Volkswagen Passat vs Nissan Altima Comparison - Which New Midsize Sedan Is Better?

Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Passat

If you are looking for a quality four-door sedan, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not considering either the Nissan Altima or Volkswagen Passat for sale. As two of the best-performing midsize sedans on the market, both models are contemporary, efficient, and come at a fair asking price. With so many similarities, you might think that you can't go wrong with either model.

But if you are actively deciding between the two, you are eventually going to have to make a decision. That's why we decided to write this VW Passat vs Nissan Altima vehicle comparison review.

This article breaks down the design, performance, technology, safety, and trim-level options of both the Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Altima. By reading through the detailed information about each new model, you will have the resources necessary to compare and make an informed buying decision. Get started by tackling the following sections to see which modern midsize sedan holds the edge over the other.

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New Passat vs Altima Exterior

First impressions matter, especially if you are looking at your next potential car. After looking at the exterior design of the VW Passat and Nissan Altima, one of these models makes a better statement and that's the Passat. With a bold front fascia that is accented by LED headlights, the Passat sports an athletic look that is both stylish and sensible.

When you follow the body lines, you will see how the four-door model is completely refreshed from the Passat of the past. All things considered, the fourth generation VW Passat brings a new attitude for a new decade and that's more than we can say for the Nissan Altima, which hasn't received much of a makeover for 2020.

Passat vs Altima Interior

More upgrades have come to the VW Passat and that's instantly noticeable when climbing into the cabin to see the newly revamped interior of the sedan. The seats are comfortable while the rear-seating area offers a nice amount of legroom to provide an elevated level of comfort on long trips.

As one of the roomiest midsize sedans on the market, the VW Passat is more comfortable than the Nissan Altima. Even though both models offer passenger seating for five, the Passat has the edge when it comes to a spacious cabin with modern accents. Lastly, the trunk of the Passat comes with 15.9 cubic feet of space which is generous for this size and class.

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Performance

When it comes to performance capabilities, the Nissan Altima has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The VW Passat's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is not as powerful but it still gets 174-horsepower which is good for this vehicle class. While the Altima has a little more pep in its step, the Passat is still a better commuter car as it gets 34 miles to the gallon on the highway.

You will notice that the newest generation Passat offers smooth acceleration and consistent speed, making the sedan ideal for cruising the interstate or local highways for extended periods of time. Both the Altima and Passat offer a high-level of performance, but the Passat is more practical.

Convenient Features

Standard in the VW Passat is a 6.3-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, along with a new navigation system that features turn-by-turn directions. The updated infotainment system has Bluetooth support, offers multiple USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

You will never get bored on long road trips due to the sheer amount of entertainment options that are available every time you take the VW Passat out for a drive. Although the Nissan Altima comes with some nice convenience features, the VW Passat has the edge in this department because it allows you the option to stay plugged in at all times.

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New Passat vs Altima Safety Features

One of the most important things you should be considering when shopping for a new car is the safety features that come standard. Both the VW Passat and Nissan Altima received the highest ratings possible in the crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The reason why the VW Passat holds a slight edge over the Altima is due to the fact that it comes equipped with exclusive safety features such as the Intelligent Crash Response System and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

Trim Levels

Depending on which features are most important to you, you can choose from four available trim levels on the VW Passat: S, SE, R-Line, and SEL. Comparatively, the Nissan Altima offers five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum.

Despite the fact that the Altima has one more trim level to choose from, both models essentially offer the same consistent upgrades as you move up from the base edition to the top-of-the-line.

The Passat SEL and Altima Platinum both offer improvements in the form of leather seating, a premium audio system, and a fully loaded suite of driver assistance features. Ultimately, both models provide an adequate amount of trim-level options so you can't go wrong with either one.

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Bottom Line - VW Passat Holds The Edge

Both vehicles are two of the most popular midsize sedans on the market today. Both models are modern, modestly priced, and well-equipped with convenience and safety features. But if you have to choose one of these cars, the bottom line is that the VW Passat has the edge over the Japanese sedan.

The only way to understand the style and sensibility of the newest generation VW Passat is by taking one for a test drive. That's why Volkswagen of Sanford welcomes you to visit us during normal business hours to take one for a test drive.