2021 Volkswagen Passat — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is a saloon/sedan powered by a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. It returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Passat workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Volkswagen Passat: Fuel economy improves from 32 to 34 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 5★ to 4★.
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) | 34 combined / 29 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 24 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 195 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2021 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 | 34 | 28 (24/36) | 195 | $2,400 |
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 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Running Costs: 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Volkswagen Passat at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 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.
2021 Volkswagen Passat Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2021 Volkswagen Passat (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Wheels (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Wheels — campaign 21V812000, reported 15 October 2021. Risk: The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
No owner complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen Passat are on file with NHTSA as of 6 October 2026.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Wheels (1 recall campaign) — Look for bent or cracked wheels and ask about any wheel recalls.
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 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 33 mpg average for Volkswagen models in our database. Its 195 g/km CO₂ figure is 18 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 12 Volkswagen Passat model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 8th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (34 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 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 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 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 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 2021 Volkswagen Passat have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 3 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2021 Volkswagen Passat (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Wheels (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 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.