2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the same basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's rounded-off corners evoked the aerodynamic efficiency of the jellybean sedans of the 1990s, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. However, this did not translate into significantly improved fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and, on Execline models, 19-inch wheels with an Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls rather than large digital screens. This approach enhanced forward and side visibility, avoiding the bunker-like feel of many modern cars. However, some buyers might have found the interior 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 market positioning as a value option.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in base and Touring trims, showcased a flair for proportion, stance, style, and detailing that was not always typical of Honda designs. Minor front styling changes included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights, with the Touring trim featuring 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Accord's cabin exuded an upscale feel, with simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. While the hard plastic upper rear door trim was a slight disappointment, the overall quality was commendable. The controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display included both a volume and tuning knob. Outward visibility was excellent, aided by the sculpted hood visible from the driver's seat.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average compared to rivals' base powertrains, the torque output was impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels when pulling away from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, with slower response during highway overtakes. Switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved this issue. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and Toyota Camry. While ride quality and cabin noise levels were acceptable on the highway, the Passat did not provide much excitement on twisty roads.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a sophisticated two-motor hybrid system. This system combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The system produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with torque available immediately and remaining constant up to 2,000 rpm. The Accord Hybrid achieved an impressive fuel efficiency of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a slightly higher average of 5.5 L/100 km during testing. The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive—based on driving conditions. Drivers could also select EV Mode, Econ Mode, or Sport mode to tailor the drivetrain characteristics. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain was refined for 2021, offering improved throttle response and a more natural sound and feel during acceleration. The Touring trim's 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tires provided excellent grip and handling, while the suspension was tuned for athletic handling and a compliant ride. The brake-by-wire regenerative braking system offered excellent feel, modulation, and response.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 993 millimetres of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. This spaciousness came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. Front headroom was also lacking compared to other midsize sedans. The Passat's driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and seats lacking thigh support. The rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat's cargo space measured 450 litres, more than the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, or Nissan Altima, but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the Passat excelled in control layout, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, competing as a midsize sedan but offering full-size sedan space. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and enormous back seat provided excellent leg support, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Interior storage was generous, with a large centre console bin, a covered compartment with wireless smartphone charging, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's trunk offered 473 litres of cargo space, larger than any competitor in the segment, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats expanded utility further.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity functions, but the lack of USB-C support was a drawback. The touchscreen was small by modern standards but included pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat's tech features were basic, lacking the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 infotainment system available in other VW models. Driver aids were also basic, appealing to those seeking simplicity over a laundry list of tech features.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. USB port access was improved, with 2.5-amp quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers in the Touring trim. Wireless smartphone charging was standard. The Touring trim also featured a head-up display and navigation with bilingual voice recognition, though the system required specific prompts for voice commands. The navigation system struggled to locate the closest hospital, highlighting a limitation in its functionality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Passat. 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 safety features included VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Touring trim added low-speed braking control and a front and rear automatic emergency braking system. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) was refined for smoother and more accurate operation, though some aspects, like lane departure warning, could be improved. The low-speed automatic braking system required recalibration, as it was overly sensitive to changes in payload.