The 2016 Volkswagen Passat 3.6L’s 23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any efficiency awards, but it’s what you get for a mid-size sedan with genuine punch. This Passat is for a different buyer than the 1.8T model. These drivers want easy acceleration and a smooth engine sound over saving gas. They like the near-luxury feel the V6 gives the Passat, and the fuel economy trade-off is acceptable. They might be former premium sedan owners downsizing, or people who don’t want to sacrifice performance for better MPG.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway reflect driving a V6-powered mid-size sedan. The city MPG will likely be accurate for most drivers in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number is achievable with a light foot. If you push the Passat V6 to merge or drive faster, that 28 MPG estimate will drop quickly. The six-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth, but not the best for fuel conservation. It focuses on responsiveness over efficiency, adding to the fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat 3.6L at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% in the city and 55% on the highway, using the national average fuel price. It’s a useful benchmark, but your fuel expenses will vary based on your driving, local fuel prices, and the weather. Aggressive driving, using air conditioning, and colder temperatures will all hurt your fuel bill. Conservative driving and good conditions might allow you to beat the EPA’s estimate slightly.

Real-world expectations

The real-world fuel economy often differs from the EPA estimates. Expect to see a combined MPG between 20 and 25 MPG, depending on your driving. Short trips in the city will likely yield results closer to 20 MPG, while longer highway runs, driven conservatively, might push you closer to 28 MPG. Achieving the EPA’s highway figure requires conscious effort. The 3.6L V6 is inherently thirstier than the smaller, turbocharged engine options in the Passat lineup, and other vehicles in its class.

How it compares

The 2016 Passat 3.6L’s fuel economy is predictably uninspiring compared to its competition. The Honda Accord V6, for instance, achieves an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city and 34 MPG highway showing Honda’s efficiency. The Toyota Camry V6 nets around 21 city / 30 highway. The less-powerful 4-cylinder versions of these cars offer a significant advantage; the standard Honda Accord 1.5T achieves 30 city/38 highway. This difference reflects the trade-off buyers make for the V6’s smoother power and quicker acceleration. Considering the PASSAT MPG across all years you’ll see a range of more competitive engine options. For those concerned about fuel consumption, checking all Volkswagen fuel economy data is a must.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Passat 3.6L is relatively thirsty, so fuel-efficient driving habits are important. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The engine’s torque might tempt you to accelerate quickly but a gentler approach will significantly improve your MPG. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway will also make a difference.

Regular maintenance is essential for fuel economy. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that the engine is properly tuned. Regular oil changes with the correct viscosity oil will also help the engine run efficiently. A neglected engine works harder, using more fuel.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. It can help maintain a consistent speed and avoid unnecessary fluctuations, which can improve fuel economy over long distances. Be mindful of changing traffic and disengage cruise control when necessary.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine run wastes fuel. If you’re waiting for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines warm up quickly, and restarting them consumes less fuel than idling. This is important in urban environments where stoplights and traffic jams add up to idling time.