Volkswagen Passat vs MINI Cooper
Overview | |
MSRP$27,575 | MSRP$27,400 |
Average price$13,397 | Average price$16,890 |
Listings3742 | Listings4813 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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Reviews SummaryFirst came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king. Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either. VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille. | |
Reviews SummaryYou either join the MINI camp or shake your head “no.” There has never been a middle ground with a MINI. That’s the point—to drive a fun-looking, fun-to-drive small car that’s unlike anything else in the neighborhood. For 2023, the MINI Cooper offers a limited-run Resolute Edition and a few new paint colors. We tested a two-door Hardtop John Cooper Works (JCW) while participating in a rally with more than 700 MINI owners. Maybe next time you’ll join them with your new MINI. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower134 hp @ 4500 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque162 lb-ft @ 1480 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower134 hp @ 4500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway38 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall3 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3369 lbs | Curb Weight2769 lbs |
Height58.7 in | Height55.7 in |
Length193.6 in | Length152.2 in |
Width72.6 in | Width75.9 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase98.2 in |
Maximum Payload937 lbs | Maximum Payload694 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors2 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $27,575 | $27,400 |
Average price | $13,397 | $16,890 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.4 | 4.6 |
Expert reviews | 6.0 out of 10Read full review | 6.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | First came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king. Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either. VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille. | You either join the MINI camp or shake your head “no.” There has never been a middle ground with a MINI. That’s the point—to drive a fun-looking, fun-to-drive small car that’s unlike anything else in the neighborhood. For 2023, the MINI Cooper offers a limited-run Resolute Edition and a few new paint colors. We tested a two-door Hardtop John Cooper Works (JCW) while participating in a rally with more than 700 MINI owners. Maybe next time you’ll join them with your new MINI. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 134 hp @ 4500 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 38 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 1480 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 134 hp @ 4500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 38 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 3 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3369 lbs | 2769 lbs |
Height | 58.7 in | 55.7 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 152.2 in |
Width | 72.6 in | 75.9 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 98.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 937 lbs | 694 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 2 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.