2020 Toyota Camry vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat presented 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, giving it a recognizable yet refreshed appearance. Inside, the Passat maintained a traditional dashboard layout, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it lacked the latest VW technology, the interior was characterized by easy-to-clean glossy plastic surfaces. The Passat was designed for simplicity and ease of use, offering a straightforward driving experience and a range of trims from the base S to the top-tier SEL.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Camry marked a departure from its previous reputation, showcasing a more expressive and sporty design. The bold front fascia and sleek lines gave it a dynamic presence, with some design elements reminiscent of BMW's sport sedans. The interior featured high-quality materials and a driver-focused dashboard, elevating the Camry's appeal. The TRD model added sporty accents like red seatbelts, while higher trims offered luxury touches akin to entry-level Lexus models. Despite its sporty aspirations, the Camry maintained its reputation for quality and reliability, with a starting price that offered good value.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 6-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, providing a simple and straightforward driving experience. The Passat's engine offered adequate performance for everyday driving, with a combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg. The car's steering was light yet precise, and its brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning resulted in a somewhat stiff ride over rough surfaces.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The V6 produced 301 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. The four-cylinder engine delivered 203 horsepower (206 in XSE trim) and offered a lighter front end for improved steering feel. The Camry's AWD system enhanced traction in slippery conditions, while the TRD model featured a sport-tuned suspension and high-performance tires. Fuel economy varied, with the FWD four-cylinder achieving 31 mpg combined, while the V6 managed 26 mpg.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide seats and ample room for five passengers. It featured generous storage options and excellent outward visibility. The trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with a flat load floor for easy loading. The Passat's interior materials ranged from cloth upholstery in the base model to genuine leather in the SEL trim, with available seat heaters and rear air conditioning vents for added comfort.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was easy to drive, with intuitive controls and a well-organized center console. While front legroom and hip room increased, rear seat legroom and overall passenger volume decreased slightly compared to competitors. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some rivals. The addition of AWD did not compromise interior space, as Toyota made structural modifications to accommodate it. The Camry's interior featured a mix of materials, with higher trims offering luxury touches.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and digital cockpit technologies, but it included essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The standard 6.3-inch touchscreen was functional, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. The SEL trim added navigation and a premium Fender sound system. Optional remote engine start and parking assist were available, enhancing convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Camry introduced Android Auto compatibility, joining Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa as standard features. The infotainment system, while functional, felt dated compared to competitors. The standard 7-inch screen could be upgraded to an 8-inch display, and a three-month WiFi Connect trial was included. Higher trims offered a 10-inch head-up display and smartphone-based remote access features. The Camry's technology package aimed to enhance driver convenience and connectivity.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, 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 received a top rating of Good from the IIHS.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included Toyota Safety Sense technologies, such as a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. A one-year trial of Safety Connect was standard, and blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Camry featured 10 airbags and a backup camera, with higher trims offering a Bird's Eye View camera system. The Camry earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.