2021 Volkswagen Passat vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan segment with its bold and distinctive design, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. This styling was a result of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, which included unique features like the Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, intended to break conventional design rules and give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra's appearance improved with higher trim levels, offering a range of options from the Essential to the Ultimate, with hybrid powertrains available in select trims. Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and centre console, with the Ultimate trim offering a modern and upscale look with light gray interiors that contrasted with the otherwise black cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated and traditional design, having received a facelift in 2020. Its exterior bore a strong resemblance to the smaller Volkswagen Jetta, with a smooth shape contributing to aerodynamic efficiency. The Passat's styling was more conservative compared to its rivals, and this approach extended to its interior, which featured a clean and functional design with analog controls. The Passat's interior was practical, with excellent fit and finish, but it lacked the flair and modernity seen in some competitors. The flat-bottomed steering wheel was a questionable design choice in an otherwise straightforward cabin.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup provided adequate power for city driving but felt underwhelming on highways. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though real-world consumption varied due to driving conditions. The Elantra N Line and Elantra N models catered to performance enthusiasts, with the N Line featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower, and the Elantra N boasting a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 276 horsepower. The Elantra N offered a thrilling driving experience with its sport-tuned suspension and advanced features like an electronic limited-slip differential.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, offered a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the torque output was commendable, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in some competitors. It provided a smooth ride on highways but didn't excel in handling or performance on twisty roads. The Passat's power delivery felt uneven, and the absence of a manual transmission option limited driver engagement.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, ensuring comfort for drivers. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release, though the absence of a grab handle inside the trunk was noted.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short compared to some competitors. The front legroom was below average, and the driving position was uncomfortable for many drivers. The Passat's front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. With 450 litres of cargo space, the Passat offered more room than some rivals but less than others. In-cabin storage was limited, and the door bottle holders were not well-designed for larger bottles. The Passat excelled in the layout of its controls, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, making it user-friendly.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with volume and tuning knobs. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, providing a modern and high-tech experience. The Elantra's infotainment system included features like dynamic natural voice recognition and a Sounds of Nature function. A Bose premium audio system was available, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The Passat Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. 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 system found in other VW models. The Passat's approach was simple, catering to drivers who preferred straightforward controls over flashy tech features.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways for enhanced safety. Most Elantra models came equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai's suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention warning system. Higher trims offered additional safety features like cyclist detection and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Elantra's Highway Drive Assist provided a high level of smoothness and accuracy in its segment.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, though its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The Passat included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. 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, enhancing safety in the event of a collision.