Volkswagen Passat vs. Volvo S60

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Passat and Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60.

When we compare the Volkswagen Passat's and the Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Passat's and the Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the Volvo S60 is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.

Pricing: A used 2022 Volkswagen Passat ranges from $17,888 to $26,226 while a used 2022 Volvo S60 is priced between $25,556 to $36,424.

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 Volvo S60 loses 50 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Passat retains 7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volvo S60.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Passat is 8.5 out of 10 while the Volvo S60's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Volvo S60 being ranked 4 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Passat is 7.9 out of 10. For the Volvo S60 the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the Volvo S60 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Passat’s base engine makes 174 horsepower, and the Volvo S60 base engine makes 247 horsepower. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles. The S60 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 557 miles.This gives the Volvo S60 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. The Passat uses regular unleaded, and the S60 uses premium 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 Volkswagen Passat and Volvo S60 are comparable in regards to front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volvo S60 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.