Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen Passat are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the Passat and the 2 Series Gran Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available rear parking sensors.

There are over 82 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Passat’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Passat’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Passat gets better mileage than the 2 Series Gran Coupe:

The Passat has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the 2 Series Gran Coupe (18.5 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Passat higher (7 out of 10) than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (3 to 7). This means the Passat produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 2 Series Gran Coupe every 15,000 miles.

The Passat stops shorter than the 2 Series Gran Coupe:

For better traction, the Passat has larger tires than the 2 Series Gran Coupe (235/45R18 vs. 225/45R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Passat has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 2 Series Gran Coupe.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Passat’s wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than on the 2 Series Gran Coupe (110.4 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Passat’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s (36.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Passat has 1 inch more front legroom, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, 2.1 inches more rear headroom, 4.7 inches more rear legroom and 3.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the 2 Series Gran Coupe.

The Passat has a larger trunk than the 2 Series Gran Coupe (15.9 vs. 15.1 cubic feet).

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Passat to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Passat SE/SEL has standard extendable sun visors. The 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Passat has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the 2 Series Gran Coupe. The Passat Limited also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the 2 Series Gran Coupe.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Volkswagen Passat and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the BMW 2 Series by 34% during the 2021 model year.