Volkswagen Passat vs. Volvo V60

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Passat and Volvo V60 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 V60.

When we compare the Volkswagen Passat's and the Volvo V60'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, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Volvo V60 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Passat's and the Volvo V60's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Passat is a better car than the Volvo V60.

Pricing: A used 2021 Volkswagen Passat ranges from $15,990 to $24,653 while a used 2021 Volvo V60 is priced between $31,650 to $42,385.

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 V60 loses 48 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Passat retains 4.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volvo V60.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Passat is 8.5 out of 10 while the Volvo V60'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 Volvo V60 being ranked 3 out of 12 Best Luxury Wagons.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Passat is 7.9 out of 10. For the Volvo V60 the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Passat a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volvo V60.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Passat’s base engine makes 174 horsepower, and the Volvo V60 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles. The V60 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 541 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Passat the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volvo V60. The Passat uses regular unleaded, and the V60 uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volvo V60, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room and cargo space. The Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volvo V60 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.