2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its traditionally bland image by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. Designers added features like flared wheel arches and sleek headlights and taillights to give the car a wider appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, which cluttered the design. The LE and XLE trims offered a slightly cleaner look with a different grille, though it remained large. The Camry's interior mirrored its exterior with a chaotic mix of materials and design elements, lacking a cohesive theme. Despite the attempt to elevate the interior with contrast stitching and various trims, the materials felt subpar.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated and conservative design, following a significant facelift in 2020. Its smooth, aerodynamic shape was reminiscent of 1990s sedans, contributing to a drag coefficient of 0.28. The Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls that were easy to use. The dashboard was designed to enhance visibility, avoiding the bunker-like feel of many modern cars. However, the interior was considered plain, with limited brightwork and basic materials, though the fit and finish were commendable. The Passat's design choices reflected its positioning as a value-oriented option in the midsize sedan market.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in FWD models, and slightly less in AWD versions. The XSE trim featured a dual-exhaust system, increasing output slightly. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was also available, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 horsepower. The SE Nightshade Edition, with its base four-cylinder engine and AWD, surprised with its sporty character and responsive handling, offering a fun driving experience without the need for the TRD performance package.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, simplified its powertrain options to a single 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD. While the torque output was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to competitors. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. The ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional, making the Passat a straightforward choice for those seeking a no-frills midsize sedan.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was average at 428 litres, falling short of the Honda Accord's capacity. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. The Camry featured analog controls for essential functions, enhancing ease of use, though some controls were a long reach from the driver's seat.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though it was slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. Front legroom and headroom were below average, leading to an uncomfortable driving position for some. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, more than the Camry but less than the Accord and Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders. The Passat excelled in control layout, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on the XSE and XLE trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and limited USB ports.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, and Bluetooth. The Execline trim added navigation and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. The touchscreen was small but included pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat's approach focused on simplicity, with analog controls for basic functions, appealing to those seeking a straightforward driving experience. However, it lacked advanced tech features found in some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the TSS 2.5+ package, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included enhanced adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning capabilities. A Rear Seat Reminder was also standard, along with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, though its headlights earned a "marginal" rating. NHTSA ratings were not available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Execline trim added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.