Volkswagen Passat
28 MPG The 2022 Volkswagen Passat is EPA-rated at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 36 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 536 gallons, $1714 a year in fuel, or $0.114 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1990–2022 run it averages 23.7 MPG, improving by 7 MPG over 32 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.089 | $893 | $1339 | $1786 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.107 | $1071 | $1607 | $2143 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.114 | $1143 | $1714 | $2286 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.161 | $1607 | $2411 | $3214 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 28 MPG | 24 | 36 | $2200 | 315 | 1 |
| 2021 | 28 MPG | 24 | 36 | $2200 | 314 | 1 |
| 2020 | 27 MPG | 23 | 34 | $2300 | 330 | 1 |
| 2019 | 29 MPG | 25 | 36 | $2150 | 302 | 1 |
| 2018 | 25.5 MPG | 22 | 32 | $2500 | 349 | 2 |
| 2017 | 25 MPG | 21.5 | 31 | $2500 | 360 | 2 |
| 2016 | 26 MPG | 22.5 | 32 | $2425 | 348 | 2 |
| 2015 | 29.2 MPG | 25.4 | 35.8 | $2480 | 325 | 5 |
| 2014 | 27.3 MPG | 23.7 | 33.3 | $2492 | 335 | 6 |
| 2013 | 27 MPG | 23.5 | 32.8 | $2638 | 343 | 4 |
| 2012 | 27 MPG | 23.5 | 32.8 | $2638 | 346 | 4 |
| 2010 | 25 MPG | 22 | 31 | $3100 | 355 | 1 |
| 2009 | 23 MPG | 19 | 29 | $3350 | 386 | 1 |
| 2008 | 22 MPG | 18.7 | 27.7 | $3517 | 406 | 3 |
| 2007 | 22 MPG | 19 | 27.7 | $3517 | 406 | 3 |
| 2006 | 22 MPG | 19 | 27.7 | $3517 | 406 | 3 |
| 2005 | 22.4 MPG | 19 | 28.2 | $3490 | 411 | 5 |
| 2004 | 22.4 MPG | 19 | 28.2 | $3490 | 411 | 5 |
| 2003 | 21.3 MPG | 18 | 26.8 | $3638 | 420 | 4 |
| 2002 | 21.5 MPG | 18.3 | 26.8 | $3588 | 414 | 4 |
| 2001 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $3675 | 425 | 4 |
| 2000 | 21.3 MPG | 18.3 | 26.5 | $3638 | 421 | 4 |
| 1999 | 21 MPG | 17.7 | 26.8 | $3683 | 426 | 6 |
| 1998 | 25.7 MPG | 21.8 | 32.2 | $3167 | 378 | 6 |
| 1997 | 24.3 MPG | 21.7 | 29.7 | $2967 | 415 | 3 |
| 1996 | 22.6 MPG | 20 | 27.8 | $3010 | 424 | 5 |
| 1995 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3200 | 457 | 4 |
| 1994 | 18 MPG | 16 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 1993 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3125 | 447 | 6 |
| 1992 | 21.5 MPG | 18 | 27 | $2900 | 414 | 2 |
| 1991 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 1990 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Passat ranks 61 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda 3 5-Door 2WD (28.5), Audi A5 Sportback quattro (29), Buick LaCrosse eAssist (29), MINI Cooper SE Countryman All4 (29), Nissan Altima SR (29).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 315 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Passat get?
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat is rated at 28 MPG combined by the EPA — 24 city and 36 highway. Across all 32 model years in the database it averages 23.7 MPG, ranging from 18 to 37 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Passat cost in fuel per year?
At 28 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 536 gallons — roughly $1714 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.114 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2022 model is $2200.
Has the Volkswagen Passat become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 1990 to 28 in 2022 — an improvement of 7 MPG, or 33% across 32 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Passat efficient for its class?
It ranks 61 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 0.8 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.