Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat: which is better (+ photos and videos)

Japanese reliability or German attention to detail, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat? Let's make a comparison and find out which is better.

It is difficult to imagine more popular business class sedans on the Russian market than these two cars. Drivers fell in love with each of them, and it seems that no matter what manufacturers put on their cars, no matter how they modernize them, they will still buy them.

In 2015, the companies released new versions of the legends: VW Passat B8 and Toyota Camry V50 restyling. What changed? Which car is better? And the main question: are they worth the money? Let's take a closer look at the models and, as usual, let's start with the appearance.

Exterior

The new Passat remained recognizable, although the manufacturers introduced new outlines to the design. It was assembled on the same platform as the Passat B7. A significant difference is in height - the roof of the new generation of sedans has become lower.

When thinking through the body, the engineers wanted to create a more sporty style. The lines have become sharper and the “face” more aggressive. At the front, a chrome-plated horizontal trim shines, which runs along the false grille and is continued in the head optics.

By the way, the headlights of the new VW are LED. For an additional fee, you can get full LED optics, including turn signals.

In general, the car began to look more modern, but German conservatism inevitably catches the eye. The Volkswagen company is extremely reluctant to make changes to its models, so there is no need to expect drastic innovations.

The new model is very similar to the Volkswagen Passat B7. Despite this, the car looks simple, tasteful and with a touch of sporty enthusiasm.

Separately, I would like to mention the Volkswagen Passat SS, which was created specifically for the North American market. It was developed on the basis of the standard Passat, but became lower, wider and longer than its brother.

This appearance made the car more aggressive, but this negatively affected the practicality of the model. However, it is worth mentioning that the car achieved its goal - the Passat began to be sold successfully in America.

The restyling of the Toyota Camry was also received positively. Compared to the Camry V40, the new model has become sharper and more challenging. Although you can’t tell this at all from the handling.

The front bumper has a huge air intake that instills fear in drivers who barely notice the car in the rearview mirror.

But unlike the Passat, the new Camry looks simpler. Although the German is conservative, even he could not outdo Toyota in terms of design restraint. Minimum lines and stampings on body elements. All charisma is concentrated exclusively in the front part. The rest of the Toyota body is very simple and minimalistic. However, this does not prevent the updated sedan from looking more attractive.

And although both cars are no longer young - the models were released in 2015 - their appearance can and continues to compete with new sedans in their class. This is evidenced by the number of sales.

Interior

Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat are very similar in their purpose, but different in their implementation. Both cars sought to create a comfortable, presentable, but not pretentious premium-class interior.

When you sit in the new Passat B8, you immediately realize 2 important things. Firstly: VAG's conservatism can be traced even inside.

The manufacturer has changed practically nothing and used a proven layout of control elements, slightly improving them. And secondly: the Volkswagen Passat B8 is no longer a Skoda, but also not an Audi! And this thought will help you when answering the question of whether this model is worth buying.

The pride of the new Volkswagen Passat is a huge 12-inch display in place of the on-board computer. All data on speed, engine speed, temperature, fuel consumption and other indicators are now on the display, which changes its design and functionality according to your requirements.

If you wish, you can even display a navigation map on the on-board computer screen, although the monitor on the center panel is designed for this. Although this option is very convenient and interesting, it can only be purchased in the maximum configuration.

Everything about Toyota Camry is simple, but ergonomic and functional. If you compare it with your opponent, the quality of the finishing materials sags a little. The interior was left with eye-catching plastic made to look like wood.

However, the Camry also has its advantages. On the armrest of the second row there are control buttons for the JBL multimedia system, which the competitor does not have.

There is more space in the back row inside the Camry. This is especially true for overhead space.

In the German, by lowering the roof level, tall passengers will have to comb their hair along the ceiling. And if you sit in the back row of the Passat SS, you run the risk of not being able to stand up to your full height.

Ergonomics and seat comfort are equally good in both cars. But in terms of trunk space, Toyota is seriously losing: 506 liters. useful volume versus 586 l. at VW.

In addition, the German has an electric trunk with a virtual pedal under the bumper. Under the floor of both there is a full-size wheel and a tool case.

Controllability

The 2021 Camry is renowned for its softness. The smooth and energy-intensive suspension successfully “swallows” any unevenness. But compared to his opponent, the Japanese lacks steering clarity. The reaction to the driver's movements occurs late, so over long distances you will get tired, constantly returning the car to the desired trajectory. The car is certainly comfortable, but slow to respond. You won't be able to experience any thrills on it.

Despite its sporty appearance, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat also does not sparkle with drive. The car is quite calm and does not have explosive dynamics. But in the flow you definitely won’t fall behind. The German steering wheel is sharper and clearer. It's not the best in class, but compared to the Toyota it's more responsive.

The Passat SS can boast of greater control acuity. There are no special technical innovations that would distinguish it from the standard Passat, but due to the lower roof and center of gravity, as well as the wheels on low-profile tires, the steering wheel in the car is sharper.

Find balance

Judging by the release dedicated to the new Camry, the Japanese have tried to make their bestseller even more comfortable, and most importantly, more interesting to drive.
To solve the first point, a five-layer sound insulation of the engine compartment was introduced into the car. In addition, in order to reduce resonance, the service holes in the door panels received plastic plugs. And the more rigid body, coupled with a new multi-link rear suspension and an electric power steering transferred from the shaft directly to the rack, should have added drive. Cost of ownership per year, rub.

Volkswagen Passat	Toyota Camry
Maintenance at an official dealer*	14 019	11 364
Fuel (20,000 km)	52 664	70 550
OSAGO**	13 178	13 178
CASCO***	127 887	175 520
Transport tax	9000	9050
Total	216 748	279 662
Prices vary by dealership * For Moscow, with minimal increasing factors

Toyota vs Volkswagen: who won?

