2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat bore a striking resemblance to its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. It adopted Jetta's styling cues, giving it a familiar yet refreshed appearance. Inside, the Passat's dashboard retained the architectural T-square design of the previous model, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, which, while easy to clean, lacked the sophistication of newer VW models. However, the Passat was designed to be user-friendly, with easy access, simple controls, and a comfortable driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI continued the legacy of the original 1983 Rabbit GTI, defining the hot hatch genre. The GTI shared its basics with the regular Golf but included subtle enhancements like red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers. The GTI's sporty appearance was further emphasized by its lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black accents. Inside, the GTI featured red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats. The overall quality of materials and craftsmanship was high, giving the GTI a premium feel.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It used a 6-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels, offering a straightforward driving experience without the complexity of multiple driving modes. The Passat's engine provided adequate acceleration, and the transmission's Sport mode improved responsiveness. The car averaged 26 mpg in combined driving, close to the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The Passat's steering was light yet precise, and its brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning was a mixed bag, being too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulations.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, on the other hand, was all about performance. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was its standout feature, with four-wheel independent suspension, DCC adaptive damping, and variable-ratio steering. The GTI's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, provided excellent stopping power. The ride quality, however, could be harsh on rough roads, even in Comfort mode. The GTI offered a choice between a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a six-speed manual, with the latter providing a more engaging driving experience. The GTI's fuel economy was respectable, with 26 mpg combined for the manual and 27 mpg combined for the dual-clutch transmission.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide seats, large door openings, and ample room for five passengers. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, easily accommodating full-size suitcases and compact strollers. The interior featured cloth upholstery in the base model, with V-Tex leatherette and genuine leather available in higher trims. The Passat's utility and comfort made it a practical choice for families, with features like rear air conditioning vents and available seat heaters.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, thanks to its hatchback design. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and compact dimensions, the GTI was easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The GTI offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front seats provided ample comfort for taller drivers, while the rear seats were suitable for average-sized adults or children. The GTI's interior featured clever storage solutions, including large door pockets and well-sized cupholders. The mechanical handbrake, though a bit of a throwback, added to the GTI's sporty character.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest VW infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, but it still offered essential features. The 6.3-inch touchscreen provided access to App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim added navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat's infotainment system was simple and user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs. Additional features included an optional remote engine start system and parking steering-assist for the SEL trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The MIB system supported tablet-like gesture controls and capacitive-touch sensors. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The SE trim added a three-month trial to SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net offered remote access, safe & secure, and hotspot portals, with Alexa integration for added convenience. The GTI also came with LED lighting, keyless access, rain-sensing wipers, and heated mirrors.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. An automatic post-collision braking system was also standard. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received the top rating of Good in crash tests conducted by the IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front passenger side test and a "Poor" rating for the base Halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control. The GTI's sharp handling also contributed to its safety by helping drivers avoid collisions.