2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Overview | |
MSRP$22,995 | MSRP$19,510 |
Average price$16,996 | Average price$16,664 |
Listings307 | Listings2466 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 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 Nissan Sentra Reviews SummaryFollowing a makeover for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Sentra has ripened into a prime specimen of the compact sedan genre. With competitive safety, technology, and fuel economy now supplemented by an attractive exterior and interior design, the Sentra no longer feels like a compromise—it feels like a smart choice. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower149 hp @ 6400 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway39 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower149 hp @ 6400 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway39 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space14.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3325 lbs | Curb Weight3036 lbs |
Height58.0 in | Height56.9 in |
Length193.6 in | Length182.7 in |
Width72.2 in | Width71.5 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase106.6 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload921 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $22,995 | $19,510 |
Average price | $16,996 | $16,664 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 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. | Following a makeover for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Sentra has ripened into a prime specimen of the compact sedan genre. With competitive safety, technology, and fuel economy now supplemented by an attractive exterior and interior design, the Sentra no longer feels like a compromise—it feels like a smart choice. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 149 hp @ 6400 rpm |
MPG City | 23 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 39 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 149 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 39 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 14.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3325 lbs | 3036 lbs |
Height | 58.0 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 182.7 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 71.5 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 106.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 921 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat presented a familiar exterior, echoing the design language of its predecessors from 2012 to 2019 and the recently revamped VW Jetta. Its exterior styling borrowed heavily from the Jetta, creating a sense of déjà vu for those familiar with the brand. Inside, the Passat maintained a traditional dashboard layout, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior was characterized by the use of glossy plastic materials, which, while not luxurious, were easy to maintain. The Passat was designed with simplicity in mind, offering ease of use and affordability across its four trim levels, from the base Passat S to the top-tier SEL.
In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Sentra showcased a more athletic and modern exterior, with sharp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. The Sentra's design was a departure from its past, offering a more dynamic and expressive look. The interior featured a layered dashboard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, providing a more contemporary feel. The Sentra's cabin was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed controls and comfortable Zero Gravity front seats. The car's exterior paint options and two-tone schemes added to its visual appeal, making it a standout in its class.
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 that powered the front wheels, offering a straightforward driving experience without the complexity of multiple driving modes. The Passat's engine provided adequate acceleration, and its transmission was occasionally eager to upshift for better fuel economy, achieving an average of 26 mpg. The car's steering was light yet precise, and its German engineering was evident in its handling and braking performance. However, the suspension tuning was a mixed bag, with a stiff ride over sharp bumps and a floaty feel over undulations.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, came with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive setup with an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for daily commuting. The Sentra's fuel economy was impressive, with ratings of 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models. The car's suspension and steering offered tidy road manners and enjoyable cornering, making it a practical choice for urban driving. While not a powerhouse, the Sentra's engine delivered a balanced performance for its intended purpose.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide seats and ample room for five passengers. The car featured generous storage options, including sizable cupholders and storage bins. The trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, accommodating full-size suitcases and compact strollers with ease. The Passat's interior materials varied by trim, with cloth upholstery standard on the base model and V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather available on higher trims. The car's utility and size made it a practical alternative to more expensive SUVs, lacking only all-wheel drive and third-row seating.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed features and controls. The car offered a traditional gear selector, open cupholders, and ample storage options, including a large glove compartment and roomy door pockets. The Sentra's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys, and the available Premium Package added power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a moonroof. The car's interior space was well-utilized, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a trunk capacity of 14.3 cubic feet, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system was basic, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen with App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. While it lacked the latest VW technology, it offered essential features like HD and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SEL trim added navigation and a premium Fender sound system. The Passat's infotainment system was simple and user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. The car also offered optional remote engine start and parking steering-assist on the SEL trim.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a more advanced technology package, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The car included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SR trim offered an optional Bose premium sound system and NissanConnect services with a WiFi hotspot. The Sentra's technology package also included remote access features via a smartphone app, allowing for remote start/stop, lock/unlock, and vehicle tracking. The system integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and navigation.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was well-equipped with 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, enhancing safety in secondary collisions. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top rating of Good from the IIHS.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive safety package, including advanced airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. The car featured a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, making tire maintenance convenient. The Sentra's driver assistance features included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The car also offered intelligent cruise control and a 360-degree camera system on higher trims. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Nissan Sentra scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat is the recommended choice, offering a more spacious interior, a straightforward driving experience, and a well-rounded safety package.
Choose the 2021 Nissan Sentra if:
- You seek a modern and athletic exterior design with a comfortable and well-appointed interior.
- You appreciate advanced technology features, including smartphone integration and remote access.
- You want a car with excellent fuel economy and a comprehensive safety package.
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 well-equipped safety package with top ratings from safety organizations.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Nissan Sentra scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat is the recommended choice, offering a more spacious interior, a straightforward driving experience, and a well-rounded safety package.
Choose the 2021 Nissan Sentra if:
Shop Now- You seek a modern and athletic exterior design with a comfortable and well-appointed interior.
- You appreciate advanced technology features, including smartphone integration and remote access.
- You want a car with excellent fuel economy and a comprehensive safety package.
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 well-equipped safety package with top ratings from safety organizations.

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