Ford Fusion vs. Volkswagen Passat

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fusion and Volkswagen Passat contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Fusion and the Volkswagen Passat.

When comparing the Ford Fusion's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fusion's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.

Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Fusion ranges from $14,994 to $23,000 while a used 2020 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $15,512 to $23,989.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fusion retains 0.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Passat.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.7 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.2 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fusion a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fusion’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 629 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Passat the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Fusion. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Ford Fusion has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Ford Fusion and Volkswagen Passat are comparable in regards to rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Fusion has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.