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The Toyota Camry (shown) and the Volkswagen Passat once represented two very different approaches to family sedans. The Camry has always been a comfortable but uninspiring cruiser, and the Passat has been smaller but sportier. In an attempt to increase sales, VW has made the redesigned Passat surprisingly similar to the Camry, but with so-so results. Meanwhile, the Camry has improved.
All versions of the Camry are now among the top models in their classes, but the Passat managed to place only midpack in those categories.
The Camry has a nicer interior, more responsive handling, and better fuel economy than before. In fact, the four-cylinder model's 27 mpg overall ties with the Hyundai Sonata for the best fuel economy among conventional gasoline-powered family sedans. Even the Camry V6, at 26 mpg overall, beats most four-cylinders. And the Camry Hybrid gets an amazing 38 mpg.
The Passat has grown larger and softer. Handling is less agile, and the interior feels more ordinary. Fuel economy doesn't stand out, except for the TDI diesel model, cars which gets an excellent 37 mpg overall and 51 mpg on the highway.
We paid $23,830 for the four-cylinder Toyota Camry LE and $25,595 for the five-cylinder Volkswagen Passat SE. The V6 Camry XLE was $32,603 and the V6 Passat SEL Premium cost $33,720.
Based on previous above-average reliability for the Camry four-cylinder and Hybrid, we recommend the updated 2012 versions. The Camry V6 has been less reliable. The redesigned Passat is too new to have a reliability record.
Read our complete Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat road tests, and review our sedan buying advice and Ratings (available to subscribers). If you're in the market for a new car, get a no-haggle quote from our Build & Buy service.
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