Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 Lexus ES

Both the Passat and the ES have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, 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.

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

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 Volkswagen Passat is safer than the Lexus ES:

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

The Passat’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the ES’ (7 vs. 6 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Passat for 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the ES (2/20,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are almost 3 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Lexus 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 ES’ engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (206 vs. 184) than the ES 250 AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Passat gets better mileage than the ES:

The Passat has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the ES Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Passat has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the ES’ standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 15.9 gallons).

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Passat higher (7 out of 10) than the Lexus ES (5 to 7). This means the Passat produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the ES every 15,000 miles.

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

The Passat stops much shorter than the ES:

For better traction, the Passat has larger tires than the ES (235/45R18 vs. 215/55R17).

The Passat’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the ES’ standard 55 series tires.

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

The Passat R-Line handles at .83 G’s, while the ES 300h pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Passat executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.5 seconds quicker than the ES 300h (26.9 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Passat’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the ES’ (36.4 feet vs. 38 feet). The Passat’s turning circle is 2.4 feet tighter than the ES w/18-19” wheels’ (36.4 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Volkswagen Passat may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 400 pounds less than the Lexus ES.

The Passat has .8 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front shoulder room and 2.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the ES.

The Passat has a much larger trunk than the ES (15.9 vs. 13.9 cubic feet).

The Passat’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The ES doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The Passat’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The ES’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

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 ES doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Passat has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the ES. 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 ES.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Passat is less expensive to operate than the ES because typical repairs cost much less on the Passat than the ES, including $20 less for front brake pads, $183 less for fuel injection, $74 less for front struts, $574 less for a timing belt/chain and $766 less for a power steering pump.

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