
The Volkswagen Passat is a conservative approach in a segment dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
The interior of the Passat may be a little more straight-laced than even the Toyota Camry, but we actually prefer the VW infotainment system (and its available Apple CarPlay) above the Toyota unit.
Honda's updated Accord (and new Accord Hybrid) are very good, and we give it the narrow lead in the segment.
Hyundai's Sonata is value-priced and comes in under the Passat, but we like the VW's ride.
Subaru's Legacy offers all-wheel drive—the VW does not—but its best deal is found closer to $30,000.
The Nissan Altima offers a better driving position, but its powertrain and price leave us scratching our heads.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
From dealers near you
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | ||||
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is a conservative pick in the mid-size pack with generous interior space. |
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata is a strong family-sedan value, with inconspicuous looks hiding top-notch safety and fuel economy. |
The 2017 Nissan Altima remains a fine mainstream choice, but rivals with newer designs offer far more technology. |
The safety and all-weather performance of the 2017 Subaru Legacy are convincing enough. Consider the roomy sedan's value at any trim and decent gas mileage, and it's no wonder it was our Best Car to Buy for 2015. |
The 2017 Toyota Camry is a comfortable commuter without much pretension; a very good appliance for car buyers who prefer substance over style. |
MSRP From | ||||
$22,440 | $21,600 | $22,500 | $21,995 | $23,070 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 45 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
Style Name | ||||
1.8T S Automatic | 2.4L | 2.5 Sedan | 2.5i | LE Automatic (Natl) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All 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 | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2017 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2017 Hyundai Sonata | 2017 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2017 Nissan Altima | 2017 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2017 Subaru Legacy | 2017 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2017 Toyota Camry |