Volkswagen Passat
VW's long-serving mid-sizer, offered as sedan and wagon with efficient TSI and TDI power plus a GTE plug-in hybrid.
Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The Volkswagen Passat is a sedan featuring powertrains delivering from 140 to 218 horsepower, achieving up to 53 MPG combined on official EPA ratings. Engineered with FWD drivetrain systems across 2 generations, the model holds a 4-star NHTSA safety rating and zero open safety recalls on the latest production run.
Years
1973 - present
Power
140 - 218 hp
Best MPG
53 MPG
NHTSA
4★ overall
2023 Recalls
0 campaigns
01At a glance
Volkswagen Passat by the numbers
| Topic | Volkswagen Passat | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power range | 140 - 218 hp | 5 powertrains verified |
| EPA fuel economy | 32 - 53 MPG | Combined cycle, best trim |
| Safety rating | 4★ overall (2022) | Frontal 3★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ |
| Recalls (2023) | 0 | Open NHTSA safety campaigns |
| Fuel types | Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid | FWD drivetrain |
| Generations indexed | 2 | Each with full spec sheet |
| Dimensions (latest) | 4767 x 1832 x 1456 mm | L x W x H, 2791 mm wheelbase |
02Crash protection
Volkswagen Passat NHTSA safety ratings
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4★ | 3★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2021 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2020 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Safercar_data.csv, official 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Recall counts from NHTSA Recall API. Official NHTSA ratings
05Pick your year
Volkswagen Passat generations
Passat B8
2015 – 2023
Passat B7
2010 – 2015
05Generation comparison matrix
Compare all Volkswagen Passat generations
| Specification | Passat B82015 – 2023 (3G) | Passat B72010 – 2015 (36) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 150 – 218 hp | 140 – 160 hp |
| EPA Fuel Economy | Up to 53 MPG combined | Up to 48 MPG combined |
| Quickest 0–100 km/h | 7.4s | 8.5s |
| Exterior Dimensions | 4767 × 1832 × 1456 mm | 4769 × 1820 × 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2791 mm | 2711 mm |
| Powertrains Verified | 3 trims | 2 trims |
| Full Specs | View spec sheet | View spec sheet |
Smart Value & Budget Pick
Passat B7
Ideal for used-car shoppers seeking reliable transportation with lower acquisition costs, proven naturally aspirated engines, and mature parts availability.
Explore Passat B7specs →Technology & Modern Pick
Passat B8
Best for drivers wanting contemporary safety tech, digital cockpits, peak horsepower ratings, and the latest aerodynamic styling.
Explore Passat B8specs →06Answers
Volkswagen Passat: what buyers ask
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Passat have?
The 2023 Volkswagen Passat has 0 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.
What MPG does the Volkswagen Passat get?
Across verified powertrains, the Passat achieves 32 to 53 MPG combined (EPA cycle).
How much horsepower does the Volkswagen Passat have?
Power ranges from 140 hp to 218 hp across 5 verified powertrains, spanning Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid fuel types.
Is the Volkswagen Passat safe?
The 2022 Passat earned a 4-star overall NHTSA rating (frontal 3, side 5, rollover 4). It has earned 5 stars in 2 tested model years.
How many generations does the Volkswagen Passat have?
We index 2 verified generations with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 1973 to the present.
07Compare
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08Buyer's Guides
Passat Research & Technical Explainers
City vs. Highway vs. Combined MPG Explained: EPA Formula & Real-World Guide
What do the three MPG numbers on a spec sheet actually mean, why is your real-world figure lower, and which should you care about? A complete guide.
September 26, 2026
CVT vs. DCT vs. DSG vs. Automatic: Every Car Transmission Compared
Torque converter, dual-clutch, CVT or manual, how each gearbox works, how it feels to drive, and which one belongs in your next car.
September 5, 2026
What Is a VIN Number? How to Decode All 17 Digits (NHTSA & ISO Chart)
Every car built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN. Learn where to find it, what each position means, and how to decode it free in seconds.
October 10, 2026
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Volkswagen PassatCertification data across model years
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls and owner complaintsLatest model-year record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Volkswagen official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Check a specific Passat
Model-level data is a starting point, not a guarantee for your vehicle. Decode the exact VIN to confirm year, trim, engine, assembly plant and any open recalls that apply to that specific production run.
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