2020 Volkswagen Passat — Full Specifications
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The 2020 Volkswagen Passat is a saloon/sedan powered by a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. It returns around 32 mpg (UK) / 27 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Passat workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2019 Volkswagen Passat: Fuel economy slips from 35 to 32 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 102 cu ft (2,888 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 32 combined / 28 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 27 combined / 23 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 205 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, all with the 2L 4-cyl turbo engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (23/34) | 205 | $2,500 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Running Costs: 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 Volkswagen Passat at 32 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,136 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2020 Volkswagen Passat Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 Volkswagen Passat (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Exterior lighting (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 20V533000, reported 2 September 2020. Risk: An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 19V389000, reported 22 May 2019. Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 19V218000, reported 20 March 2019. Risk: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Volkswagen Passat. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (4), Engine (4), Air bags (4). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported injury. That is well below the median of 108 complaints across the 12 Volkswagen Passat model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns · 4 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Engine (4 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (3 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 32 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 33 mpg average for Volkswagen models in our database.
Of the 12 Volkswagen Passat model years we cover, the 2020 ranks 10th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (32 mpg UK combined, against a high of 41 mpg). See every Volkswagen Passat year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
The most efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) combined, or 27 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 Volkswagen Passat (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Exterior lighting (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
Among the 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (4 complaints), Engine (4 complaints), Air bags (4 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.