Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Passat
This page compares the Nissan Altima and the Volkswagen Passat across the 12 model years both appear in our data (2010–2022). Both are classed as Saloon/Sedan on this site. Both average about 36 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Nissan Altima (5.1 against 5.2), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2022
| Measure | Nissan Altima | Volkswagen Passat |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 36 | 36 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 182 | 193 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,208 | $2,600 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 100 | 102 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 10 of 10 | 9 of 11 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 5.1 | 5.2 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 572 | 212 |
| Engine options across these years | 3 | 4 |
Year by Year
| Year | Nissan Altima MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Volkswagen Passat MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 32 | — | 3 | 393 | 30 | — | 4 | 172 |
| 2012 | 31 | — | 4 | 426 | 41 | 5★ | 11 | 484 |
| 2013 | 37 | 5★ | 12 | 2,312 | 41 | 5★ | 9 | 748 |
| 2014 | 37 | 5★ | 8 | 1,113 | 41 | 5★ | 10 | 594 |
| 2015 | 37 | 5★ | 10 | 954 | 41 | 5★ | 7 | 244 |
| 2016 | 37 | 5★ | 4 | 553 | 35 | 5★ | 5 | 106 |
| 2017 | 37 | 5★ | 3 | 391 | 32 | 5★ | 7 | 110 |
| 2018 | 37 | 5★ | 2 | 226 | 35 | 5★ | 4 | 45 |
| 2019 | 38 | 5★ | 7 | 232 | 35 | 5★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2020 | 38 | 5★ | 6 | 179 | 32 | 5★ | 3 | 18 |
| 2021 | 37 | 5★ | 2 | 70 | 34 | 4★ | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 37 | 5★ | 0 | 20 | 34 | 4★ | 0 | 13 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Nissan Altima · Volkswagen Passat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Nissan Altima or the Volkswagen Passat?
Both average about 36 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Nissan Altima has 10 of 10 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Volkswagen Passat has 9 of 11. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Nissan Altima averages 5.1 recall campaigns and 572 owner complaints; the Volkswagen Passat averages 5.2 and 212. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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