2021 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Nissan Sentra
Overview | |
MSRP$23,995 | MSRP$19,950 |
Listings214 | Listings1399 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
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Cons
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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. | |
2022 Nissan Sentra Reviews SummaryA lot is asked of small sedans. It’s not just that they are expected to be competent, affordable machines that can accommodate a buyer on a budget. For the automaker, the small sedan is also the intended entry point for the brand. This is the car that is supposed to convince shoppers to keep buying from them as they move into different vehicles. The 2022 Nissan Sentra is the perfect entry point for Nissan, but it wasn’t always this way. The 2022 Sentra is two years removed from a significant 2020-model-year redesign. With such a focus on small crossovers and tight competition in the small-car segment, such a redesign sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of new vehicle debuts. So two years into its new generation, how is the Sentra doing? And how does it stack up with a very competitive collection of new small sedans? Read on to find out. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower149 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway39 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque146 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower149 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City29 |
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 Space14.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3314 lbs | Curb Weight3036 lbs |
Height58.7 in | Height56.9 in |
Length193.6 in | Length182.7 in |
Width72.6 in | Width71.5 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase106.6 in |
Maximum Payload948 lbs | Maximum Payload921 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,995 | $19,950 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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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. | A lot is asked of small sedans. It’s not just that they are expected to be competent, affordable machines that can accommodate a buyer on a budget. For the automaker, the small sedan is also the intended entry point for the brand. This is the car that is supposed to convince shoppers to keep buying from them as they move into different vehicles. The 2022 Nissan Sentra is the perfect entry point for Nissan, but it wasn’t always this way. The 2022 Sentra is two years removed from a significant 2020-model-year redesign. With such a focus on small crossovers and tight competition in the small-car segment, such a redesign sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of new vehicle debuts. So two years into its new generation, how is the Sentra doing? And how does it stack up with a very competitive collection of new small sedans? Read on to find out. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 149 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 39 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 146 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 149 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 29 |
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 | 14.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3314 lbs | 3036 lbs |
Height | 58.7 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 182.7 in |
Width | 72.6 in | 71.5 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 106.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 948 lbs | 921 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Volkswagen Passat as 7 out of 10 and the 2022 Nissan Sentra as 8 out of 10 for look and feel.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat features a more understated look with rounded-off corners and a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Volkswagen Jetta sedan. LED headlights and taillights are standard, along with 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2022 Nissan Sentra boasts a modern, low-slung, and coupe-like exterior design, with bold color options and a well-honed execution of Nissan’s current design language.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Volkswagen Passat 6 out of 10 and the 2022 Nissan Sentra 6 out of 10 for performance.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The 2022 Nissan Sentra features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The Sentra’s steering is well-weighted, and the suspension does a decent job of soaking up most bumps in the road.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Volkswagen Passat 6 out of 10 and the 2022 Nissan Sentra 7 out of 10 for form and function.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offers a roomy back seat and 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space. In comparison, the 2022 Nissan Sentra provides 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which can be expanded with a standard 60/40 split-fold rear bench.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Volkswagen Passat 6 out of 10 and the 2022 Nissan Sentra 8 out of 10 for technology.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat comes with Volkswagen’s MIB2 infotainment system, while the 2022 Nissan Sentra features a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Volkswagen Passat 7 out of 10 and the 2022 Nissan Sentra 9 out of 10 for safety.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top “good” scores in all crash tests by the IIHS, while the 2022 Nissan Sentra earned a best overall score of five out of five stars in testing by the NHTSA.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Volkswagen Passat is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Nissan Sentra scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Nissan Sentra emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a modern exterior design, advanced safety features, and impressive fuel economy.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Passat if:
- You prioritize a roomy back seat and ample cargo space.
- You prefer a more understated and familial exterior design.
- You are looking for a sedan with a well-executed midsize sedan driving experience.
Choose the 2022 Nissan Sentra if:
- You seek a modern, low-slung, and coupe-like exterior design.
- You prioritize a spacious trunk and comfortable seating.
- You are interested in a sedan with advanced safety features and solid fuel economy.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Volkswagen Passat is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Nissan Sentra scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Nissan Sentra emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a modern exterior design, advanced safety features, and impressive fuel economy.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Passat if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a roomy back seat and ample cargo space.
- You prefer a more understated and familial exterior design.
- You are looking for a sedan with a well-executed midsize sedan driving experience.
Choose the 2022 Nissan Sentra if:
Shop Now- You seek a modern, low-slung, and coupe-like exterior design.
- You prioritize a spacious trunk and comfortable seating.
- You are interested in a sedan with advanced safety features and solid fuel economy.
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.