2022 Volkswagen Passat

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.

Volkswagen Passat
Pictured: VW Passat Variant Elegance (B9) – f 18052025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
174 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
28 combined · 24 city / 36 hwy
Length
193.7 in
Curb weight
3,325 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Few owner complaints13 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 43 for similar models.
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 174 hp, versus about 271 hp for similar 2022 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,325 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 36 highway), 3% better than the 2022 midsize car average of 27.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2022

  • NHTSA overall rating down from 5 to 4 stars

Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Passat →

Trims, performance & features

Engine174 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SELimited EditionR-Line

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2022 Passat configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan193.7 in72.4 in57.9 in110.2 in62.2 / 61 in3,325 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Passat2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 36 / 28+3%$2,400315
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
27.1 MPG2022 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2022 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★3★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2022 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2022 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2022 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2022 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2022 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2022 Volkswagen Passat (this car)28 MPG★★★★★0
2022 Honda Civic36 MPG★★★★★4
2022 Honda Accord47 MPG★★★★★4
2022 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★1
2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI28 MPGNot rated0
2022 Hyundai Elantra54 MPG★★★★★8
2022 Chevrolet Malibu32 MPG★★★★★1

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2022 Volkswagen Passat is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

13Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
90 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System3
Service Brakes3
Engine3
Steering2
Power Train2
Unknown Or Other1
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Lock1
Lane Departure › Warning1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/10: 122/04: 123/04: 123/09: 124/01: 124/07: 124/11: 125/08: 126/03: 126/06: 226/08: 126/09: 121/1023/0424/0124/1126/0326/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2022 Volkswagen Passat buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Passat years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2021 Passat28193.7 in★★★★★118
2020 Passat27193.7 in★★★★★318
2019 Passat29191.7 in★★★★★112
2018 Passat29191.7 in★★★★★446
2017 Passat27191.7 in★★★★★7110
2016 Passat29191.7 inNot rated5106
2015 Passat34191.7 inNot rated7243
2014 Passat34191.7 inNot rated10565
2013 Passat34191.7 inNot rated9670
2012 Passat34191.7 inNot rated11415
2010 Passat25188.2 inNot rated4140
2009 Passat23188.2 inNot rated3116

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →