2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 BMW 5 Series
Overview | |
MSRP$22,995 | MSRP$54,200 |
Average price$16,980 | Average price$34,177 |
Listings307 | Listings531 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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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. | |
2021 BMW 5 Series Reviews SummaryBMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout. Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better. That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes. The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space14.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3325 lbs | Curb Weight3765 lbs |
Height58.0 in | Height58.2 in |
Length193.6 in | Length195.8 in |
Width72.2 in | Width83.7 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase117.1 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload800 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $22,995 | $54,200 |
Average price | $16,980 | $34,177 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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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. | BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout. Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better. That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes. The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City | 23 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 14.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3325 lbs | 3765 lbs |
Height | 58.0 in | 58.2 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 195.8 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 83.7 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 117.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 800 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Volkswagen Passat is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 5 Series scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat emerges as the recommended choice for consumers seeking a spacious, value-oriented midsize sedan with a comprehensive suite of safety features and strong overall value.
Choose the 2020 Volkswagen Passat if:
- You prioritize a spacious interior with ample storage and excellent outward visibility.
- You seek a midsize sedan with competitive pricing and strong value.
- You value a comprehensive suite of safety features and top ratings in crash-test assessments.
Choose the 2021 BMW 5 Series if:
- You desire a luxury sedan with advanced technology and connectivity features.
- You are looking for a range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid variant.
- You are willing to invest in a premium sedan with sophisticated seating options and advanced driver-assist tech.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Volkswagen Passat is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 5 Series scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat emerges as the recommended choice for consumers seeking a spacious, value-oriented midsize sedan with a comprehensive suite of safety features and strong overall value.
Choose the 2020 Volkswagen Passat if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious interior with ample storage and excellent outward visibility.
- You seek a midsize sedan with competitive pricing and strong value.
- You value a comprehensive suite of safety features and top ratings in crash-test assessments.
Choose the 2021 BMW 5 Series if:
Shop Now- You desire a luxury sedan with advanced technology and connectivity features.
- You are looking for a range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid variant.
- You are willing to invest in a premium sedan with sophisticated seating options and advanced driver-assist tech.
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