Starting with the Passat B6 and Camry 40 models, there is fierce competition between cars. Many buyers have spent more than one sleepless night thinking about which car is better. However, both 15 years ago and today, Toyota is the key to reliability, and Volkswagen emphasizes the status of the owner.

One of the most controversial issues in VAG cars is the DSG gearbox, which is also installed on 2018 models. Volkswagen offers customers 4 types of engines and 3 types of gearboxes - 6 manual transmission, 6DSG and 7DSG.

The new Passat can be purchased with the following types of engines:

1.4 l. (125 hp);
1.4 l. (150 hp);
1.8 l. (180 hp);
2.0 l. TDI (150 hp).

Toyota Camry can be ordered with a 2.0 liter, 2.5 liter and 3.5 liter engine. Equipment with V6 3.5 liter engine. will cost you 2 million rubles. The maximum configuration of the Passat Highline with a diesel engine will cost about 1,990 thousand rubles.

If we take similar configurations of both models, their average price tag will be approximately the same. Therefore, the cost will not significantly affect the buyer’s choice. What remains is the purpose and a matter of taste.

VW is more conservative, but in terms of interior design it looks more attractive and more technologically advanced than its Japanese competitor. Regardless of driving style, it is more comfortable to sit in the back seat in a Camry, and in the front seat in a Passat. The cost of maintenance is approximately the same, since on Toyota, although replacing some components is cheaper, according to regulations, it is required more often. Reliability remains! There are no equals to Toyota in this parameter yet. And the availability of used spare parts on the secondary market makes Camry repairs more affordable. But these are just dry statistics and secondary arguments. Both cars are good in their own way. Therefore, choose a car according to character, not numbers!

Feelings on the go

However, only driving tests will help determine which is better: Passat or Camry.
If we discuss the Volkswagen Passat engine, then we can only speak positively about it. The time-tested unit with a volume of 1.8 liters has smooth, confident thrust, allowing you to forget about the failure at low speeds that is common with other turbo engines. Despite far from record power figures, the Volkswagen Passat not only moves confidently in traffic, but also, if desired, bypasses most of its neighbors on a country highway. The DSG robotic gearbox makes driving a real pleasure - it switches to the desired gear almost without delay and allows you to constantly maintain optimal speed, guided by the driver's driving style. Specifications

Car model:	Toyota Camry	Volkswagen Passat
Manufacturer country:	Japan (Assembly - Russia, St. Petersburg)	Germany (Assembly - Russia, Kaluga)
Body type:	Sedan	Sedan
Number of places:	5	5
Number of doors:	4	4
Engine capacity, cubic meters cm:	2494	1798
Power, l. s./about. min:	181/6000	160/6200
Maximum speed, km/h:	210	220
Acceleration to 100 km/h, s:	9,0	8,5
Type of drive:	Front	Front
Checkpoint:	6 automatic transmission	7 automatic transmission
Fuel type:	Gasoline AI-95	Gasoline AI-95
Consumption per 100 km:	In the city 11.0 / Outside the city 5.9	In the city 9.5 / Outside the city 5.5
Length, mm:	4825	4769
Width, mm:	1825	1820
Height, mm:	1480	1798
Ground clearance, mm:	160	135
Tire size:	215/60 R16	215/55 R16
Curb weight, kg:	1510	1502
Total weight, kg:	2100	2030
Fuel tank volume:	70	70

But it’s worth comparing the Camry and Passat in terms of suspension performance in order to find a controversial point in the functionality of the car. It is quite rigid, which makes riders flinch when driving over large and medium-sized bumps. And even small waves on the road surface cannot pass the Volkswagen Passat without indicating such defects to the people inside. In addition, one cannot help but pay attention to the ground clearance of 135 millimeters - parking is prohibited not only on curbs, but also on the snowdrifts in the yard that are common in our winter.

Test drive a Volkswagen Passat:

But the Volkswagen Passat can easily be forgiven for its incredibly comfortable seats, which can please any driver thanks to a wide range of adjustments. Their profile perfectly supports your back, and the shape of the back prevents you from getting tired even on a long journey. The trim is made of high-quality leather, which is not only pleasant to the touch, but also very durable, which is confirmed by numerous reviews of such a vehicle from Volkswagen.

It is also impossible to say for sure which car is better on the move - Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat - they create too different sensations for the driver. The Toyota Camry is not only much slower, but also consumes more fuel under the same conditions. And all this - despite greater power and comparable weight. The point here is not in some subtle features of the engine, but in the settings of the automatic transmission, which noticeably reduces the engine’s potential at the start, and is also not very prone to economical driving. There is no need to talk about ideal comfort for the driver, so it’s worth moving to the back seat to understand how comfortable this car is.

In comparison Camry vs. Passat, in terms of suspension performance, it is the “Japanese” that wins. The chassis is configured in such a way that the car simply flies through most bumps, without transmitting their profile to the cabin at all. In this case, we are also talking about small waves of the road surface, which do not cause any vibrations in the steering wheel or other decreases in the car’s handling. A good addition to this advantage is the high ground clearance of the Toyota Camry, which allows you not to worry about the integrity of the plastic body kit even when parking in a snowy yard.

Test drive a Toyota Camry:

Despite the rather outdated design, the interior of the Toyota Camry is very cozy - soft seats provide good back support for the driver and front passenger, although they force you to change your position quite often on long trips. Therefore, the comparison Passat vs. The second car, Camry, still doesn't lose. Moreover, it offers: