Compare the2022 Dodge ChargerVS 2021 Volkswagen Passat

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The Charger has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Passat doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests front crash prevention systems. With a score of 5 points, IIHS rates the Forward Collision Warning Plus optional in the Charger as “Superior.” The Passat scores only 3 points and is rated only “Advanced.”

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Charger offers optional ParkSense that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Passat doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Charger GT/SXT AWD 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 Charger and the Passat have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Dodge Charger weighs 626 to 1047 pounds more than the Volkswagen Passat. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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

	Charger	Passat
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	95	312
Neck Injury Risk	26%	39%
Neck Stress	230 lbs.	391 lbs.
Neck Compression	41 lbs.	47 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	96	384
Chest Compression	.7 inches	.8 inches
Neck Injury Risk	33%	41%
Neck Stress	155 lbs.	297 lbs.
Neck Compression	42 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 Dodge Charger is safer than the Volkswagen Passat:

	Charger	Passat
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	164	280
Spine Acceleration	44 G’s	61 G’s
Hip Force	243 lbs.	627 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	270	305

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

Warranty

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Charger 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Passat. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Passat ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The Charger’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Passat’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are almost 4 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Volkswagen dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Charger’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Charger has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Charger AWD/GT/R/T and 220 Scat Pack). The Passat’s 140-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Charger has a standard 730-amp battery. The Passat’s 480-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the Charger is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Charger’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Passat’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

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 Charger’s reliability 24 points higher than the Passat.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Charger third among large cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Passat isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 74 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 30th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge 17th in reliability. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 28th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Dodge 14 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The Charger’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 118 more horsepower (292 vs. 174) and 54 lbs.-ft. more torque (260 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Charger GT/SXT AWD’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 126 more horsepower (300 vs. 174) and 58 lbs.-ft. more torque (264 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Charger R/T’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 196 more horsepower (370 vs. 174) and 189 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Charger Scat Pack’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 311 more horsepower (485 vs. 174) and 269 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Charger Scat Pack 6.4 V8 is faster than the Volkswagen Passat:

	Charger	Passat
Zero to 60 MPH	3.9 sec	8.3 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	4.3 sec	9 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.2 sec	4.4 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	2.6 sec	6.3 sec
Quarter Mile	12.3 sec	16.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	115 MPH	88 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Charger R/T’s fuel efficiency. The Passat doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Charger has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Passat doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

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

The Charger Scat Pack’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Passat doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Charger’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Passat:

	Charger SXT	Charger Daytona/Widebody	Passat
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	15.7 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	13.8 inches	10.7 inches

The Charger GT/R/T/SXT AWD’s 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 Charger stops much shorter than the Passat:

	Charger	Passat
70 to 0 MPH	150 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	106 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Charger Scat Pack Widebody’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Passat (305/35R20 vs. 235/45R18).

The Charger Scat Pack Widebody’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Passat R-Line’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Charger R/T has standard 20-inch wheels. The Passat’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Suspension and Handling

The Charger 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 Charger offers an available 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.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Charger’s wheelbase is 9.8 inches longer than on the Passat (120.2 inches vs. 110.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Charger is 2 inches wider in the front and 3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Passat.

The Charger Scat Pack handles at .95 G’s, while the Passat pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Charger Scat Pack executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.8 seconds quicker than the Passat R-Line (25.3 seconds @ .8 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

Chassis

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Charger has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The Passat uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Charger a Large car, while the Passat is rated a Mid-size.

The Charger has 2.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Passat (104.7 vs. 102.3).

The Charger has .3 inches more front headroom, 2.6 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the Passat.

Cargo Capacity

The Charger has a larger trunk than the Passat (16.5 vs. 15.9 cubic feet).

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Charger’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The Passat’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

Towing

Standard Trailer Sway Damping on the Charger uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Passat doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Charger 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.

Ergonomics

The Charger’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back 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.

The Charger’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Passat does not have an oil pressure gauge.

On a hot day the Charger’s driver can lower the front windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Passat can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The Charger’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Passat’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

When the Charger 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 Charger’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to 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 Charger 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 Charger’s 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 Charger 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 Charger and the Passat offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Charger 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 Charger is less expensive to operate than the Passat because it costs $291 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Charger than the Passat, including $171 less for a water pump, $519 less for a starter, $49 less for fuel injection, $229 less for front struts, $319 less for a timing belt/chain and $11 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Dodge Charger and the Volkswagen Passat, based on reliability, safety and performance.