2021 Honda Accord vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$23,995

MSRP

$24,970

Average price

$18,139

Average price

$23,765

Listings

392

Listings

1545

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

9.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
  • Uncomfortable seats
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Spacious
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Outdated technology

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.

2021 Honda Accord Reviews Summary

For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 192 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

30

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

38
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$23,995
$24,970
Average price
$18,139
$23,765
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Read full review

9.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
  • Uncomfortable seats
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Spacious
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Outdated technology
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.

For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 174 hp I4
1.5L 192 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
192 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
24
30
MPG Highway
36
38
Look and feel
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10
2021 Honda Accord
7/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat scores 7 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9 out of 10. The Passat boasts an understated exterior styling with a familial resemblance to the smaller Volkswagen Jetta. On the other hand, the Honda Accord features a wider, restyled grille for 2021, giving it a more sophisticated appearance. The Accord also offers LED headlights and lowlights, enhancing visibility at night. For the interior, the Passat has a clean and functional design with analog controls well placed for easy use. However, the materials may feel plain to some buyers. In contrast, the Accord offers a more sophisticated interior with comfortable seating for five and ample head-, hip-, and legroom. The Accord also features convenient standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Performance
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Volkswagen Passat 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Accord 9 out of 10 for performance. The Passat comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower, while the Accord offers a choice between a 1.5-liter turbo-four with 192 horsepower or a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 252 horsepower. The Accord's engines deliver better acceleration and fuel economy than the Passat, making it a more dynamic and efficient option.
Form and function
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
In terms of cargo capacity, the Passat offers 15.9 cubic feet of space, while the Accord provides a larger trunk with 16.7 cubic feet of storage. Additionally, the Passat may feel slightly cramped for taller drivers due to limited front legroom, whereas the Accord offers more space and comfort for occupants in both the front and rear seats.
Technology
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
With a rating of 6 out of 10 for technology, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat offers a standard 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. In comparison, the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9 out of 10 for technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. The Accord also offers additional tech features like wireless phone charging and a 10-speaker premium audio system.
Safety
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat scores 7 out of 10 for safety, with top ratings in crash tests but marginal scores for headlights. The Passat offers driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9 out of 10 for safety, earning top ratings from safety organizations and offering a suite of advanced safety technologies standard across all trim levels.
Cost Effectiveness
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10
2021 Honda Accord
10/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2021 Honda Accord for a well-rounded and impressive midsize sedan experience.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2021 Honda Accord for a well-rounded and impressive midsize sedan experience.

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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.

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