2020 Nissan Versa vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling details, opting for a more refined look reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. The new design was relatively handsome, with appropriately sized headlights and grille, giving it a more mature appearance. Inside, the cabin was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream colors. The seats had a neat design, and the overall interior space was generous for a subcompact sedan, thanks to the Nissan V platform.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its 2020 facelift, which was the first major styling change in almost a decade. The Passat's exterior bore a strong resemblance to the smaller Jetta, with a more understated look compared to its rivals. The aerodynamic design contributed to a drag coefficient of 0.28. Inside, the Passat's cabin was clean and functional, with well-placed analog controls and a low dashboard enhancing visibility. However, the interior materials were mostly plastic, and the design was somewhat plain, though fit and finish were excellent.

The 2020 Nissan Versa featured a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power well and offered a Sport mode for livelier performance. The Versa's steering was responsive, and the car handled well, though it leaned at higher speeds. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT model achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The engine's torque was impressive, but power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness of competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were good but not exceptional.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's 15-cubic-foot trunk, one of the largest in its class, with a large opening for easy loading. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less suitable for adult passengers on long trips. The front seats offered ample legroom, even for taller drivers, making it a good personal commuter car.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. 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 some rivals but less than the Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The layout of controls was excellent, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and the analog gauges were easy to read.

The 2020 Nissan Versa stepped up its game with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The mid-level SV trim featured the upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an upgraded instrument panel with a helpful digital screen. This screen offered various functions, including safety alerts, Bluetooth streaming audio, and fuel-economy stats.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. The Passat's touchscreen was small by today's standards but included pinch-to-zoom capability. The car's controls were user-friendly, with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls for basic functions.

The 2020 Nissan Versa added a host of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other standard safety features included a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all 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, 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.