2021 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Nissan Altima
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Volkswagen Passat is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Nissan Altima scores 7.2 out of 10. Given the higher rating and broader appeal in terms of technology, performance options, and comfort, the 2021 Nissan Altima emerges as the recommended choice. Its modern design, comprehensive safety features, and a balance of efficiency and performance make it the more appealing midsize sedan of the two.
Choose the 2021 Nissan Altima if:
Shop Now- You value advanced technology and a wide range of standard features across different trims.
- High comfort levels, particularly with front-seat amenities, are crucial for long drives.
- A broader range of powertrain options, including an innovative variable compression turbo, interests you.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Passat if:
Shop Now- You prefer understated exterior styling reminiscent of the classic Volkswagen design language.
- A straightforward, easy-to-use infotainment system and physical controls are appealing.
- Adequate rear legroom and a spacious trunk are top priorities.
Overview | |
MSRP$23,995 | MSRP$24,550 |
Average price$19,357 | Average price$20,152 |
Listings433 | Listings2465 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews SummaryDespite 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 Nissan Altima Reviews SummaryThe 2021 Nissan Altima is a popular midsize sedan now in the third year of its sixth generation of production. The Altima debuted as a 1993 model and has spent the decades nudged from the spotlight by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, despite continuous evolution and improvement over the years. Don’t feel bad for the Altima—it has a lot of fans, and some innovative features it hopes will allow it to take center stage someday. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 182 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower182 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway39 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 182 hp I4 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque178 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower182 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway39 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space15.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3314 lbs | Curb Weight3207 lbs |
Height58.7 in | Height56.7 in |
Length193.6 in | Length192.9 in |
Width72.6 in | Width72.9 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase111.2 in |
Maximum Payload948 lbs | Maximum Payload1121 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Volkswagen Passat is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Nissan Altima scores 7.2 out of 10. Given the higher rating and broader appeal in terms of technology, performance options, and comfort, the 2021 Nissan Altima emerges as the recommended choice. Its modern design, comprehensive safety features, and a balance of efficiency and performance make it the more appealing midsize sedan of the two.
Choose the 2021 Nissan Altima if:
Shop Now- You value advanced technology and a wide range of standard features across different trims.
- High comfort levels, particularly with front-seat amenities, are crucial for long drives.
- A broader range of powertrain options, including an innovative variable compression turbo, interests you.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Passat if:
Shop Now- You prefer understated exterior styling reminiscent of the classic Volkswagen design language.
- A straightforward, easy-to-use infotainment system and physical controls are appealing.
- Adequate rear legroom and a spacious trunk are top priorities.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,995 | $24,550 |
Average price | $19,357 | $20,152 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
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. | The 2021 Nissan Altima is a popular midsize sedan now in the third year of its sixth generation of production. The Altima debuted as a 1993 model and has spent the decades nudged from the spotlight by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, despite continuous evolution and improvement over the years. Don’t feel bad for the Altima—it has a lot of fans, and some innovative features it hopes will allow it to take center stage someday. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.5L 182 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 182 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 39 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.5L 182 hp I4 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 182 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 39 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3314 lbs | 3207 lbs |
Height | 58.7 in | 56.7 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 192.9 in |
Width | 72.6 in | 72.9 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 111.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 948 lbs | 1121 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.