2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

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, resulting in a look that was easy on the eyes. Inside, the Passat maintained a straightforward dashboard design, 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 available in four trims, with the R-Line offering a sporty appearance and additional features.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. It featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and stylish 18-inch aluminum wheels. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, were seen as less appealing. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including a hybrid version, with prices varying from $19,925 to $28,704. The XSE trim boasted a well-crafted interior with high-quality materials, providing a clean and minimalist look.

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, which powered the front wheels. The Passat's powertrain was appreciated for its simplicity, and the car's torque allowed for smooth acceleration. However, the transmission occasionally upshifted too eagerly, affecting the driving experience. The Passat achieved an average fuel economy of 26 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 27-mpg rating. While the steering was light and precise, the suspension tuning was criticized for being too stiff over bumps and too soft over undulations.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, with its mechanical first gear, provided a smoother driving experience compared to traditional CVTs. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its enjoyable driving dynamics, and the car's handling was predictable and engaging. The Corolla XSE achieved an average fuel economy of 31.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 34-mpg rating. While not a sport sedan, the Corolla offered a competent and enjoyable driving experience.

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 numerous storage options and excellent outward visibility. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating full-size suitcases and compact strollers with ease. The car's size and utility made it a practical choice, with only a few reasons to opt for a more expensive SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with fabric inserts and an eight-way power driver's seat. While the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, it provided good support. The rear seats offered decent support but had limited headroom and legroom. The Corolla's trunk had 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for its class. The lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and digital cockpit technologies, but it offered essential features like App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SEL trim included navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The infotainment system was simple and user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs. The Passat also offered optional remote engine start and parking steering-assist systems.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla impressed with its standard infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Corolla SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE offered additional connectivity features. The SE and XSE trims had an optional JBL premium sound system and dynamic voice recognition. The infotainment system was praised for its simplicity, though the radio knobs could be more user-friendly.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim offered parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top rating of Good from the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and an enhanced blind-spot warning system. The 2020 Corolla received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the 2021 model required re-testing due to the addition of new airbags.