2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, rounded-off corners contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes varying by trim level. The R-Line trim added sportier exterior elements, although the color palette remained conservative.

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls rather than large digital screens. This approach enhanced visibility and ease of use, although some buyers might have found the interior a bit plain due to the limited use of brightwork and materials. The fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's positioning as a value option. However, the flat-bottomed steering wheel seemed out of place in this otherwise un-sporty car.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series introduced a new exterior design, avoiding the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. The 2 Series was available as a rear-wheel-drive 230i Coupe and an all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupe, with the four-door Gran Coupe variants also offered. The 2 Series Convertible was discontinued for 2022. The Coupe variants featured an extended wheelbase and larger dimensions, contributing to a leaner, aerodynamic appearance. The M240i xDrive Coupe showcased performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type elements and the M Shadowline package.

The interior of the 2 Series was driver-oriented, with standard perforated SensaTec synthetic upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The updated interior featured a standard 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional upgrade to a 10.25-inch display. The M240i xDrive Coupe included standard features like keyless entry, mood lighting, and a larger moonroof. The interior exuded a high-end vibe with mixed material finishes, although some penny-pinching plastics were present.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average compared to rivals, the torque output was impressive. However, power delivery felt uneven at times, particularly during highway overtakes, unless Sport mode was engaged. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe offered impressive performance for its subcompact size. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive Coupe boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quick paddle shifter response. The M240i xDrive Coupe included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, contributing to balanced handling and dynamics. However, the driving experience felt somewhat disconnected, with the steering lacking feedback.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered generous rear legroom at 39.1 inches, although it fell slightly short compared to the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. This spaciousness came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some competitors but less than others like the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with rear seats best suited for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative spaciousness, but the slanted roofline and rear window design limited rear headroom. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The lower console layout mirrored other new BMW models, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. Keyless entry was standard on SE and R-Line trims. The Passat's tech offerings were straightforward, with a focus on simplicity rather than flashy features. The lack of a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 infotainment system might have disappointed tech enthusiasts, but the Passat catered to those seeking a straightforward driving experience.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series excelled in technology and connectivity, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display as standard. The infotainment system featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus, capable of over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Additional connectivity features included a WiFi hotspot, two USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, although its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System for added safety.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with Active Driving Assistant, including active blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed limit information. Standard safety features also included a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder allowed for recording driving footage using onboard cameras.