2022 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the 2020 facelift, which was the first major update in nearly a decade. This facelift gave the Passat a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Volkswagen Jetta sedan, resulting in a more understated look compared to rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, aerodynamic shape, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, contributed to better fuel economy, although the effect was not dramatic. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The R-Line trim added sportier exterior elements but lacked a vibrant color palette.

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 a 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 design, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's market positioning as a value option.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while not dramatically styled, featured a two-inch wider body and a subtle front end with a signature hood scoop. The front fascia included a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. Along the side, the WRX had a cleaner profile with black plastic cladding that improved airflow and aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared outward, and the rear featured a large plastic bumper and multifaceted taillights. The Premium trim included LED fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a trunk-mounted lip spoiler.

Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements with better fit and finish. The D-shaped, flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents, and black cloth seats with red stitching set it apart from other Subaru models. The interior finally matched the modern look of its stablemates, making it a more appealing option for buyers.

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 pound-feet of torque. While the torque output was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The power delivery felt uneven, especially during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved the response. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were good but not exceptional.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter turbo and offered a slight increase in horsepower. The WRX came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission was precise and satisfying to use, while the CVT provided faster shift times and variable torque distribution. The new WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, reduced body roll and improved ride quality on rough roads, making it a more enjoyable drive.

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 front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, and the door bottle holders were not well-shaped for large bottles. The layout of controls was a strong point, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, an increase from the previous model's 12 cubic feet. The rear seats had a 60/40 split-fold function for added versatility. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth materials in the base and Premium trims and Ultrasuede in the Limited and GT trims. The seats provided ample bolstering without feeling tight, making the WRX a viable commuter vehicle. The standard all-wheel drive added to its practicality, making it a standout option in its price range.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The R-Line models 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 touchscreen was small by modern standards but included pinch-to-zoom capability. Basic functions like climate control and audio could be managed with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls, making it user-friendly for ordinary drivers. However, the Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and the newer MIB3 infotainment system.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, particularly in the premium trim or higher, featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display, similar to those in newer Outback and Legacy models. The system included physical controls for climate, power, volume, tuning, and defrost functions, with other functions accessed via touchscreen controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration had some quirks, with CarPlay displaying across nearly the whole screen and Android Auto limited to the top half. The base trim had a less elegant setup with two 7-inch displays stacked vertically. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available on higher trims, offering excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 model. 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.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. EyeSight also added an electronic brake booster and automatic steering assist. However, manual transmission models did not include EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during panic stops. Blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Limited and GT trims. The WRX's new platform absorbed more energy in crashes, and it came with seven airbags, including a driver’s-side knee airbag.