2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Subaru Impreza

2020 Volkswagen Passat
2020 Volkswagen Passat
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Passat
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Volkswagen Passat is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Impreza scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat emerges as the recommended choice, offering a spacious interior, strong safety features, and competitive pricing, making it a compelling option for consumers seeking a reliable and practical sedan.

Overview

MSRP

$22,995

MSRP

$18,795

Average price

$18,765

Average price

$20,509

Listings

418

Listings

426
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Comfortable
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Not much cargo space
  • Uninspired styling

2020 Volkswagen Passat Reviews 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.

2021 Subaru Impreza Reviews Summary

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 152 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

34

MPG Highway

36
2020 Volkswagen Passat
2020 Volkswagen Passat
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Passat
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Volkswagen Passat is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Impreza scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat emerges as the recommended choice, offering a spacious interior, strong safety features, and competitive pricing, making it a compelling option for consumers seeking a reliable and practical sedan.

Overview
MSRP
$22,995
$18,795
Average price
$18,765
$20,509
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
5.0
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Comfortable
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Not much cargo space
  • Uninspired styling
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.

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 174 hp I4
2.0L 152 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
23
28
MPG Highway
34
36
Look and feel
2020 Volkswagen Passat
8/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
8/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2020 Volkswagen Passat and the 2021 Subaru Impreza 8 out of 10 for look and feel. The Passat resembles its predecessor and the Jetta in terms of exterior styling, while the interior features a revamped dashboard with a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The Passat is described as easy on the eyes, easy to use, and easy to drive. The Impreza features a more conservative design with sleek headlights and taillights, offering a handsome and refined appearance. The Impreza is based on the Subaru Global Platform, providing overall refinement and specific styling touches for the Sport models.
Performance
2020 Volkswagen Passat
6/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Volkswagen Passat 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Subaru Impreza 7 out of 10 for performance. The 2020 Passat is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The Impreza is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both cars offer different driving experiences, with the Passat providing a predictable and tossable ride, while the Impreza is described as an agreeable daily driver with a nice ride.
Form and function
2020 Volkswagen Passat
9/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Volkswagen Passat 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Subaru Impreza 7 out of 10 for form and function. The Passat offers a spacious interior with wide comfortable seats, ample storage, and excellent outward visibility. It provides 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space, offering maximum utility with a flat load floor. The Impreza offers reasonable legroom and cargo space, with the hatchback providing 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space and 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Technology
2020 Volkswagen Passat
6/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Volkswagen Passat 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Subaru Impreza 7 out of 10. The Passat features a 6.3-inch touchscreen display with standard App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Passat's infotainment system is described as simple and covers the basics. The 2021 Subaru Impreza offers a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity on base and Premium trim levels, while higher trim levels get an 8-inch touchscreen with optional navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system.
Safety
2020 Volkswagen Passat
10/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Volkswagen Passat 10 out of 10 and the 2021 Subaru Impreza 9 out of 10 for safety. The 2020 Passat comes standard with advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award and features Subaru’s EyeSight safety tech as standard equipment on CVT-equipped models, offering a range of safety features.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Volkswagen Passat
9/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Volkswagen Passat 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Subaru Impreza 8 out of 10. The 2020 Volkswagen Passat offers strong value, competitive pricing, and appealing lease deals. It provides a spacious and fuel-efficient alternative to SUVs. The 2021 Subaru Impreza offers good fuel economy, standard AWD, and a range of trim levels with varying pricing, making it a compelling choice for new car shoppers.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.

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