2020 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in Canada in S, SV, and Platinum trims, presented a sleek and modern design, especially in its Platinum variant. The car's exterior was enhanced by 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, contributing to its appealing look. Despite a few design quirks, such as the placement of door handles and the rear diffuser panel's colour, the Altima's overall styling was clean and contemporary. Inside, the Altima boasted a user-friendly and ergonomic layout, with a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system and clearly legible climate controls. The interior materials were on par with the midsize sedan segment, featuring matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim, although colour choices were limited to black or gray.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated appearance, following a significant facelift in 2020. Its design echoed the smaller Jetta sedan, offering a smooth, aerodynamic shape reminiscent of 1990s sedans. The Passat's exterior featured standard LED headlights and taillights, with Execline models receiving 19-inch wheels and an Adaptive Front-lighting System. Inside, the Passat's interior was functional and clean, with analog controls and a low dashboard enhancing visibility. However, the interior was somewhat plain, with limited brightwork and materials primarily consisting of plastic and leatherette upholstery. Despite this, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's value-oriented market positioning.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. This setup aimed to make the Altima more competitive against SUVs by eliminating the front-wheel drive option. The Altima's suspension and steering systems, including Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, contributed to an impressive ride and handling experience. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, though it occasionally produced sudden power surges.

In comparison, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the torque output was commendable, the horsepower was slightly below average for the segment. The Passat's power delivery was uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode improved responsiveness. Overall, the Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. However, it offered decent ride quality and cabin noise levels on the highway.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's interior was designed for comfort, with NASA-inspired seats providing a sensation of weightlessness. However, the lack of a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. The Altima offered heated front seats, side mirrors, and an optional heated steering wheel, with a remote engine starter as standard. Trunk space measured 436 litres, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience. In-cabin storage was ample, though a wireless smartphone charging pad was absent.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though front legroom and headroom were below average for the segment. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited thigh support and flat rear seats. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, surpassing some competitors, but in-cabin storage was limited. The layout of controls was a highlight, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services, which offered connected services for six months. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition technology required specific commands.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Execline models added navigation and a Fender audio system. The touchscreen was small but functional, with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls simplifying basic functions. However, the Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit and MIB3 system found in other VW models.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system. The Altima received a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat earned top "good" scores from the IIHS, though its headlights received a "marginal" rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.