Volkswagen Passat vs. Hyundai ELANTRA

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

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

Pricing: A used 2022 Volkswagen Passat ranges from $17,888 to $26,226 while a used 2022 Hyundai ELANTRA is priced between $17,353 to $23,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value and the Hyundai ELANTRA loses 33.4 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai ELANTRA retains 9.6 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 Volkswagen Passat is 8.5 out of 10 while the Hyundai ELANTRA's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 21 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Passat is 7.9 out of 10. For the Hyundai ELANTRA the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Passat a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Passat’s base engine makes 174 horsepower, and the Hyundai ELANTRA base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles.This gives the Hyundai ELANTRA the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car, 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 Hyundai ELANTRA, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Passat has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai ELANTRA, with an average rating of 4.86 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.64 out of 5 Stars.