2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Overview | |
MSRP$22,995 | MSRP$18,795 |
Listings260 | Listings130 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
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Cons
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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 Subaru Impreza Reviews SummarySubaru 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. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 152 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 152 hp H4 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space12.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3325 lbs | Curb Weight3047 lbs |
Height58.0 in | Height57.3 in |
Length193.6 in | Length182.7 in |
Width72.2 in | Width79.4 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase105.1 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload1252 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $22,995 | $18,795 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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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. | 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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.0L 152 hp H4 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 12.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3325 lbs | 3047 lbs |
Height | 58.0 in | 57.3 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 182.7 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 79.4 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 105.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 1252 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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.
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2021 Subaru Impreza if:
- You prioritize standard AWD and a range of safety features.
- You are looking for a compact car with good fuel economy and reasonable cargo space.
- You prefer a car with a solid and refined driving experience.
Choose the 2020 Volkswagen Passat if:
- You prioritize a spacious interior and ample trunk space.
- You seek a fuel-efficient sedan with a range of trim options.
- You value a car with a strong focus on safety features.
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2021 Subaru Impreza if:
Shop Now- You prioritize standard AWD and a range of safety features.
- You are looking for a compact car with good fuel economy and reasonable cargo space.
- You prefer a car with a solid and refined driving experience.
Choose the 2020 Volkswagen Passat if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious interior and ample trunk space.
- You seek a fuel-efficient sedan with a range of trim options.
- You value a car with a strong focus on safety features.
By: CarGurus + AI
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