2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its sporty appeal with features like sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, making the Corolla visually appealing. However, some design elements, such as the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Apex Edition further exaggerated these design quirks. For those preferring a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid provided an economical option with the same powertrain as the Toyota Prius. The Corolla SE and XSE, priced between $22,590 and $28,950, offered a sportier experience with a more powerful engine and different transmissions. The XSE's interior was a significant improvement over previous models, featuring high-quality materials and a minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated and traditional design, following a facelift in 2020. Its styling was reminiscent of the smaller Volkswagen Jetta, offering a more conservative look compared to its competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry. The Passat's aerodynamic shape, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, though the impact was minimal. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and 17-inch alloy wheels, with Execline models boasting 19-inch wheels and an Adaptive Front-lighting System. The interior followed a clean and functional design, with analog controls and a low dashboard for improved visibility. However, the flat-bottomed steering wheel seemed out of place in this otherwise un-sporty car. While the interior materials were not luxurious, the fit and finish were commendable, aligning with the Passat's positioning as a value option.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode, offering a more engaging driving experience. The SE trim also offered a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching, providing a more traditional driving feel. The XSE's Dynamic Shift CVT was praised for its mechanical first gear, which improved initial acceleration and minimized the typical CVT droning. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Corolla boasted a low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The XSE demonstrated predictable handling, making it a competent compact car. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 7.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine delivered 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, with the latter being particularly impressive. However, power delivery was uneven, especially during highway overtakes, though switching to Sport mode improved responsiveness. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. While ride quality and cabin noise levels were acceptable on the highway, the Passat failed to excite on twisty roads.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades over the SE trim, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat adjustment. These features enhanced comfort and provided a commanding driving position. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and rear headroom and legroom were limited. The Corolla's trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, which was average for the segment. The lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was known for its spacious rear seats, offering 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though this was slightly less than some competitors. Front legroom and headroom were below average, resulting in an uncomfortable driving position for some. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat's trunk provided 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. The layout of controls was a highlight, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach, and the instrument cluster was easy to read.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. The SE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE added Service Connect and Safety Connect. Remote Connect was free for a year, offering features like remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. The XSE also included SiriusXM with a three-month trial and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access to various functions.

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 added navigation and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity, limiting compatibility with newer devices. 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 and MIB3 system, appealing to those seeking simplicity.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 Corolla received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the 2021 model required re-testing due to new airbags.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, though its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published 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. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.