Compare the2019 Lexus IS SeriesVS 2019 Volkswagen Passat

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus IS Series have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Volkswagen Passat doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

The IS Series’ optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Passat doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests front crash prevention systems. With a score of 6 points, IIHS rates the Pre-Collision System in the IS Series as “Superior.” The Passat scores only 3 points and is rated only “Advanced.”

The IS Series offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Passat doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the IS Series and the Passat have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Lexus IS Series is safer than the Volkswagen Passat:

	IS Series	Passat
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	274	312
Neck Injury Risk	36%	39%
Neck Stress	339 lbs.	391 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	264	384
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.8 inches
Neck Stress	197 lbs.	297 lbs.
Neck Compression	64 lbs.	85 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus IS Series is safer than the Volkswagen Passat:

	IS Series	Passat
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	99	119
Chest Movement	.9 inches	.9 inches
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	89	280
Spine Acceleration	33 G’s	61 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	15 inches	15 inches
HIC	295	305
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	44 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the IS Series the rating of “Top Pick” for 2018, a rating granted to only 85 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Passat was a “Top Pick” for 2017, but no longer qualifies under the tighter 2018 guidelines.

Warranty

The IS Series comes with free roadside assistance for 4 years unlimited miles. Lexus will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump-start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Volkswagen doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Passat.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the IS Series’ reliability 18 points higher than the Passat.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus 8th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 24th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 58 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 19th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ April 2018 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in reliability. Volkswagen is ranked 16th.

Engine

The IS 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 67 more horsepower (241 vs. 174) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 184) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. The IS 300 AWD’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 86 more horsepower (260 vs. 174) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 vs. 184) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. The IS 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 137 more horsepower (311 vs. 174) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 184) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4 cyl.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus IS Series, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Passat.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the IS Series’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Passat:

	IS Series	Passat
Front Rotors	13.1 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 inches	10.7 inches

The IS Series’ standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Passat are solid, not vented.

The IS Series stops much shorter than the Passat:

	IS Series	Passat
70 to 0 MPH	177 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	111 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the IS Series has larger standard tires than the Passat (225/45R17 vs. 215/55R17).

The IS Series’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Passat Wolfsburg Edition’s standard 55 series tires. The IS Series’ optional 255/35R18 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Passat SE R-Line’s 40 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

The IS Series has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Passat’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The IS Series offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Passat’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The IS Series AWD handles at .89 G’s, while the Passat SE R-Line pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The IS 350 AWD goes through AutoWeek’s slalom 1.6 MPH faster than the Passat SE R-Line (44.9 vs. 43.3 MPH).

The IS 350 AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.1 seconds quicker than the Passat SE R-Line (26 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the IS Series’ turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the Passat’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The IS Series AWD’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Passat’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

Chassis

The IS Series is 7.6 inches shorter than the Passat, making the IS Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The IS Series 300 RWD offers available computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Passat doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Cargo Capacity

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the IS Series’ trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Passat’s useful trunk space.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the IS Series is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Passat. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in service department satisfaction. With a 43% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat in the Passat SEL Premium, the IS Series offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The IS Series’ optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Passat doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the IS Series the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (Your Lexus service department must activate this window function.) The driver of the Passat can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The IS Series’ headlights were rated “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Passat’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the IS Series detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Passat doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The Passat (except S/R-Line/GT)’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The IS Series’ optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the IS Series to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Passat doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The IS Series’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Volkswagen only offers heated mirrors on the Passat SE R-Line.

When the IS Series with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Passat’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The IS Series offers optional automatic dimming rear and side view mirrors which automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Passat offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the IS Series keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Passat doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the IS Series’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Passat doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The IS Series has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Passat SE R-Line.

Both the IS Series and the Passat offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the IS Series has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Passat doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the IS Series is less expensive to operate than the Passat because it costs $162 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the IS Series than the Passat, including $267 less for a muffler, $15 less for front brake pads, $28 less for a fuel pump and $33 less for front struts.

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