Volkswagen Passat vs. Volkswagen Phaeton
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Passat and Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton.
When we compare the Volkswagen Passat's and the Volkswagen Phaeton's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Volkswagen Phaeton has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Passat's and the Volkswagen Phaeton's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Phaeton is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Passat’s base engine makes 200 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Phaeton base engine makes 335 horsepower. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 522 miles. The Phaeton is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 483 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Passat the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Phaeton. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Phaeton has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Passat has an average safety rating of 4.86 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
23580
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
19311
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
16955 - 23580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
67370
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
4873
Price Range:
1921 - 7999
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
5314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
4171 - 6267
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
18
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
126558
# Good or Great Deals:
6
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
0
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Volkswagen Passat Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
7.9 / 10
Volkswagen Phaeton Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Passat
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Phaeton
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.1057242471951705
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
2.4 - 15.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9542331683666981
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Volkswagen Passat Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
9 out of / 11Ranking
9 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
11 out of / 11Volkswagen Phaeton Rankings
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Passat Trim Levels
2.0T, 3.6, 3.6 4Motion, Value Edition
Volkswagen Phaeton Trim Levels
V8, W12
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.86 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque:
207 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
335 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
317 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
378 / 522 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4.2 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 21 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
322 / 483 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
14.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
108.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3305 lbs
Width:
71.7 inches
Height:
58 inches
Length:
188.2 inches
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5194 lbs
Width:
74.9 inches
Height:
57.1 inches
Length:
203.7 inches
Wheelbase:
118.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black
Blue
Shadow Blue
Gray
United Gray
Green
Granite Green
Silver
Reflex Silver
White
Candy White
Beige
Not available
Purple
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Black Klavierlack / Luxury Black Heliochrome
Blue
Antibes Blue Metallic / Apassionata Blue Heliochrome / Deep Blue Pearl Effect / Luna Blue / Luna Blue Klavierlack
Gray
Cairo Gray Metallic / Coucou Gray
Green
Marais Green Metallic / Waterworld Pearl Effect
Silver
Reflex Silver
White
Campanella White
Beige
Papillon Silver Heliochrome
Purple
Nocturne Aubergine / Nocturne Aubergine Klavierlack
Interior Colors
Black
Black leatherette
Beige
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Sonnen Beige premium leather
Blue
Navy Blue premium leather / Petrol premium leather
Gray
Anthracite premium leather / Kristall Gray premium leather
