2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Nissan Altima
2021 Nissan Altima
$24,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Volkswagen Passat
2022 Volkswagen Passat
$27,575MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Altima
$24,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Passat
$27,575MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$24,550

MSRP

$27,575

Average price

$19,393

Average price

$19,803

Listings

2223

Listings

292
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.0 out of 10
Pros
  • All-wheel drive available
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available with the turbo engine
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Spacious
  • Impressive stereo
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Uncomfortable driving position
  • Outdated technology

2021 Nissan Altima Reviews Summary

The 2021 Nissan Altima is a popular midsize sedan now in the third year of its sixth generation of production. The Altima debuted as a 1993 model and has spent the decades nudged from the spotlight by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, despite continuous evolution and improvement over the years. Don’t feel bad for the Altima—it has a lot of fans, and some innovative features it hopes will allow it to take center stage someday.

2022 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

First came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king.

Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either.

VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 182 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

182 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

28

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

39

MPG Highway

36
2021 Nissan Altima
2021 Nissan Altima
$24,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Passat
2022 Volkswagen Passat
$27,575MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Altima
$24,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Passat
$27,575MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$24,550
$27,575
Average price
$19,393
$19,803
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.8
Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

6.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • All-wheel drive available
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available with the turbo engine
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Spacious
  • Impressive stereo
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Uncomfortable driving position
  • Outdated technology
Summary
The 2021 Nissan Altima is a popular midsize sedan now in the third year of its sixth generation of production. The Altima debuted as a 1993 model and has spent the decades nudged from the spotlight by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, despite continuous evolution and improvement over the years. Don’t feel bad for the Altima—it has a lot of fans, and some innovative features it hopes will allow it to take center stage someday.

First came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king.

Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either.

VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 182 hp I4
2.0L 174 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
182 hp @ 6000 rpm
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
28
24
MPG Highway
39
36
Look and feel
2021 Nissan Altima
6/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
7/10

In 2021, Nissan showcased its strong family identity through the design of the Altima, starting with the bold V-Motion grille that adorned the front. This grille was available in chrome or dark chrome depending on the trim level and featured a prominent Nissan logo at the center. The overall shape of the Altima was attractive, with a sleek, aerodynamic profile thanks to its sloping coupe-like roofline. Unlike many modern cars that pushed their wheels to the corners, the Altima presented a design with a lot of overhang ahead of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels. Although this made its stance appear slightly ungainly and somewhat old-fashioned, modern touches like standard LED lighting and a range of wheels from 16-inch steel to 19-inch alloy managed to keep its look contemporary.

The Altima’s fit and finish were exceptional, boasting deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. Buyers had the option to choose from nine exterior colors, each with unique names such as “Super Black” and “Sunset Drift ChromaFlair.” Some colors, however, required an extra $395.

Inside, the Altima featured an uncluttered dashboard intelligently laid out with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display at the top of the center stack. The instrument panel was designed with a cowl to enhance readability in various lighting conditions. Upgrading through the trim levels improved the interior materials, adding stitching to the dash and seats, along with a better hand feel overall, making the higher trims substantially more luxurious.

Conversely, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat, especially the Limited Edition, brought an upscale feel to the table. Priced at $31,570, it featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, special badges, and a unique Racing Green paint option. Only 1,973 units of this model were ever produced, marking the end of the Passat's run in style.

The Passat's interior felt premium with supple Mauro Brown leather upholstery and faux wood trim on the dashboard that meshed well with the dark interior elements. Special seat tags reading "VW Chattanooga Since 2011" and "One of 1,973" added to its exclusivity. Despite these high-quality touches, the interior also contained a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies. The 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the small driver information display between the analog gauges felt archaic.

Yet, the Passat managed to maintain a sense of modernity with its well-integrated dashboard air vents and metallic detailing, combining traditional European sobriety with practicality. Although certain aspects, like the outdated infotainment system, could dampen the experience, the overall design managed to provide an upscale impression.

Performance
2021 Nissan Altima
7/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
6/10

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered intriguing powertrain options that could be described as a Jekyll-and-Hyde situation. Most of its lineup featured a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, came with either front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel-drive system capable of sending up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. In terms of fuel economy, the FWD models achieved 28 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined, while the AWD versions managed 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

For those seeking more excitement, the SR VC-Turbo trim level of the Altima offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This advanced powerplant used variable compression technology, dynamically adjusting the compression ratio to balance between power and efficiency. It generated 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque when using premium gasoline. Despite its increased power, the VC-Turbo trim managed decent fuel efficiency of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

In comparison, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat was a mixed bag in terms of driving dynamics. It housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While these figures were adequate, they didn't offer the spirited performance one might expect. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Passat prioritized fuel conservation with quick upshifts in normal driving mode. All-wheel drive was not available, limiting it to front-wheel drive.

