2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 BMW 3 Series maintained its evolutionary design approach, avoiding radical changes that might polarize opinions. It was slightly longer and wider than its predecessors, yet retained a compact footprint, making it easy to park and maneuver. The design featured subtle changes, such as the modification of the Hoffmeister kink on the rear doors, which was now a piece of black trim. The front of the car was unmistakably BMW, with LED running lamps and a refined kidney grille. The tail showcased simplified LED lights, though some felt it resembled other models like the Kia Forte. Inside, the 3 Series kept its driver-focused layout, with a digital instrument panel and an optional wireless charging pad. While the interior materials were criticized for being coarse, the overall fit and finish were top-notch.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat's exterior design was familiar, resembling the previous generation and the VW Jetta. However, the interior saw a revamp, maintaining the architectural T-square design but lacking the latest VW technology. The dashboard featured a small 6.3-inch touchscreen, and the materials used were predominantly glossy plastic, which was easy to clean. The Passat was designed for ease of use, with straightforward controls and a comfortable driving experience. It was available in four trims, with the R-Line offering a sporty appearance. Despite its dated architecture, the Passat provided a predictable and enjoyable driving experience, though its suspension tuning was criticized for being too stiff over bumps and too soft over undulations.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was praised for its smoothness and power, although it had some turbo lag at low speeds. The M340i variant offered a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower, providing near-M3 performance. The 3 Series featured an 8-speed automatic transmission with perfect shifts, and the M Sport package added a firmer suspension and variable-ratio steering. Fuel economy for the 330i xDrive was rated at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The car's steering was improved, though some purists missed the feel of older models.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It used regular gas and was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Passat's powertrain was simple, with a Sport mode to enhance performance. It achieved an average of 26 mpg in combined driving. The steering was light and precise, and the brakes were effective. However, the suspension tuning was criticized for being too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over larger undulations. Despite this, the Passat offered a predictable and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered slightly more backseat legroom than before, making it comfortable for four passengers. The trunk provided 17 cubic feet of space, suitable for luggage. Visibility was good, and the seats were firm yet supportive. The controls were intuitive, and the infotainment system was easy to use, with a touchscreen and USB-C ports.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with comfortable seats and ample room for five passengers. The trunk had 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a flat load floor for easy storage. The Passat's interior featured cloth upholstery in the base model, with leatherette and genuine leather available in higher trims. The car's size and utility made it a practical choice, with excellent outward visibility and plenty of storage options.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series featured extensive technology, though many features required subscription fees. The iDrive system was highly customizable, with live info tiles and over-the-air updates. The car offered gesture control, a personal assistant, and a digital owner's manual. The Driving Assistance Professional Package provided advanced safety features, though the laser headlights were not fully activated due to U.S. regulations.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and instrumentation technologies, but it offered App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was simple, with a 6.3-inch touchscreen and a 6-speaker sound system. Higher trims included navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat also offered remote engine start and parking assist in the SEL trim.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top ratings in crash tests and for its optional laser headlights and standard forward emergency braking. It also offered pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim offered parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top rating of Good from the IIHS.