The 2022 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L 4-cylinder gets 28 MPG combined, a reasonable figure for a sedan that focuses on interior space, a comfortable ride, and some European styling. It’s made for buyers who value those features over extreme fuel efficiency. This isn’t a hybrid or a compact built to get every possible mile from a gallon of gas; it’s a mid-size family car that balances practicality with enjoyable driving.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates show the Passat gets 24 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects driving in stop-and-go traffic and at lower speeds, where the 2.0L engine and six-speed automatic transmission are less efficient. The highway number shows the Passat cruises comfortably and efficiently at higher speeds. This difference means the Passat is a better choice for drivers with longer commutes or who often take road trips, as they can really benefit from its highway fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat is $1,550. This is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. How much you spend on fuel will change based on your driving habits, local fuel costs, and how much of your driving is in the city compared to on the highway. Drivers who mostly drive in the city will likely spend more, while those who mainly drive on the highway could see a lower annual cost. This number gives you a way to compare the Passat’s fuel expenses with other vehicles in its class, helping potential buyers consider long-term ownership costs.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a helpful starting point, but your actual fuel economy may differ. Drivers who accelerate quickly, often carry passengers or cargo, or live in hilly areas may see MPG numbers a little lower than the EPA estimates. On the other hand, drivers who accelerate gently and mostly drive on flat, open highways might get slightly better fuel economy. Keeping your tires properly inflated and making sure the engine is properly tuned can also improve fuel efficiency. Understanding the 2.0L turbo engine and six-speed automatic can help too; gentle acceleration and avoiding hard stops will help you save gas.

How it compares

The Passat has a lot of competition in the mid-size sedan market. The Toyota Camry, particularly its hybrid models, consistently gets better fuel economy. For example, the Camry LE gets 28 MPG city and 39 MPG highway, while the Camry Hybrid LE gets 51 MPG city and 53 MPG highway. The Honda Accord is another strong contender, with the standard Accord LX getting 30 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. Even the Mazda6, known for its sporty driving, matches the Passat’s combined MPG even though it focuses on driving feel and styling.

These numbers are important to Passat buyers, who often balance the need for space and comfort with the desire to save on gas. While the Passat isn’t the most fuel-efficient car in its class, for many, it offers enough space and comfort to justify its MPG.

Compare with PASSAT MPG across all years, where you can review historic efficiency and find your options.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Passat’s 2.0L turbocharged engine benefits from smooth and predictable use of the gas pedal. Avoid accelerating quickly and braking hard when you can. Accelerating gradually lets the turbocharger work efficiently, and braking gently makes the most of the engine braking to reduce how much fuel you burn.

Driving in a way that anticipates traffic and reduces sudden changes in speed will greatly improve your fuel economy.

Make sure your Passat’s tires have the correct amount of air, which you can find on a sticker inside the driver’s side door frame. Tires with low air pressure increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes, as pressure can go up or down.

Don’t let the engine idle for too long, especially when it’s cold. Modern engines warm up quickly, and idling wastes fuel. If you think you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, it’s better to turn off the engine and start it again when you’re ready to go.

On the highway, use cruise control whenever you can. Keeping a consistent speed helps the engine operate at its most efficient level. Avoid speeding up and slowing down constantly, as this burns more fuel. Cruise control helps the engine keep a steady pace, saving gas on long drives.

You can also view all Volkswagen fuel economy data here.