightforward driving experience. The Passat's engine provided adequate acceleration, and the Sport mode improved performance. It achieved an average fuel economy of 26 mpg, close to the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The Passat's steering was light and precise, and its brakes were effective. However, the suspension tuning was a drawback, as it was too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulations, affecting ride comfort.
The 2020 Nissan Versa featured a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It was available with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT, with the latter being standard on the SV and SR trims. The Versa's acceleration improved compared to its predecessor, and the CVT managed power well. The Versa's steering was responsive, and it offered a fun driving experience. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT version achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined. The Versa's engine was noisy under hard acceleration, but it provided adequate performance for an economy car.
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. It featured cloth upholstery in the base trim, with V-Tex leatherette and genuine leather available in higher trims. The Passat's trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a flat load floor for easy storage. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical choice, with only a few reasons to opt for a more expensive SUV.
The 2020 Nissan Versa retained the previous model's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of space, but it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, affecting backseat comfort. The front seats provided ample legroom, even for taller drivers. The Versa's interior was suitable for personal commuting, but the reduced rear space made it less ideal for carpooling or ridesharing.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and digital instrumentation technologies, but it offered essential features like App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. The SEL trim included navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat's infotainment system was simple and user-friendly, with optional remote engine start and parking assist available in higher trims.
The 2020 Nissan Versa improved its cabin technology, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Siri Eyes Free. The SV trim featured the upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Versa's instrument panel included a digital screen with various functions, providing a modern and familiar interface. The technology in the Versa was well-integrated and user-friendly.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim offered parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top safety rating of Good from the IIHS.
The 2020 Nissan Versa also offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It included a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert. While these features enhanced safety, they also increased repair costs in the event of an accident.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Versa scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Volkswagen Passat is the recommended choice, offering a more spacious interior, a better driving experience, and a higher safety rating.
Choose the 2020 Volkswagen Passat if:
- You prioritize a spacious interior with ample room for passengers and cargo.
- You prefer a straightforward driving experience with a simple yet effective powertrain.
- You value a comprehensive suite of safety features and a top safety rating.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Versa if:
- You seek a stylish and modern design with a well-equipped interior.
- You want a fuel-efficient vehicle with improved performance over its predecessor.
- You appreciate advanced technology features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Versa scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Volkswagen Passat is the recommended choice, offering a more spacious interior, a better driving experience, and a higher safety rating.
Choose the 2020 Volkswagen Passat if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious interior with ample room for passengers and cargo.
- You prefer a straightforward driving experience with a simple yet effective powertrain.
- You value a comprehensive suite of safety features and a top safety rating.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Versa if:
Shop Now- You seek a stylish and modern design with a well-equipped interior.
- You want a fuel-efficient vehicle with improved performance over its predecessor.
- You appreciate advanced technology features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
By: CarGurus + AI
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