2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat bore a striking resemblance to its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. It adopted Jetta's styling cues and applied them to the older Passat model. However, the interior was a different story. The revamped dashboard adhered to the previous car's design, featuring a small 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The Passat lacked the latest VW technology, missing out on the larger display and digital instrumentation found in the Jetta. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, which was easy to clean. The car was designed to be user-friendly, easy to drive, and budget-friendly. Volkswagen offered the 2020 Passat in four trims: S, SE, R-Line, and SEL, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $31,095.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and great stance. The design captured motion even when stationary, and the elegance was evident in the distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive appearance. The interior was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack. The overall design was bold and modern, though the analog clock felt outdated. The IS's interior matched its exterior with authentic lines, build quality, and a modern aesthetic.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It ran on regular gas and was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The powertrain was simple, with a Sport transmission setting and paddle shifters. The Passat's torque allowed it to accelerate smoothly, though the transmission occasionally upshifted too eagerly. The car averaged 26 mpg, close to the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The steering was light and precise, and the brakes were effective. However, the suspension tuning was problematic, being too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over rises and dips. Despite this, the Passat conveyed important road surface information, thanks to its German engineering.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of engines. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, had the same V6 engine, tuned to produce 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS had a top speed of 143 mph, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. The IS 350 RWD, with a 54/46 front/rear balance and weighing 3,748 pounds, felt crisp and balanced. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 25 mpg combined, and the IS 350 AWD at 22 mpg combined.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five people. The car featured sizable cupholders, storage bins, and excellent outward visibility. Cloth upholstery was standard in the Passat S, while the SE and R-Line had V-Tex leatherette seats, and the SEL trim offered genuine leather. The trunk space measured 15.9 cubic feet, with a flat load floor for maximum utility. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical choice, with only all-wheel drive, big-box cargo capability, or a third-row seat as reasons to opt for a more expensive SUV.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on driver-centered form and function. The driver position was easily adjustable, paired with a comfortable, supportive seat. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS came with perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that looked and felt like leather. The car had ample storage space, including an open cubby, twin cupholders, big door pockets, and a decent glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiable with front-seat occupants. The trunk space was 10.8 cubic feet, deep in configuration, with a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment system and Digital Cockpit instrumentation technologies. It featured a 6.3-inch touchscreen display, App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim included navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The infotainment system was simple, with buttons and knobs. The test car had an optional remote engine start system, and the SEL trim offered a parking steering-assist system.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchpad remained but was no longer the default option. The IS included various connected services with free trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option, offering superb sound quality and a CD player.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. An automatic post-collision braking system was also standard. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat earned the top rating of Good in crash-test assessments by the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated for crashworthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it was expected to receive good ratings based on the previous generation's platform. The IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, enhanced lane-tracing assist, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Other features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, LED headlamps, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.