2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a reputation for its youthful, almost rebellious aesthetic. It was the Subaru model that sported piercings and tattoos within the family lineup. Compared to the more aggressive WRX STI, the standard WRX appeared relatively subdued, lacking the race-ready rear wing of its sibling. Its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it a sense of speed even when stationary, complemented by aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop.

Inside, the WRX's cabin was reminiscent of other Subaru compact cars from the past decade. Introduced in 2015, the WRX's interior felt dated compared to competitors like the VW GTI. The cockpit was function-first, sacrificing fit and finish, with an abundance of hard plastics that contributed to its immature reputation. The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the Limited offering leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, in its final production year, introduced a Limited Edition model to commemorate its legacy. Priced at $31,570, only 1,973 units were produced, featuring exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. The Limited Edition was available in unique Racing Green paint, among other colors. Inside, the Passat boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery, fake wood trim, and special seat tags, creating an upscale ambiance despite its age.

The Passat's interior, though a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies, maintained a sense of European sobriety. The 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt small and archaic, but the cabin's modern touches, like integrated air vents and metallic detailing, added a touch of sophistication. The Passat's spacious interior and thoughtful details made it a comfortable place to spend time, despite some shortcomings in technology and materials.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine layout allowed for a low center of gravity and efficient packaging with the AWD system. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite its power advantage over rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential.

The manual transmission, unfortunately, had a vague clutch feel, making the CVT a more practical choice for maintaining powerband revs. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision. However, its stiff ride quality was a drawback compared to the more comfortable Civic Si and GTI.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generated 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Passat prioritized fuel efficiency, often upshifting quickly. Despite its modest power, the turbo engine's torque curve provided adequate performance for daily driving. In Sport mode, the Passat felt more responsive, achieving an impressive 30.7 mpg during testing.

The Passat's ride quality was generally smooth, though it could feel jittery on city streets. The suspension and tire combination sometimes made the car feel busy over road imperfections. Brake pedal feel was inconsistent, causing occasional frustration. However, the Passat excelled in highway comfort, with a quiet cabin and low drag coefficient. On twisty roads, it displayed traditional German handling traits, offering a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's versatile cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited door storage for larger water bottles. The driving position was commanding and comfortable, with good visibility and decent rear seat space for four adults.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was known for its spacious cabin, accommodating five adults comfortably. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, but the inability to adjust the bottom cushion angle affected comfort. The rear seats provided excellent legroom and support, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for added convenience. The Passat's 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space was competitive, though it lacked additional storage compartments.

The 2021 WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly interface despite dated graphics. The Limited trim featured navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system, housed in a 6.3-inch screen, was less sophisticated than other VW models. It included App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth for two devices. Higher trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system, known for its clarity and range. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable for complex commands.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. The EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. The Limited trim offered additional options like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. All trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat SE included standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The R-Line trim added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition featured adaptive headlights and parking sensors. The Passat's safety systems generally worked well, though the lane-keeping assistance and reverse automatic braking had occasional issues. The IIHS rated the Passat's headlights highly, but the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.