
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat stretches the idea of what a VW sedan can be, from the place it's built to its big wheelbase.
In the same size and weight class, there's the current Honda Accord; it hasn't aged as well with its sometimes bizarre styling cues but there's an agility in the base four-cylinder Accord that can't be matched by any car of its size.
The Sonata and Optima are nearly cloned from the same mechanicals: take your pick of the swishy, swoopy Sonata or the vaguely more European Optima, and either way you're getting a huge value, great front-seat space, and standard features left off the base Passat, like a USB port and satellite radio.
The Chevrolet Impala's the granddad in this group, but its immense trunk and cheap street pricing make it worth a look--but while you're looking, the latest Toyota Avalon also excels at the kind of syrupy, plush progress that's the stark opposite of the spare new Passat.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | ||||
A massive rear seat and better-than-hybrid highway fuel economy mask the slight loss of refinement and nimble road feel in the 2012 Volkswagen Passat. |
The 2012 Impala has a dated design and lacks excitement, but a stronger, smoother powertrain should make its simple layout and excellent interior space more palatable. |
After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar. |
The basics don't have to be boring: the 2012 Kia Optima evades design and driving boredom with suave looks, good performance and great gas mileage and features. |
A classy, comfortable near-luxury sedan, the 2012 Toyota Avalon has a more modern look but traditional big-car handling and smooth performance. |
MSRP From | ||||
$20,590 | $25,760 | $19,795 | $19,500 | $33,195 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
20 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas I5 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | ||||
Mid-Size | Large Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Large |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan 2.5L Manual S PZEV | 4-Door Sedan LS Retail | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door Sdn | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Manual | Automatic | Manual | Manual | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata | 2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Kia Optima | 2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon |