2022 BMW 3 Series 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 sedan 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 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an Adaptive Front-lighting System on Execline models.

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. 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 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a diverse lineup, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with base prices ranging from $44,990 to $93,500, excluding a destination charge. Each variant featured a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 and M3 Competition catered to enthusiasts.

The M340i xDrive, in particular, featured a Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, and options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package and Adaptive M Suspension. The M Performance exterior design treatment included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery convincingly mimicked leather, and the Cognac colour provided a trendy contrast against the dark cabin. The 3 Series emphasized quality materials and a technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

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, 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 performance, but a manual transmission option was not available. Overall, the Passat offered a plain driving experience, lacking the sportiness found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, specifically the M340i, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. It delivered 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The M340i's performance was impressive, accelerating to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.3 seconds. The car's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension. The optional Adaptive M Suspension further improved handling, making the M340i a thrilling car to drive. The 3 Series remained a benchmark for sports sedans, offering a perfect balance of performance and driving enjoyment.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 993 millimetres of rear legroom, slightly less than competitors like the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. However, 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's cargo space measured 450 litres, more than some rivals 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 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for four relatively tall people. The back seat offered good thigh support, but the centre rear seating position was likely to go unused. The 3 Series included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated steering wheel and front seats standard in Canada. Interior storage was decent, and the 481-litre trunk provided ample cargo space. The back seat's 40/20/40-split folding design added utility, although a sports wagon variant would have been preferable for some.

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. 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 found in other VW models.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a gesture control system. The 3 Series included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system available. Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded to various queries and requests. The M340i also featured a head-up display and advanced driver assistance features, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The 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 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The available Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The M340i featured advanced driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist, which was effective but could be aggressive.