Volkswagen Passat 4motion
19 MPG The 2008 Volkswagen Passat 4motion is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 24 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2000–2008 run it averages 18.9 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 9 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 | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 2007 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 2006 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 2005 | 20.7 MPG | 18 | 26 | $3733 | 432 | 3 |
| 2004 | 19.6 MPG | 17 | 24.6 | $3960 | 456 | 5 |
| 2003 | 18.3 MPG | 16 | 23 | $4217 | 485 | 3 |
| 2002 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 23.5 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2001 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 2000 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Passat 4motion ranks 188 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Saab 900 (19.8), BMW 325xi (20), BMW 330xi (20), BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe (20), Cadillac CT4 V (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 468 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Passat 4motion get?
The 2008 Volkswagen Passat 4motion is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 24 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 18.9 MPG, ranging from 18 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Passat 4motion cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2008 model is $4050.
Has the Volkswagen Passat 4motion become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 18 MPG in 2000 to 19 in 2008 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 6% across 9 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Passat 4motion efficient for its class?
It ranks 188 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 7.6 worse 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.