2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2020 Nissan Altima

2020 Volkswagen Passat
2020 Volkswagen Passat
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Altima
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Passat
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$22,995

MSRP

$24,300

Average price

$18,663

Average price

$18,125

Listings

378

Listings

1752
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

Volkswagen builds a full-size car in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and has for nearly a decade. It’s called the Passat, and it gets a restyle for 2020. Huge inside like a full-size automobile, priced like a midsize sedan, and thrifty with gas like a compact car, the Passat has long been one of my favorite family haulers. Unfortunately, what it needs is a redesign, not a restyle. But since consumers want SUVs instead of sedans and VW is about to roll out a squadron of electric vehicles, the company couldn’t make a business case for spending a pile of cash to craft a new gas-powered car. Instead, you get the old one wearing a new suit.

2020 Nissan Altima Reviews Summary

Sedans are not dead, though some models in the segment are not long for this world. In fact, post-pandemic financial pressure on consumers could result in a resurgence of the traditional 4-door car as consumers seek lower-cost, higher-value transportation.

Clearly, Nissan believes in sedans. And should economic headwinds once again favor cars over more expensive and less efficient SUVs, the company is perfectly positioned to capitalize on such a theoretical trend. During the past two years, the company has redesigned or refreshed its entire sedan lineup, which includes the Versa, Sentra, Altima, and Maxima.

New last year, the 2020 Nissan Altima receives an important change. The company's Nissan Safety Shield 360 advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) package is more widely available than before. Now optional for base S trim and standard with SR trim and higher, this collection of ADAS makes the 2020 Altima even more worthy of your consideration.

But is that enough?

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 188 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

188 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

34

MPG Highway

39
2020 Volkswagen Passat
2020 Volkswagen Passat
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Altima
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Passat
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$22,995
$24,300
Average price
$18,663
$18,125
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.9
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
Volkswagen builds a full-size car in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and has for nearly a decade. It’s called the Passat, and it gets a restyle for 2020. Huge inside like a full-size automobile, priced like a midsize sedan, and thrifty with gas like a compact car, the Passat has long been one of my favorite family haulers. Unfortunately, what it needs is a redesign, not a restyle. But since consumers want SUVs instead of sedans and VW is about to roll out a squadron of electric vehicles, the company couldn’t make a business case for spending a pile of cash to craft a new gas-powered car. Instead, you get the old one wearing a new suit.

Sedans are not dead, though some models in the segment are not long for this world. In fact, post-pandemic financial pressure on consumers could result in a resurgence of the traditional 4-door car as consumers seek lower-cost, higher-value transportation.

Clearly, Nissan believes in sedans. And should economic headwinds once again favor cars over more expensive and less efficient SUVs, the company is perfectly positioned to capitalize on such a theoretical trend. During the past two years, the company has redesigned or refreshed its entire sedan lineup, which includes the Versa, Sentra, Altima, and Maxima.

New last year, the 2020 Nissan Altima receives an important change. The company's Nissan Safety Shield 360 advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) package is more widely available than before. Now optional for base S trim and standard with SR trim and higher, this collection of ADAS makes the 2020 Altima even more worthy of your consideration.

But is that enough?

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 174 hp I4
2.5L 188 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
188 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
23
28
MPG Highway
34
39
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