Mazda Mazda6 vs. Volkswagen Passat

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda Mazda6 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 Mazda Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Passat.

In comparing the Mazda Mazda6's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, 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 interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Mazda Mazda6's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda6 is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.

Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda Mazda6 ranges from $18,276 to $28,457 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $15,990 to $24,653.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda Mazda6 loses 37.9 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda6 retains 5.1 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 Mazda Mazda6 is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Mazda Mazda6 being ranked 3 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda Mazda6 is 8.3 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda6 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda Mazda6’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The Mazda6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the Mazda Mazda6 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 Volkswagen Passat has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the area of front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda Mazda6 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.