Lexus ES300 vs Volkswagen Passat
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2022 Volkswagen Passat
Overview
| Spec | Lexus ES300300 | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 300 | SE |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2022 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lexus ES300300 | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,725 | $27,575 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Lexus ES300300 | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 18 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Lexus ES300300 | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 210 hp (best) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft (best) | 206 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lexus ES300300 | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.5 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 948 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,439 lbs | 3,314 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 6.1 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 110.4 in (best) |
| Length | 191.1 in | 193.6 in (best) |
| Width | 71.3 in | 72.6 in (best) |
| Height | 57.3 in | 58.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lexus ES300300 | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Lexus ES300 | Volkswagen Passat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300 $31,725 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $27,575 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | R-Line $29,575 MSRP |
| 3 | — | Limited Edition $30,575 MSRP |
Lexus ES300 vs Volkswagen Passat FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Lexus ES300 or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Lexus ES300 vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 Lexus ES300 or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat starts lower at $27,575.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Lexus ES300 or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2022 Volkswagen Passat leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (27,575).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Lexus ES300 or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2022 Volkswagen Passat leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Lexus ES300 or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2003 Lexus ES300 leads on horsepower in this comparison (210).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2003 Lexus ES300 vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Passat (4/5 NHTSA overall).