2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its traditionally bland design by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. The flared wheel arches and slim headlights and taillights successfully broadened the car's appearance, while the SE, XSE, and TRD trims added fake vents that cluttered the design. The LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner, albeit still large, grille. The Camry's interior mirrored its exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of contrasting materials and a lack of cohesive design. Despite the low-rent feel of the materials, the Camry's interior offered a unique aesthetic that set it apart from its predecessors.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated and traditional design, following a significant facelift in 2020. Its smooth, aerodynamic shape and resemblance to the smaller Jetta gave it a classic look, reminiscent of 1990s sedans. The Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls that were easy to use and well-placed for driver convenience. While the interior might have seemed plain to some, the fit and finish were excellent, and the material choices were appropriate for its market positioning as a value option.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in most trims. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output slightly. A 3.5-liter V6 engine was also available, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with electric assist for a total of 208 horsepower. The Camry's chassis provided a good balance between handling and ride quality, making it enjoyable to drive, especially with the TRD model's performance enhancements.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, however, offered only one powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to competitors. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. The ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional, making the Passat a straightforward choice for those seeking a simple midsize sedan.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was average at 15.1 cubic feet, and in-cabin storage was limited. The Camry featured analog controls for essential functions, enhancing ease of use, though some controls were a long reach from the driver's seat.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than some competitors, and front legroom was below average. The driving position was uncomfortable for many, with limited thigh support in the front seats. The Passat offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others. The layout of controls was a strong point, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach, making it user-friendly for drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, WiFi, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The system was functional but lacked standout graphics, and USB ports were limited to a single media port and two charge ports.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat included the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender audio system. The Passat's tech was straightforward, with a focus on ease of use rather than flashy features. It lacked the more advanced systems found in other VW models, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with the TSS 2.5+ package of safety features as standard. This included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, among others. New features for 2021 included enhanced capabilities for existing systems and a Rear Seat Reminder.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, though its headlights were rated "marginal." NHTSA ratings were not available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.