2021 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

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 was clean and functional, with analog controls and a low dashboard for enhanced visibility. While some buyers might have found the interior plain, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's value-oriented market positioning.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, while mostly a carryover model, surprised with its futuristic and expressive exterior design. The front end featured a sneering face and muscular features, with base models sporting 17-inch alloy wheels and upper trims offering 18-inch and 19-inch options. The interior mirrored this futuristic theme, with a wild dashboard design and a sweeping curve across the centre stack. The control centre housed a large infotainment touchscreen, while the second row provided ample room and comfort, even for the middle seat. Toyota's high level of fit and finish was evident throughout, with smooth, glossy paint and quality materials. The Camry Hybrid's design and build quality continued to uphold its reputation as a top choice among family sedans.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 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 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 and Mazda 6. While ride quality and cabin noise levels were acceptable on the highway, the Passat did not offer much excitement on twisty roads.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with entry-level LE models achieving ratings of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 4.8 on the highway, and 4.9 combined. Other trims had slightly higher consumption rates. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT sent power to the front wheels, with paddle shifters available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid offered multiple drive modes, including EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport, though maintaining EV mode was challenging. Handling was improved by the low-mounted lithium-ion battery pack, providing a lower centre of gravity. While the focus on fuel efficiency slightly compromised responsiveness, the Camry Hybrid's performance was generally commendable.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 993 millimetres of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy, but 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 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. However, the layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid provided a comfortable and adjustable driving position, accommodating a range of driver heights. The driver and front passenger seats offered ample storage options, including a spacious glove compartment and multiple dash nooks. The second row was easy to access and provided a roomy, comfortable space. The Camry Hybrid's trunk offered 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable second-row seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with a basic warranty of three years/60,000 kilometres, a powertrain warranty of five years/100,000 kilometres, and extensive coverage for the hybrid battery and components.

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, and the touchscreen, though small, offered pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat's tech features were basic, lacking the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 system found in other VW models. While tech enthusiasts might have found the Passat lacking, its straightforward approach appealed to those seeking simplicity.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system on XLE models, with nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms for enhanced audio quality. Embedded navigation was available on XLE models, while Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard across all trims. The LE model featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims had a 9-inch version. The Camry Hybrid included Toyota's smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path feature for the rearview camera. Upper trims offered a 10-inch colour head-up display, bird’s-eye view camera, and other luxury features, bringing the Camry Hybrid close to Lexus levels of tech sophistication.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, 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 features included VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and automatic high beams. The Star safety system included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Camry Hybrid featured 10 airbags, three-point seatbelts, and LATCH anchors for child seats. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on all but the base LE. The IIHS awarded the Camry Hybrid a Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.