Subaru WRX vs Volkswagen Passat
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2022 Volkswagen Passat
Overview
| Spec | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | WRX (Base) | SE |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2022 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $32,495 | $27,575 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 19 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 26 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.6 gal | 18.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 271 hp (best) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft (best) | 206 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.4 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | flat 4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 12.5 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 948 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | — | 3,314 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.4 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 105.2 in | 110.4 in (best) |
| Length | 183.8 in | 193.6 in (best) |
| Width | 71.9 in | 72.6 in (best) |
| Height | 57.8 in | 58.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| 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 | Subaru WRX | Volkswagen Passat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | WRX (Base) $32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $27,575 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $33,995 MSRP | R-Line $29,575 MSRP |
| 3 | Limited $38,995 MSRP | Limited Edition $30,575 MSRP |
| 4 | Limited $39,995 MSRP | — |
| 5 | GT $44,995 MSRP | — |
| 6 | tS $44,995 MSRP | — |
| 7 | Series.Yellow $45,995 MSRP | — |
Subaru WRX vs Volkswagen Passat FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Subaru WRX or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Subaru WRX 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 Subaru WRX or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat starts lower at $27,575.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Subaru WRX or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2022 Volkswagen Passat leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (27,575).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Subaru WRX or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2022 Volkswagen Passat leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Subaru WRX or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Passat (4/5 NHTSA overall).