Compare the2023 Lexus ISVS 2022 Volkswagen Passat

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus IS have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Volkswagen Passat doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The IS’ optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Passat doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Lexus IS has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Passat doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The IS offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Passat doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The IS offers an optional Panoramic View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Passat only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the IS and the Passat have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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 and rear cross-path warning.

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

	IS	Passat
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Compression	60 lbs.	61 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.5 inches	1 inches
Neck Injury Risk	41%	46.5%
Neck Stress	152 lbs.	265 lbs.
Neck Compression	81 lbs.	147 lbs.

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 Lexus IS is safer than the Volkswagen Passat:

	IS	Passat
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	1 inches	1 inches
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	162	249
Spine Acceleration	28 G’s	62 G’s
Hip Force	438 lbs.	713 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	293	359
Spine Acceleration	34 G’s	49 G’s
Hip Force	650 lbs.	720 lbs.

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the IS, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 1.2% less likely to roll over than the Passat, which received a four-star rating.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the IS its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 96 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Passat has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Passat. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Passat ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The IS’ corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Passat’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

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 IS’ reliability 11 points higher than the Passat.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Passat isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 73 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volkswagen is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Volkswagen is ranked 24th.

Engine

The IS 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 67 more horsepower (241 vs. 174) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The IS 300 AWD’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 86 more horsepower (260 vs. 174) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The IS 350 F Sport’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 137 more horsepower (311 vs. 174) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The IS 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 298 more horsepower (472 vs. 174) and 189 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the IS 300 AWD 3.5 DOHC V6 is faster than the Volkswagen Passat:

	IS	Passat
Zero to 30 MPH	2.6 sec	3 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.1 sec	7.9 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	3.7 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	14.7 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98 MPH	91 MPH

As tested in Car and Driver the IS 500 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the Volkswagen Passat 2.0:

	IS	Passat
Zero to 60 MPH	4.3 sec	8.3 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	4.7 sec	9 sec
Quarter Mile	12.8 sec	16.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	112 MPH	88 MPH
Top Speed	149 MPH	149 MPH

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus IS, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Passat.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the IS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Passat:

	IS	IS 500 Performance	Passat
Front Rotors	13.1 inches	14 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	11.7 inches	12.7 inches	10.7 inches

The IS’ standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Passat are solid, not vented.

The IS stops much shorter than the Passat:

	IS	Passat
70 to 0 MPH	159 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	110 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	141 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

The F Sport Design’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Passat R-Line’s optional 40 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

The IS has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Passat’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The IS offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Passat’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the IS is .5 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Passat.

The IS 350 F Sport handles at .93 G’s, while the Passat R-Line pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The IS 500 Performance executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.9 seconds quicker than the Passat R-Line (25.2 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the Passat’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Passat’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

Chassis

The IS is 8.2 inches shorter than the Passat, making the IS easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Cargo Capacity

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the IS’ trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The Passat’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

Servicing Ease

The IS uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Passat uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the IS is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Passat. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 64% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 28th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Passat Limited, the IS offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The IS’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Passat doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The IS’ instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Passat does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The IS’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Passat has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

If the windows are left open on the IS the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Passat can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

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

A power rear sunshade is optional in the IS to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Passat doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The IS’ optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Passat has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the IS keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Passat doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the IS’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Passat doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the IS is less expensive to operate than the Passat because it costs $163 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the IS than the Passat, including $282 less for a muffler, $18 less for front brake pads, $30 less for a fuel pump and $33 less for front struts.

Recommendations

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

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Passat isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Lexus IS outsold the Volkswagen Passat by 8% during the 2021 model year.

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