2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat bore a striking resemblance to its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. The exterior design borrowed heavily from the Jetta, giving it a familiar yet slightly updated look. Inside, the Passat's dashboard retained the architectural simplicity of the previous model, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, which, while easy to clean, lacked the premium feel of more modern vehicles. However, the Passat excelled in ease of use, from its straightforward controls to its comfortable entry and exit.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to BMW's traditional familial look, reminiscent of the classic E30 3 Series. However, the G20 3 Series' design felt stuffy, with a large, oddly-shaped grille that seemed out of place on the smaller sedan. The interior, while nicely designed, was let down by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and fake-looking Ash wood. Leather upholstery was optional, with synthetic Sensatec material as standard. The M Sport trim package added some flair with M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, but the overall design lacked the distinctiveness of older models.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, offering a simple and straightforward powertrain. The Passat's engine provided adequate acceleration, with a fuel economy of 26 mpg on a testing loop, just shy of the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The steering was light and effortless, and the brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning left much to be desired. The ride was stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulations, resulting in a busy and inconsistent driving experience.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base 330i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined a less-powerful version of the same engine with electric assist, delivering 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The M340i featured a turbo inline-six, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The M340i could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. Despite the impressive technical specs, the 330e's driving experience was marred by a clunky transition from electric to gasoline power and a lack of engagement in corners.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five passengers. The trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, configured for maximum utility with a flat load floor. The Passat's interior featured cloth upholstery in the base model, with V-Tex leatherette seats in the SE and R-Line trims, and genuine leather in the SEL trim. The car also included seat heaters and rear air conditioning vents for added comfort.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series, while not known for generous interior space, performed better than most small luxury sedans. It offered the best rear headroom in the segment and above-average front headroom. However, legroom was average, and rear-seat passengers might feel cramped. The 3 Series provided 17 cubic feet of cargo space in gasoline models, but the 330e's battery pack reduced this to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's long-and-narrow shape required an awkward reach to maximize space, though a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat was standard. The cockpit was well-designed, with a touchscreen positioned for easy use and good outward visibility.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked Volkswagen's latest infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen display. However, it included App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim added navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The infotainment system was simple and easy to use, with physical buttons and knobs. The Passat also offered optional remote engine start and a parking steering-assist system in the SEL trim.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came standard with the iDrive infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gasoline models included both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only had CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster, navigation, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was premium, with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. BMW provided multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls. While some features felt gimmicky, the system offered flexibility and ease of use.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. It also featured an automatic post-collision braking system. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat earned the top rating of Good in crash tests conducted by the IIHS.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests. However, headlight scores were mixed, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 2021 3 Series. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automated lane centering. The package also included stop-and-go functionality, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Active Side Collision Avoidance. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a parking-assist package with a 360-degree camera system.