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The Volkswagen lineup offers you two beloved classic sedans, but when choosing between these attractive models, you're probably wondering how the VW Passat vs. VW Jetta comparison plays out. But first, here's a quick history lesson before we show you all the specs. The VW Passat debuted in 1972 as a smaller family sedan that set the benchmark for affordable, high-quality German engineering.
Seven years later, the VW Jetta hit the market as a compact sibling to the VW Passat and quickly became an icon for its immense value. Nearly 50 years later, these two sedans remain two of the most popular sedans on the road, and for a good reason. So, what sets these sedans apart, and how can you make your choice? There's no wrong choice, but we've created this guide to help you find the one that's the best for your lifestyle.
Read on, and check out our other VW model guides to compare the VW Atlas vs. VW Atlas Cross Sport and many others.
| Engine: | 4 cyl 2.0-liter turbo |
| Horsepower: | 174 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| 0-60: | 5.6 seconds |
| Drivetrain: | FWD |
| Fuel Economy: | 24 city / 36 highway 1 |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Cargo Storage | 15.9 cubic feet in trunk |
| Passenger Room | 101 cubic feet |
| Length: | 193.6" |
| Shop Model: |
| Engine: | 4-cyl 1.5-liter turbo |
| Horsepower: | 158 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| 0-60: | 7.6 seconds |
| Drivetrain: | FWD |
| Fuel Economy: | 31 city / 41 highway2 |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Cargo Storage | 14.1 cubic feet in trunk |
| Passenger Room | 94.7 cubic feet |
| Length: | 186.5" |
| Shop Model: | New VW Jetta for Sale |
The main difference between VW Jetta and VW Passat sedans is their size and segment. As we mentioned, the VW Jetta is the compact brother to the VW Passat. But, what segment is the VW Passat? The VW Passat is classified as a midsize sedan. This becomes apparent when you see the two next to each other.
The 2022 VW Passat has an overall length of 193.6-inches, while the new VW Jetta measures 186.5-inches long. Width and height are a similar story. The VW Passat measures 72.6-inches wide and 58.7-inches tall, while the VW Jetta measures 70.8-inches wide and 57.7-inches tall.
While both sedans have a spacious interior for their class, you'll find that, naturally, a new VW Passat for sale offers more interior room. Specifically, the 2022 VW Passat has a passenger volume of 101 cubic feet, while the 2022 VW Jetta provides 94.7 cubic feet of passenger volume.
Despite being taller, front headroom comes in at 37.4-inches for the VW Passat, while the VW Jetta offers 38.5-inches of front headroom. In the rear seats, the VW Passat offers 37.8-inches of headroom, and the VW Jetta offers 37.2-inches of headroom. As you can see from our chart, though, the VW Passat does offer much more legroom.
When it comes to hauling cargo, a VW Passat provides a 15.9 cubic foot trunk, while a new VW Jetta for sale offers a 14.1 cubic foot trunk.
Overall, the VW Passat offers a spacious midsize ride, while the VW Jetta provides an agile compact size with competitive interior measurements.
Put some pep in your daily drive; the VW Passat vs. VW Jetta sedans both give you standard turbocharged power. Starting with the 2022 VW Jetta, you'll find an extra 11 horsepower coming standard over the 2021 model. Specifically, the new VW Jetta is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 158 horsepower. In comparison, a new VW Passat offers a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 174 horsepower.
You'll find smooth yet agile MacPherson front suspension in both models, but a certain something makes driving enthusiasts choose the new VW Jetta over the VW Passat: a stick-shift. Yes, that's right, while it's an endangered species today, the 2022 VW Jetta still offers a standard six-speed manual transmission.
VW Passat vs. VW Jetta transmission choices include a standard smooth-shifting six-speed automatic for the VW Passat and an available eight-speed automatic for the VW Jetta.
How about efficiency? The VW Jetta is more efficient, but the 2022 VW Passat can deliver up to an impressive EPA-estimated 24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway1. But, with the smaller and lighter 2022 VW Jetta, you'll get up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway2.
| 2022 Jetta | 2022 Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Length | 186.5 inches | 193.6 inches |
| Passenger Volume | 94.7 cubic feet | 101 cubic feet |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 Inches | 42.4 Inches |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 Inches | 39.1 Inches |
| Trunk Volume | 14.1 Cubic Feet | 15.9 Cubic Feet |
A major difference between Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Passat sedans is their trim lineup and starting prices. Firstly, the VW Jetta has a lower starting price than the VW Passat. But, the VW Passat does offer more standard features that help explain the pricing difference. For example, these standard VW Passat features include dual-zone auto climate control, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and leather interior trim.
The VW Jetta packs a competitive punch with its standard features, though, and you'll find the VW Digital Cockpit, a rearview camera, LED headlights, LED taillights, and more coming standard.
One exclusive aspect of the VW Jetta in the VW Passat vs. VW Jetta comparison is the new VW Jetta GLI: a standalone trim that transforms this sedan into a bonafide sports car competitor.
Trim levels for the VW Jetta include the base-level S trim, the fun-loving Sport trim, the tech-enhanced SE trim, and the luxurious SEL trim. The VW Passat trim levels include base-level SE, sporty, premium R-Line, and exclusive, well-equipped Limited Edition trim.
Thanks for reading our VW Passat vs. VW Jetta comparison; at Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale, we're passionate about the VW lineup, and our team is standing by to help you discover your winning model in person. We'll gladly answer any VW Jetta or VW Passat questions you have when you get in touch. Swing by today for a VW sedan test drive.
The 2022 VW Passat is 7.1-inches longer than the 2022 VW Jetta. The 2022 VW Passat measures 193.6-inches long, while the 2022 VW Jetta is 186.5-inches long.
Both VW Jetta vs. VW Passat reliability is strong, and there is no clear winner when comparing the two. Both of these sedans are durable vehicles that are built to run strong for many years and are affordable vehicles to maintain in the long run.
The question of a "better" model when comparing VW Passat vs. VW Jetta sedans does not have an objective answer. The VW Jetta has a lower starting price, but the VW Passat offers more standard equipment. The VW Jetta offers more fuel efficiency and an enthusiast-favorite six-speed manual transmission, but the VW Passat is more powerful. The VW Jetta is more agile, but the VW Passat is more spacious.
Both models have their strengths and advantages over each other, and we invite you to visit our VW dealership today to discover your "better" model with a test drive of each sedan.
| VW Jetta | VW Jetta GLI | VW Arteon |
| VW Atlas | VW Atlas Cross Sport | VW ID.4 |
| VW Taos | VW Tiguan | VW Jetta Vs. Honda Civic |
124 city/36 highway mpg for 2022 VW Passat 2.0L Six-Speed Automatic. EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
231 city/41 highway mpg for 2022 VW Jetta 1.5L Eight-Speed Automatic. EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
