2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Toyota Corolla
2021 Toyota Corolla
$20,025MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Corolla
$20,025MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$20,025

MSRP

$23,995

Average price

$18,706

Average price

$18,519

Listings

2634

Listings

406

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Fun to drive
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Noisy
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
  • Uncomfortable seats

2021 Toyota Corolla Reviews Summary

Everybody knows somebody who owns or has owned a Toyota Corolla. Thanks to a deserved reputation for affordability, reliability, and efficiency, the Corolla is what comes to mind when all you want is a cheap, dependable, and thrifty set of wheels.

Over the nameplate’s 55-year history, Toyota built a handful of Corollas that were anything but rolling appliances. But those fun-to-drive gems were relative rarities. Under the tenure of Akio Toyoda, the automaker’s current president and a man who loves to drive, the Corolla has become something more than a bore. It’s a car that makes you want to cruise instead of snooze.

We’re talking about the Corolla SE and XSE, of course. Toyota still makes dull and duller versions of its compact car, but the SE and XSE trim levels add some spice to the basic commuter-car recipe.

This year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE are available in a new limited-production Apex Edition flavor. It’s got a track-tuned sport suspension, a lowered ride height, revised steering calibration, a sport exhaust system, and lightweight 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that you can wrap in optional summer performance tires. Unfortunately, it also comes with a “Lookit me, Officer, I like to go fast!” body kit.

Fearing this would be the example Toyota sent to us for review, we instead happily accepted the key fob to a Barcelona Red Corolla XSE and discovered that you don’t need the Apex Edition treatment to enjoy driving this car.

2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

Despite its German branding, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an All-American midsize sedan. It was developed specifically for the United States market, and it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In 2011, when the Americanized Passat was launched, VW thought the sedan was the key to dominating the U.S. market. Midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default choice for most buyers at that time, after all. A lot has changed since then—SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars—but the Passat rolls on. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously-available Passat SEL trim level is gone, leaving just the base S, SE, and R-Line models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the board, and some trim levels get more standard equipment as well. Our test car was a mid-level SE model.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.8L 139 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

30

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

38

MPG Highway

36
2021 Toyota Corolla
2021 Toyota Corolla
$20,025MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Corolla
$20,025MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$20,025
$23,995
Average price
$18,706
$18,519
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.3
4.5
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Fun to drive
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Noisy
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
  • Uncomfortable seats
Summary

Everybody knows somebody who owns or has owned a Toyota Corolla. Thanks to a deserved reputation for affordability, reliability, and efficiency, the Corolla is what comes to mind when all you want is a cheap, dependable, and thrifty set of wheels.

Over the nameplate’s 55-year history, Toyota built a handful of Corollas that were anything but rolling appliances. But those fun-to-drive gems were relative rarities. Under the tenure of Akio Toyoda, the automaker’s current president and a man who loves to drive, the Corolla has become something more than a bore. It’s a car that makes you want to cruise instead of snooze.

We’re talking about the Corolla SE and XSE, of course. Toyota still makes dull and duller versions of its compact car, but the SE and XSE trim levels add some spice to the basic commuter-car recipe.

This year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE are available in a new limited-production Apex Edition flavor. It’s got a track-tuned sport suspension, a lowered ride height, revised steering calibration, a sport exhaust system, and lightweight 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that you can wrap in optional summer performance tires. Unfortunately, it also comes with a “Lookit me, Officer, I like to go fast!” body kit.

Fearing this would be the example Toyota sent to us for review, we instead happily accepted the key fob to a Barcelona Red Corolla XSE and discovered that you don’t need the Apex Edition treatment to enjoy driving this car.

Despite its German branding, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an All-American midsize sedan. It was developed specifically for the United States market, and it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In 2011, when the Americanized Passat was launched, VW thought the sedan was the key to dominating the U.S. market. Midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default choice for most buyers at that time, after all. A lot has changed since then—SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars—but the Passat rolls on. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously-available Passat SEL trim level is gone, leaving just the base S, SE, and R-Line models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the board, and some trim levels get more standard equipment as well. Our test car was a mid-level SE model.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
1.8L 139 hp I4
2.0L 174 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
30
24
MPG Highway
38
36
Look and feel
2021 Toyota Corolla
8/10
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. The SE and XSE trims added sporty design elements such as sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a twin-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint with a blue undertone further enhanced its appeal. However, some design aspects, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, were seen as detracting from its overall look. The Apex Edition amplified these stranger design elements. The Corolla L, LE, and XLE trims offered a more anonymous look, while the Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to 50+ mpg.

The Corolla XSE’s interior was a significant improvement over previous models, featuring soft leatherette for the dashboard, densely padded upper door panels, and robust switchgear. The design was clean and minimalist, avoiding user experience compromises. However, practical storage was limited due to a center console design that prioritized form over function.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the 2020 facelift, which gave it a more understated look compared to rivals like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry. The Passat’s smooth, aerodynamic shape, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, contributed to its fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with SE and R-Line models getting larger wheels and sportier styling elements. However, the color palette was less vibrant than that of the Jetta.

Inside, the Passat’s design was clean and functional, with well-placed analog controls enhancing usability. The dashboard’s low profile improved forward visibility, while the low beltline provided good side visibility. However, the flat-bottomed steering wheel seemed out of place in such an un-sporty car. The interior materials were mostly plastic, with cloth upholstery on S models and V-Tex leatherette on SE and R-Line trims. Despite the plain materials, the fit and finish were excellent, appropriate for the Passat’s value positioning.

Performance
2021 Toyota Corolla
8/10
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. A six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching was also available for an additional $200. The CVT, with its mechanical first gear, provided a smooth start and minimized the typical CVT droning, thanks to its ten programmed ratios.

The Corolla’s TNGA platform, shared with other Toyota models, contributed to its low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and 225/40 all-season tires, enhancing their sporty appeal. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and a fun driving experience, similar to a Honda Civic or a standard Mazda3. The EPA estimated the Corolla XSE’s fuel economy at 34 mpg combined, but real-world driving yielded an average of 31.1 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. While the horsepower was below average for the segment, the torque was impressive, providing strong initial acceleration. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, which could be mitigated by switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears.

The Passat’s driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. It offered a plain midsize sedan experience, with good but not exceptional ride quality and cabin noise levels.

Form and function
2021 Toyota Corolla
6/10
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver’s seat adjustment. This feature provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but had tight headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan’s trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 17.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. However, this came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and lack of thigh support. The rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat’s trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some competitors but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby.

Technology
2021 Toyota Corolla
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla added Android Auto as standard equipment, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also included a free year of Safety Connect services and a three-month Wi-Fi hotspot trial. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE also offering Service Connect and Remote Connect. The SE and XSE could be equipped with a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, while the XSE had dynamic voice recognition, dynamic navigation, and Destination Assist.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. Keyless entry was standard on SE and R-Line trims. The Passat had a single USB-A port in the center stack, with SE models adding two rear charge-only USB-A ports. The touchscreen included pinch-to-zoom capability, and the dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls made basic functions easy to use.

Safety
2021 Toyota Corolla
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 Corolla earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The 2021 model awaited re-testing due to the addition of new airbags.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top “good” scores in all IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a “marginal” rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Toyota Corolla
7/10
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Corolla is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Passat scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the better choice, offering a more engaging driving experience, a comprehensive suite of safety features, and a user-friendly infotainment system.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Corolla is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Passat scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the better choice, offering a more engaging driving experience, a comprehensive suite of safety features, and a user-friendly infotainment system.

CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2022 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Honda Accord2022 Honda Civic vs 2023 Toyota Corolla2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Toyota Corolla2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2022 Honda Accord vs 2023 Toyota Corolla2022 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2022 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback2022 Subaru Impreza vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Toyota Corolla2022 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback2022 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2023 Toyota Corolla2022 Chrysler 300 vs 2023 Toyota Corolla2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2022 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2021 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2021 Audi A4 vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2021 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2021 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Toyota Corolla2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2021 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 BMW 5 Series2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Honda Civic2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Subaru Impreza2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 MINI Cooper2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Honda Accord2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Toyota Prius2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Audi A42020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Chevrolet Malibu2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Chrysler 3002020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Toyota Prius2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 MINI Cooper2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra2019 Kia Optima vs 2019 Volkswagen Passat2019 Toyota Corolla vs 2019 Honda Civic2019 Toyota Corolla vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class2019 Toyota Corolla vs 2019 Honda Accord2019 Toyota Corolla vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2020 Toyota Corolla2019 Honda Civic vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2019 Volkswagen Passat2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Toyota Corolla2019 Toyota Corolla vs 2019 Kia Optima2019 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2020 Toyota Corolla2019 BMW 5 Series vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat2019 Toyota Corolla vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI2019 Subaru Impreza vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat2019 Volkswagen Passat vs 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback2019 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat2019 Audi A4 vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat2019 Toyota Corolla vs 2019 Chrysler 300