Hyundai SONATA vs. Volkswagen Passat

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SONATA 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 Hyundai SONATA and the Volkswagen Passat.

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

Pricing: A used 2022 Hyundai SONATA ranges from $17,196 to $26,805 while a used 2022 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $15,913 to $24,892.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai SONATA loses 46.2 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Passat loses 48.2 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SONATA retains 2 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 Hyundai SONATA is 8.1 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 7.8 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SONATA being ranked 2 out of 11 Best Midsize Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 7 out of 11.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SONATA is 7.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Passat a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SONATA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SONATA’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The SONATA is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the Hyundai SONATA the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

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

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai SONATA 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.