2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, albeit new, carried a familiar aesthetic reminiscent of its predecessors from 2012 to 2019 as well as the redesigned VW Jetta. The external appearance drew heavily from Jetta's styling cues, essentially presenting a modernized old Passat. Internally, however, its revamped dashboard clung to the previous car's design, centered around a 6.3-inch touchscreen that couldn't host the latest VW technology like larger displays or digital instrumentation found in the Jetta. The interior leaned heavily towards cheap, glossy plastic, but it was easy to clean and maintained a theme of simplicity. The experience within the Passat was approachable—it was easy on the eyes, simple to maneuver, and affordable. Volkswagen offered it in four trims, ranging from the base S ($22,995) to the fully loaded SEL ($31,095), with the SE ($25,845) providing a solid mix of value and equipment. The test car was the sporty R-Line ($28,645), which included extra-cost Aurora Red paint and remote engine start, totaling $30,206.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima exuded a strong family identity with its iconic V-Motion grille. Depending on the trim, the grille was either chrome or dark chrome, adorned with the Nissan logo. The Altima’s shape was sleek and aerodynamic, characterized by a “coupe-like” roofline and taut, trim body sides. Modern touches like LED lighting and wheel choices from 16-inch steel to 19-inch alloys kept its appearance contemporary despite a somewhat old-fashioned overall stance. The Altima showcased excellent fit and finish, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. It came in nine exterior colors with names like “Super Black” and “Scarlet Ember Tinticoat,” with some colors requiring an additional $395. Internally, the dashboard was uncluttered with an intelligently laid-out infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. As you moved up the trim levels, the interior materials improved significantly, adding a premium feel to the car.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat powered its models with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, outputting a modest 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. It utilized a 6-speed automatic transmission, avoiding more complicated systems like continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) or dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs). While it didn't offer multiple driving modes aside from a Sport setting, this simplicity appealed to drivers. The engine provided sufficient torque for quick acceleration without needing premium gas. Fuel economy averaged at 26 mpg during testing, just shy of the EPA’s combined rating of 27 mpg. The Passat exhibited light but precise steering and robust brakes. However, the suspension tuning was a mixed bag. It felt too stiff over sharp bumps but tended to waft over larger undulations, reflecting its decade-old architecture.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a fascinating duality in its powertrains. Most trims featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. It came in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants, with fuel economy rated at 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for FWD and slightly less for AWD. The standout, however, was the SR VC-Turbo trim with a 2.0-liter variable compression turbocharged engine, delivering a robust 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, albeit requiring premium gas. This engine was only available in FWD and offered a lively driving experience with a respectable fuel economy of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. All trims featured independent suspension systems, with the VC-Turbo model purportedly sport-tuned, though real-world differences were minimal. The electric-powered steering provided decent feedback and feel.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was built with American preferences in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five occupants. The large door openings and plenty of storage bins contributed to its practicality. Cloth upholstery was standard on the base Passat S, whereas higher trims featured V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather on the SEL trim. Heated seats were available for colder climates, while rear air conditioning vents ensured comfort during warmer months. The trunk space was an impressive 15.9 cubic feet, designed for maximum utility with a flat load floor that accommodated full-size suitcases and compact folding strollers effortlessly.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased Nissan’s acclaimed Zero Gravity front seats, providing exceptional comfort even on extended drives. Upper trims offered features such as power adjustment, position memory, leather upholstery, and heated seats. The front cabin boasted ample storage options, including a large glovebox, center console bin, and door pockets. The rear seats were spacious enough to comfortably seat two adults or squeeze in three for shorter trips. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats allowed for easy access to the trunk, which had a slightly smaller capacity of 15.4 cubic feet compared to the Passat. This space was still adequate for a midsize sedan, offering decent utility for everyday needs.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked Volkswagen’s latest Digital Cockpit and advanced infotainment systems, but it did include essential features. The 6.3-inch touchscreen provided functionalities like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Even though it wasn’t fancy, it covered the basics effectively. Higher trim levels added navigation and a premium Fender sound system. The optional remote engine start system allowed pre-conditioning of the interior, and the SEL trim featured a parking steering-assist system.

Nissan ensured the 2021 Altima came well-equipped with standard tech features. Every model included the Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, remote engine start, and Bluetooth connectivity. The base model featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims upgraded to an 8-inch NissanConnect display. Depending on the trim, the Altima offered multiple USB ports, including USB-C, and auxiliary inputs. Higher trims included advanced features like SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose audio system, and Active Noise Cancellation in VC-Turbo models. The NissanConnect Services provided access to features like WiFi hotspot, emergency crash notification, and more, enhancing the tech-savvy appeal of the Altima.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat did not compromise on safety, including features such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning as standard. It also featured an automatic post-collision braking system and adaptive cruise control on SE trims. The lane-keeping assist system was helpful but lacked a separate lane-centering assist function. SEL trims added parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The 2020 Passat earned a top rating of Good in IIHS crash-test assessments.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured “Nissan Safety Shield 360,” standard on every Altima SV and above, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. ProPilot Assist enhanced highway driving with intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, traffic sign recognition, and more. The Intelligent Around View Monitor available on upper trims provided a virtual 360-degree view for easier parking. The Altima garnered a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from IIHS.