2022 Audi A4 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 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 smooth, jellybean-like shape, reminiscent of 1990s sedans, contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency, 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 interior design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls for ease of use. The dashboard was short and low, enhancing forward visibility, while a low beltline improved side visibility. Despite the excellent fit and finish, some buyers might have found the interior plain, with materials primarily consisting of plastic and leatherette upholstery. The only questionable design choice was the flat-bottomed steering wheel, which seemed out of place in this un-sporty sedan.

The 2022 Audi A4, available in sedan, Allroad wagon, and S4 performance-tuned models, offered a simple, clean, and conservative appearance. Our test car, a Technik 45 TFSI model, featured Tango Red paint, the Black Edition package, 19-inch wheels, and the S-line package, making it one of the most expensive A4 configurations without upgrading to the S4. The A4's design was a perfect canvas for these enhancements, resulting in a sensationally good-looking vehicle. Inside, the A4 maintained aesthetic restraint with black everything, complemented by aluminum trim, gloss black décor, and metallic accents. The dashboard integrated air vents seamlessly, and controls were clearly labeled. The high-quality materials, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel, and ambient interior lighting added to the premium feel. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system appeared somewhat out of place, resembling an afterthought rather than an integrated design element.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured 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 below average compared to rivals, 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, but a manual transmission option was not available. 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 highway ride quality and cabin noise levels were acceptable, they were not exceptional.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel drive. This setup achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving and accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds. Our test car, the 45 TFSI model, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with a lowered sport suspension as part of the S-line package. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km. Both engines required premium gas and offered multiple driving modes. The A4's driving experience was joyful, with refined engine performance, solid torque delivery, and engaging steering wheel paddle shifters. The brakes performed flawlessly, and the car's structure and suspension provided a rock-solid sensation over bumps. The A4 was remarkably quiet, thanks to dual-pane acoustic front window glass and a low drag coefficient. Overall, the A4 45 TFSI was dynamically rewarding and unflappable, making it a great German sports sedan.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted roomy back seats with 993 millimetres of rear legroom, although this was slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. However, this 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 driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and seats lacking thigh support. The rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, 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. The layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Audi A4 sat low to the ground, making entry and exit challenging. However, once inside, the A4 was exceptionally comfortable in the front and adequately comfortable in the back. The driver's seat featured soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion, providing a perfect driving position. The centre armrest was adjustable for height and position. The A4 included a three-zone automatic climate control system, separate from the infotainment screen, and intuitive switchgear. The back seat accommodated adults, but legroom was limited, and the hard plastic front seatbacks were unfriendly to knees. Interior storage was limited, with the centre console bin housing the wireless charging pad and Audi Phone Box signal booster. The A4's 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets. Audi provided grab handles on the trunk lid for easy closure.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring 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. Keyless entry was standard, along with a single USB-A port for connectivity. The touchscreen was small by modern standards but included pinch-to-zoom capability. Basic functions like climate control and audio could be controlled via dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls, appealing to drivers seeking simplicity. However, tech enthusiasts might have been disappointed by the lack of advanced features, such as the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster or the newer MIB3 infotainment system.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported common smartphone functions and provided acoustic feedback. Features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Audi Connect services, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a Home button for easy navigation. Voice recognition was accurate but slow. The lack of physical controls was not an issue, thanks to the intuitive user experience and useful voice controls. The Bang & Olufsen stereo was satisfying, but sound quality degraded at high volumes. The test car also had a head-up display, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

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. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with availability increasing with higher trim levels. The A4 Technik included Audi Pre Sense, with front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Our test vehicle also had lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a safe exit warning system, a surround-view camera system, and Park Assist. The Matrix-design LED headlights provided excellent visibility. The driver assistance tech was effective and non-intrusive, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally required driver intervention. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.