Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 Mercedes A-Class

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 Mercedes A-Class doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Passat has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The A-Class doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Passat Limited has standard Maneuver Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The A-Class doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Passat’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the A-Class.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Passat’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The A-Class doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

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

The Passat’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the A-Class’ (7 vs. 5 years).

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. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the A-Class.

There are over 66 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mercedes 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 A-Class’ engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Passat’s reliability 13 points higher than the A-Class.

On the EPA test cycle the Passat gets better fuel mileage than the A 220 FWD (24 city/36 hwy vs. 24 city/35 hwy).

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

The Passat has 5 gallons more fuel capacity than the A-Class (18.5 vs. 13.5 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 Mercedes A-Class (5). This means the Passat produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the A-Class every 15,000 miles.

The Passat stops shorter than the A-Class:

For better traction, the Passat has larger tires than the A-Class (235/45R18 vs. 205/55R17). The Passat’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A-Class (235/45R18 vs. 225/40R19).

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 A-Class’ 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 A-Class.

The Passat has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the A-Class; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the A-Class don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Passat’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the A-Class (110.4 inches vs. 107.4 inches).

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

The Passat has 8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A-Class (101 vs. 93).

The Passat has .6 inches more front legroom, 1.8 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 5.2 inches more rear legroom and 3 inches more rear shoulder room than the A-Class.

The Passat has a much larger trunk than the A-Class (15.9 vs. 8.6 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. The A-Class doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Consumer Reports rated the Passat’s headlight performance “Fair” to “Good” (depending on model and options), a higher rating than the A-Class’ headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

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 A-Class doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Passat has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the A-Class. 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 A-Class.

Insurance will cost less for the Passat owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Passat will cost $1620 to $2455 less than the A-Class over a five-year period.

The Passat will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Passat will retain 47.05% to 47.7% of its original price after five years, while the A-Class only retains 44.32% to 44.51%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Passat will be $9911 to $13137 less than for the Mercedes A-Class.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Volkswagen Passat, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes A-Class isn't recommended.

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the Mercedes A-Class by over two to one during the 2021 model year.