Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 Volvo S60

Both the Passat and the S60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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 Volvo S60:

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 Volvo S60:

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

There are over 2 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Volvo 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 S60’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Passat uses regular unleaded gasoline. The S60 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Passat has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the S60 (18.5 vs. 15.9 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 Volvo S60 (5 to 7). This means the Passat produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the S60 every 15,000 miles.

The front and rear suspension of the Passat uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the S60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For better maneuverability, the Passat’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the S60’s (36.4 feet vs. 37.1 feet).

The Volkswagen Passat may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 1150 pounds less than the Volvo S60.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Passat a Mid-size car, while the S60 is rated a Compact.

The Passat has 5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S60 (101 vs. 96).

The Passat has .9 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 3.9 inches more rear legroom and 2.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the S60.

The Passat has a much larger trunk than the S60 (15.9 vs. 11.6 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. Heated windshield washer nozzles cost extra on the S60.

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 S60 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

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 S60 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 S60 because typical repairs cost much less on the Passat than the S60, including $26 less for a water pump, $66 less for front brake pads, $153 less for fuel injection and $375 less for a fuel pump.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Volkswagen Passat and the Volvo S60, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the Volvo 60 Series by 57% during the 2021 model year.