2022 Volkswagen Passat Performance

All models use the same front-wheel-drive setup, with power being delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission. For the 2020 model year, the Passat received a torque boost to its 2.0-liter engine, which is carried over to the 2022 model. The turbo engine provides plenty of torque from lower down in the rev range, plateauing at 3,000 rpm. The engine and transmission are tuned for effortless progress and comfortable cruising along highways and byways, rather than performance. Planting your right foot from a standstill sees the Volkswagen complete the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 7.8 seconds, which is a similar time to the base Toyota Camry. However, both the Camry V6 and the Honda Accord with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine are much faster. While you are not going to secure any traffic light victories, the torque delivery allows the Passat to swiftly pass slower traffic.

Among the Passat's competitors, there are hybrids in the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata stables, as well as all-wheel-drive variants of the Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. The Passat is relatively simple by comparison, with one powertrain and only one drivetrain on offer.

All the Volkswagen Passat sedan models for 2022 come fitted with VW's long-running 2.0-liter TSI engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder developing 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. Both figures are achieved lower in the rev band, making the car more adept at relaxed city driving and cruising. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox which, like the engine, goes about its business smoothly, tending to shift into a higher gear earlier for the sake of economy. Ultimately, the engine and gearbox combination creates a car that lacks punch and cannot be stirred into urgency, even if you have the R-Line with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Aptly, Volkswagen does not make claims of the Passat's top speed.

Aside from there being only one drivetrain option, a further criticism that can be leveled at the Passat is that the majority of its rivals employ CVT or eight-speed gearboxes that are more refined. This is where the Passat's age begins to count against it even further.

Among its competitors, the Passat's fuel economy leaves a lot to be desired. Achieving 24/36/28 mpg city/highway/combined, the Passat is four to five mpg below the 1.5L Honda Accord. The Toyota Camry, in its most frugal non-hybrid guise, manages 28/39/32 mpg. The Passat has no other engine options available, so any improvement to gas mileage rests solely on your driving style.

With a full 18.5-gallon gas tank, the Passat should be able to get close to 520 miles before needing to refuel.