Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Passat
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2022 Volkswagen Passat
Overview
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5 SV | SE |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2022 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,580 | $27,575 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 16.2 gal | 18.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 188 hp (best) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 206 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.4 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 1,045 lbs (best) | 948 lbs |
| Curb weight | 3,283 lbs (best) | 3,314 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in (best) | 110.4 in |
| Length | 192.9 in | 193.6 in (best) |
| Width | 72.9 in (best) | 72.6 in |
| Height | 56.8 in | 58.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| 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 | Nissan Altima | Volkswagen Passat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $27,575 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP | R-Line $29,575 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP | Limited Edition $30,575 MSRP |
| 4 | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP | — |
Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Passat FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Nissan Altima 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: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat starts lower at $27,575.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2022 Volkswagen Passat leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (27,575).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on horsepower in this comparison (188).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Passat (4/5 NHTSA overall).