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) |
| Lowest listing price | $12,522 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $12,522 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $12,522 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 1 (best) | 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 | — |
