2022 Toyota Camry 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 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, rounded design was reminiscent of the 1990s jellybean sedans, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28, which contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency. 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 followed a clean and functional design philosophy. Volkswagen opted for analog controls over large digital screens, enhancing usability and visibility. The dashboard was low, improving forward visibility, while a low beltline provided good side visibility. However, some buyers might have found the interior plain, with its silver-coloured plastic trim and leatherette upholstery. Despite this, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's market positioning as a value option.

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in the TRD model, turned heads with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition for that year. This vibrant colour was exclusive to the performance-tuned TRD model, which also featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, and red accents. The Camry offered 13 different versions, with pricing starting at $27,750 for the base LE and reaching $41,390 for the XSE V6. Engine options included a four-cylinder, a V6, and a hybrid powertrain. The TRD model, priced at $37,040, came with a JBL premium sound system and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Camry TRD's interior was less polarizing, featuring an unusual dashboard layout and driver-oriented centre console. However, the red gauge illumination and other red accents were considered tacky by some. Despite its bold styling, the Camry TRD delivered on performance, offering a thrilling driving experience that matched its sporty appearance.

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 for the segment, the torque was impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels if not careful. The Passat's power delivery felt uneven at times, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode improved responsiveness. Overall, the Passat offered a straightforward driving experience without much excitement, especially compared to sportier rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Camry TRD offered a Sport mode and paddle shifters for a more engaging drive. Despite its powerful engine, the Camry TRD achieved a fuel consumption rating of 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The TRD model boasted track-tuned dynamics, with enhanced torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes. The Camry TRD delivered impressive performance, feeling solid and planted on the road, with excellent brake modulation and a compliant ride.

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 driving position was uncomfortable for some, with limited front legroom and lack of thigh support in the seats. The Passat provided 450 litres of cargo space, more than the Camry but less than the Accord and Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, but the layout of controls was user-friendly, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured front seats with red accents and TRD logos, but no additional bolstering compared to the standard Camry SE. Despite this, the sporty driving position and supportive seats provided comfort during spirited driving. The Camry's back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, though the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding rear seatback. The trunk offered 428 litres of space, smaller than some competitors, but in-cabin storage was generous, with a large centre armrest bin and ample stash space.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Execline models added navigation and a Fender premium audio system. The touchscreen was small but functional, with pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit and newer MIB3 system, focusing instead on simplicity and ease of use.

The 2022 Toyota Camry offered a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Camry XSE and TRD models upgraded to a 9-inch display with additional subscription services and a JBL premium audio system. While the Camry TRD lacked dynamic navigation, it supported voice commands via smartphone integration. Other Camry models offered a head-up display and surround-view monitoring, but not the TRD.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests, though its headlights earned a "marginal" rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and more. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the TRD and XSE. The Camry's lane-departure warning system occasionally issued false alerts, and the lane-centring assistance could be overly insistent. Safety Connect was standard, providing collision notification and emergency assistance. The Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.