Nonetheless, the Passat's torque curve provided sufficient power for daily commutes, errands, and highway driving, achieving a respectable 28 mpg in combined driving. In actual testing, it even surpassed this, recording 30.7 mpg. The Passat’s 18.5-gallon fuel tank allowed for over 500 miles between refueling, a notable convenience feature.

On the whole, the Volkswagen Passat excelled in providing a comfortable ride quality, though it felt somewhat jittery on city streets and conveyed impacts more than expected. Its braking system experienced inconsistent response, adding to the vehicle's list of driving quirks.

Form and function
2021 Nissan Altima
8/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
7/10

The 2021 Nissan Altima was praised for its comfortable and supportive Zero Gravity front seats, which lived up to their expectation even on longer drives. The upper trims added power adjustments, position memory, leather appointments, and seat heating. In the front cabin, the Altima offered ample storage space with a big glovebox, center console storage bin, cupholders, an open cubby, and sizable door pockets. Rear passengers also enjoyed practical storage features and roomy seating, as well as a flat-folding rear seat in a 60/40 split configuration, extending into the trunk’s 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, provided an exceptionally spacious cabin, accommodating five adults with ease. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment; however, the inability to independently adjust the bottom cushion angle resulted in limited comfort options. Drivers who preferred sitting high might find themselves without adequate leg support.

In contrast, the rear seating in the Passat was incredibly generous, offering cross-your-legs levels of legroom, a comfortable backrest angle, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Practical touches like coat hooks on the roof pillars enhanced its family-friendly appeal. However, the hard plastic lining in the door-panel bins was a minor downside, causing items to slide and make noise during transit.

The Passat provided 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space, slightly larger than the Altima, but lacked underfloor trays or side bins. It featured convenient remote trunk access and an easy-to-close lid.

Technology
2021 Nissan Altima
7/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
6/10

The 2021 Nissan Altima came well-equipped with standard tech features. Every model included Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, cruise control, HomeLink, rear-view camera, Siri Eyes Free, and Google Assistant Voice Recognition. The vehicle’s base model featured a 7-inch touchscreen display, while other trims had an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen. USB and auxiliary input options were more expansive in upper trims, with multiple ports available. SiriusXM satellite radio was standard on all but the base model, and a premium Bose audio system was found on higher trims.

Nissan’s technology suite extended to features like Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation and NissanConnect Services, enhancing functionalities with services such as a WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notifications.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat’s technology offerings felt outdated in comparison. Its 6.3-inch touchscreen system was less sophisticated than those in other VW models, but it did offer standard App-Connect, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity. Higher trims included a navigation system and a premium Fender audio system to amplify the experience. While the navigation's voice recognition was best for simple commands, it was less reliable for natural speech commands.

Safety
2021 Nissan Altima
9/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
4/10

Safety was a priority for the 2021 Nissan Altima, equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a robust suite of active and passive safety features standard from the SV trim and above. This comprehensive suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. Additionally, ProPilot Assist was available, offering intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, traffic sign recognition, intelligent driver alertness, and adaptive cruise control.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Altima a five-star overall safety rating, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+.

Volkswagen's 2022 Passat didn't feature the advanced IQ Drive technology found in more modern VW models but still included a decent set of standard safety features. These encompassed forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

Limited Edition models further offered adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and a park-assist system. Unfortunately, the lane-keeping system showed inaccuracy in practice, often making unnecessary corrections. Nonetheless, the adaptive LED headlights functioned exceptionally well.

While the IIHS rated the Passat well across the board, the NHTSA provided a four-star overall rating, with only three stars for frontal-impact collision protection.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Altima was 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Volkswagen Passat scored 6.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Nissan Altima emerges as the stronger choice, offering advanced safety features, a more comprehensive technology suite, and a better overall driving experience. If you’re in the market for a reliable midsize sedan with a balance of performance, comfort, and tech features, the Nissan Altima should be at the top of your list.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Altima was 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Volkswagen Passat scored 6.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Nissan Altima emerges as the stronger choice, offering advanced safety features, a more comprehensive technology suite, and a better overall driving experience. If you’re in the market for a reliable midsize sedan with a balance of performance, comfort, and tech features, the Nissan Altima should be at the top of your list.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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