2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold geometric styling from the previous year, which was a departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This design was intended to pave the way for the more angular 2021 Elantra. The Elantra was available in five trims: Essential, Preferred, Luxury, Ultimate, and Sport, with prices ranging from $17,099 to $27,549, excluding a $1,825 destination charge. The Ultimate trim, which was tested, featured a striking black paint job that highlighted its angular design elements and chrome detailing, resulting in a stylish appearance that might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the Elantra's interior was updated with silver trim accents, giving it a more upscale look, although some hard plastics remained, reminding occupants of its compact car status.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's exterior styling remained largely unchanged from its 2020 facelift, which was the first major update in nearly a decade. The Passat shared a familial resemblance with the smaller Jetta, resulting in a more understated look compared to its rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. Its rounded corners and smooth shape contributed to a drag coefficient of 0.28, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with Execline models boasting 19-inch wheels and an Adaptive Front-lighting System. The interior followed a clean, functional design with analog controls, enhancing usability. However, the flat-bottomed steering wheel seemed out of place in this otherwise un-sporty car. While the interior might have appeared plain to some, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's value-oriented market positioning.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, known as the "Intelligent Variable Transmission," featured a chain belt and wide-ratio pulley system for improved efficiency and responsiveness. However, real-world testing showed an average fuel consumption of 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of the expected 6.8 L/100 km. The Elantra Sport trim provided a more engaging driving experience with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, along with an independent rear suspension for improved ride quality. Overall, the Elantra was a practical choice for commuting, though not particularly inspiring to drive.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat simplified its powertrain options, offering a single 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the horsepower was slightly below average, the torque output was impressive, providing ample low-end power. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, necessitating the use of Sport mode or manual gear selection for better performance. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. While ride quality and cabin noise levels were satisfactory on the highway, the Passat didn't stand out in terms of driving dynamics.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was among the roomier compact cars, comfortably accommodating four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. The test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding centre console armrest for added comfort. Upper trims included dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 407 litres of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, and included a convenient interior grab handle for easy closing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though slightly less than competitors like the Honda Accord. This came at the expense of front legroom, resulting in an uncomfortable driving position for some. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others. In-cabin storage was limited, with door bottle holders poorly shaped for large bottles. However, the layout of controls was a highlight, featuring big buttons and knobs for easy access, complemented by an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base Essential trim featured a 5-inch screen, while the Preferred trim offered a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Ultimate trim added a wireless charging pad, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a premium Infinity sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume/tuning knobs, and the Infinity sound system delivered impressive audio quality for a compact car.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity, but the lack of USB-C support was a drawback. While the touchscreen was small, the use of dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls minimized the need for screen interaction. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 system, appealing to those seeking simplicity over a tech-heavy experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered advanced driving assistance systems on the Preferred trim, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. The Ultimate grade added full LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with full LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though there was a concern about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The 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, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. Notable features included VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.