Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 Lexus IS

Both the Passat and the IS 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 IS:

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 IS:

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 IS’ (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 IS (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 IS’ engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Passat’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the IS’ camshafts. If the IS’ belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

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

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Passat uses regular unleaded gasoline. The IS requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Passat has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the IS (18.5 vs. 17.4 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 Lexus IS (5). This means the Passat produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the IS every 15,000 miles.

The Passat stops shorter than the IS:

The Volkswagen Passat may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 500 pounds less than the Lexus IS.

The design of the Volkswagen Passat amounts to more than styling. The Passat has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .28 Cd. That is lower than the IS (.28 to .3) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Passat get better fuel mileage.

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

The Passat has 10.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the IS (101 vs. 90.2).

The Passat has .1 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom, 6.9 inches more rear legroom and 3.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the IS.

The Passat has a much larger trunk than the IS (15.9 vs. 10.8 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Passat Limited’s trunk can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The IS doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The power windows standard on both the Passat and the IS have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Passat is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The IS prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Passat’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The IS’ cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 IS’ 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 IS 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 IS doesn’t offer extendable visors.

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

Insurance will cost less for the Passat owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Passat with a number “1” insurance rate while the IS is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Passat is less expensive to operate than the IS because typical repairs cost much less on the Passat than the IS, including $89 less for a water pump, $258 less for a starter, $411 less for fuel injection, $389 less for a timing belt/chain and $843 less for a power steering pump.

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

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the Lexus IS by 69% during 2020.