2021 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

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 rounded-off corners evoked the aerodynamic efficiency of the jellybean sedans from the 1990s, 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 was clean and functional, with well-placed analog controls and excellent fit and finish, though some buyers might have found it a bit plain.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, part of the current-generation lineup that began in 2019, aimed to shed Toyota's reputation for blandness with bold exterior styling. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. Different trim levels offered unique styling elements, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade Edition added blacked-out trim. The Apex Edition, with its subtle body kit and model-specific 18-inch wheels, exuded a "Fast and Furious" vibe. The Corolla's interior, though less imaginative than its exterior, maintained Toyota's high standards for fit and finish. However, the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges, and the light grey upholstery in the SE Apex Edition seemed susceptible to stains.

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 accelerating 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, though 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. On the highway, ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options depending on the trim level. The L, LE, and XLE models featured a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, along with the Apex Edition, were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Apex Edition also included a sport exhaust system. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with the smaller engine, while the 2.0-litre engine offered a six-speed manual gearbox with rev matching or a CVT with paddle shifters. The Apex Edition's manual transmission, sport exhaust, and model-specific suspension enhanced its handling, making it more nimble than other Corolla models. However, the suspension changes resulted in a stiffer ride. The Apex Edition was fun in corners but lacked the power upgrades of a true performance model.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was known for its spacious rear seats, offering 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell slightly short compared to the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. This rear legroom seemed to come at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. Front headroom was also limited compared to other midsize sedans. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and seats lacking thigh support. The Passat provided 450 litres of cargo space, more than the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy 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, featuring big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered headroom and legroom similar to the Honda Civic, providing a decently roomy interior. The low beltline aided outward visibility, but the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard hindered forward visibility. Toyota lowered the driver's hip point and moved the seat rearward for better positioning, but long-legged drivers might still find knee space lacking. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel helped with finding an ideal driving position. The Corolla's 371 litres of cargo space was less than competitors like the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra. A 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard, and a power trunk release was available on certain trims. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin centre console and shallow cupholders. The angled phone tray was too small and oddly shaped to be practical.

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. Keyless entry was standard, along with a single USB-A port for connectivity. The touchscreen, though small by modern standards, included pinch-to-zoom capability. Basic functions like climate control and audio could be managed with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls, appealing to drivers who preferred simplicity over tech-heavy features. The Passat lacked the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 infotainment system found in other VW models, and its driver aids were basic.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base L model, while other trims received an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The XSE and XLE trims featured a nine-speaker, 800-watt JBL audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with home buttons for each menu, and analog climate controls were retained. However, some tasks, like selecting a radio station, were less intuitive compared to other systems. The graphics appeared dated, and wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. The Corolla lacked novel tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key.

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. Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning were available on the Execline grade. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests, though its headlights received "Acceptable" or "Marginal" ratings depending on the trim. The NHTSA awarded the Corolla a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. The Corolla came with eight airbags and a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, Lane Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also available.