2020 Subaru WRX 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. It borrowed styling cues from the Jetta and applied them to the older Passat model, resulting in a car that was easy on the eyes. Inside, the Passat featured a revamped dashboard that adhered to the previous car's design, with a small 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The interior was characterized by cheap, glossy plastic, but it was easy to clean. The Passat was designed to be user-friendly, offering ease of access, operation, and affordability. It was available in four trims, with the base Passat S starting at $22,995 and the top-of-the-line SEL at $31,095. The sporty-looking R-Line trim, priced at $28,645, added a touch of flair to the lineup.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally introduced as a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own unique model by 2015. The WRX featured a wider stance, a lower front splitter, a rear deck spoiler, and a large functional air intake, making it the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty appearance, the non-STI version could be considered a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, each offering a range of features such as alloy wheels, climate control, and infotainment systems. The WRX STI, a more hardcore version, boasted a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, and a stiffer suspension, enhancing its cornering abilities.

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 ran on regular gasoline and featured a 6-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The Passat's powertrain was simple, with a Sport transmission setting and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. While the engine's torque allowed for smooth acceleration, the transmission occasionally upshifted eagerly to maximize fuel economy. The Passat averaged 26 mpg during testing, just shy of the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The car's steering was light yet precise, and its 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 Subaru WRX came with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT available. The CVT included Subaru's SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters for simulated manual-shift modes. The WRX's AWD systems varied based on transmission choice, with the manual offering a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution and the CVT providing a 45:55 split. The manual transmission was praised for its precise feedback and smooth clutch pedal. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and excellent cornering capabilities. The WRX STI, with its 310 hp engine and stiffer suspension, offered even sharper handling but at the cost of a rougher ride.

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. It featured large door openings, sizable cupholders, and plenty of storage bins and trays. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a flat load floor for maximum utility. Cloth upholstery was standard, with V-Tex leatherette and genuine leather available on higher trims. 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 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility, with clear sightlines and a large windshield. Its cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The WRX provided plenty of first-row seating space, with adequate rear-seat room for adults on shorter trips. Its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

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 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 steering-assist systems available on higher trims.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 7-inch option available. The Starlink infotainment system was easy to use and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was well-equipped with 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 standard, and the SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The SEL trim offered parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat earned a top rating of Good from the IIHS.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX received top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.