Volkswagen Passat Wagon
25 MPG The 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 600 gallons, $1920 a year in fuel, or $0.128 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1990–2010 run it averages 22 MPG, improving by 4 MPG over 20 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 | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.120 | $1200 | $1800 | $2400 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.128 | $1280 | $1920 | $2560 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.140 | $1400 | $2100 | $2800 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.180 | $1800 | $2700 | $3600 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 25 MPG | 22 | 31 | $3100 | 355 | 1 |
| 2009 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $3500 | 404 | 1 |
| 2008 | 23.5 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $3275 | 378 | 2 |
| 2007 | 22.3 MPG | 19.3 | 28 | $3467 | 400 | 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 | 28.5 MPG | 24.3 | 35.3 | $2825 | 344 | 4 |
| 1997 | 24.3 MPG | 21.7 | 29.7 | $2967 | 415 | 3 |
| 1996 | 24 MPG | 21.3 | 29.3 | $3000 | 417 | 3 |
| 1995 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 23 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1994 | 18 MPG | 16 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 1993 | 19.8 MPG | 16.8 | 24.8 | $3160 | 452 | 5 |
| 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 26 midsize station wagons models tracked here, the Volkswagen Passat Wagon ranks 3 on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Focus Station Wagon (26.5), Toyota Prius v (41).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 355 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Passat Wagon get?
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is rated at 25 MPG combined by the EPA — 22 city and 31 highway. Across all 20 model years in the database it averages 22 MPG, ranging from 18 to 37 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Passat Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 25 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 600 gallons — roughly $1920 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.128 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2010 model is $3100.
Has the Volkswagen Passat Wagon become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 1990 to 25 in 2010 — an improvement of 4 MPG, or 19% across 20 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Passat Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 3 of 26 in the Midsize Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG. That is 3.5 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.