Volkswagen Passat vs Chevrolet Cruze
Overview | |
MSRP$22,995 | MSRP$16,975 |
Listings288 | Listings182 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 |
Reviews SummaryThe Passat is getting a little long in the tooth, but it’s still a competitive option in the midsize segment. Still, there’s always been a distinct lack of sportiness in the lineup. In preparation for the next generation—slated to debut in 2020—Volkswagen fitted the 2018 Passat with an upgraded 4-cylinder engine and added a new GT trim offering a V6 and a sport suspension. Additionally, advanced safety systems such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking can now be added to the base S trim. | |
Reviews SummaryAs the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.” | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway40 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway40 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space14.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3274 lbs | Curb Weight2835 lbs |
Height58.5 in | Height57.4 in |
Length191.9 in | Length183.7 in |
Width72.2 in | Width70.5 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload1014 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $22,995 | $16,975 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 6.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | The Passat is getting a little long in the tooth, but it’s still a competitive option in the midsize segment. Still, there’s always been a distinct lack of sportiness in the lineup. In preparation for the next generation—slated to debut in 2020—Volkswagen fitted the 2018 Passat with an upgraded 4-cylinder engine and added a new GT trim offering a V6 and a sport suspension. Additionally, advanced safety systems such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking can now be added to the base S trim. | As the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.” |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5000 rpm | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 40 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5000 rpm | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 40 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 14.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3274 lbs | 2835 lbs |
Height | 58.5 in | 57.4 in |
Length | 191.9 in | 183.7 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 70.5 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 1014 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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