Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 Audi A3

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Passat has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the A3.

Both the Passat and the A3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Passat the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 205 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The A3 has not been tested, yet.

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Passat for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the A3.

There are over 2 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Passat’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen 30th in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Passat uses regular unleaded gasoline. The A3 requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Passat has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Passat has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Quattro’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons).

For better traction, the Passat has larger tires than the A3 (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 A3. The Passat R-Line’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the A3.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Passat’s wheelbase is 6.9 inches longer than on the A3 (110.4 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Passat is 1 inch wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the A3.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Passat a Mid-size car, while the A3 is rated a Subcompact.

The Passat has 14 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A3 (101 vs. 87).

The Passat has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom, 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 3.9 inches more rear legroom and 4 inches more rear shoulder room than the A3.

The Passat has a much larger trunk than the A3 Sedan (15.9 vs. 10.9 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 A3 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The Passat has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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 A3 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Passat R-Line/Limited has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The A3 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Passat R-Line/Limited also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

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

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the Audi A3/S3/RS 3 by over five to one during the 2021 model year.