Volkswagen Passat vs. BMW X3 MPG

Chart is based on 530 fuel economy reports for the Volkswagen Passat and 79 fuel economy reports for the BMW X3.

Volkswagen Passat MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2014	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD	flat	med	none	3	3	8	88	75	44.0
2014	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	light	5	75	20	0	0	16.0
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD	flat	v.lt	light	0	0	52	48	84	42.2
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD	hills	light	light	3	7	30	61	70	40.8
2013	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	50	50	65	29.4
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD	flat	light	none	3	17	26	54	68	43.0
2012	4dr Sedan 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automated manual FWD	hills	med	light	33	14	3	51	65	26.6
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2012	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	2	0	88	10	60	28.7
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	15	10	10	65	75	63.4
2010	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	10	10	40	40	110	30.2
2010	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD	flat	med	none	4	10	53	33	72	25.1
2010	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD	flat	light	light	1	8	15	76	104	31.0
2009	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	v.lt	none	20	10	40	30	70	23.0
2009	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD	flat	light	none	27	0	7	67	110	39.2
2009	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	15	17	36	32	69	23.6
2008	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	6	22	17	55	75	26.4
2008	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	0	29	11	61	78	29.0
2008	4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	0	75	0	25	75	18.0
2008	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	7	17	22	54	70	28.2
2008	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	5	20	35	40	70	29.0
2007	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	none	0	1	48	50	69	26.1
2007	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	16	16	9	59	70	30.5
2007	4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	0	10	22	68	68	27.1
2007	4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	0	23	43	35	63	22.5
2007	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	10	12	15	63	71	27.7
2007	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	5	17	27	51	76	28.3
2007	4dr Sedan 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	mtns	med	light	0	5	5	90	73	31.0
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	9	16	24	50	79	26.8
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	1	6	27	67	68	29.9
2006	4dr Sedan 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	none	0	0	70	30	70	24.7
2006	4dr Sedan 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	0	48	13	40	70	24.0
2005	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	light	10	10	30	50	70	26.4
2005	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	0	0	30	70	70	28.0
2005	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	5	10	10	75	60	25.3
2005	4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	light	9	15	22	54	81	34.6
2005	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	10	10	32	49	68	20.3
2005	4dr Sedan turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	5	15	31	49	74	34.5
2004.5	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	30	18	0	53	65	23.8
2004.5	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	light	5	5	10	80	110	24.7
2004	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	none	6	3	65	26	70	27.7
2004	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD	hills	med	none	19	43	19	19	60	27.0
2004	4dr Wagon 270-horsepower 4.0L W8 6-speed manual AWD	mtns	med	none	8	3	2	87	70	23.1
2004	4dr Wagon 270-horsepower 4.0L W8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	18	15	0	68	70	17.8
2004	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	light	0	0	61	39	61	18.1
2004	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	5	5	10	80	60	21.2
2004	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	16	30	21	33	66	25.2
2004	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	lead	light	5	25	40	30	70	32.0
2004	4dr Sedan turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	6	11	29	54	63	35.6
2004	4dr Sedan 270-horsepower 4.0L W8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	3	10	5	84	65	24.5
2004	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	light	9	24	30	37	70	24.8
2003	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	v.lt	none	0	0	50	50	75	25.0
2003	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	4	18	28	51	86	26.8
2003	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	none	18	22	21	39	64	19.9
2003	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD	flat	lead	light	0	20	40	40	80	26.0
2003	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	18	3	23	58	66	27.0
2003	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	med	none	2	15	20	63	67	30.6
2003	4dr Sedan 270-horsepower 4.0L W8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	20	20	0	60	75	21.3
2003	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	10	27	48	15	70	20.2
2003	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	48	26	24	2	70	19.0
2002.5	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	med	none	0	0	18	83	70	30.5
2002	4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	23	23	29	25	63	24.4
2002	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	0	10	5	85	70	21.5
2002	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	mtns	light	none	0	0	23	77	60	22.1
2002	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	none	15	30	29	26	67	24.3
2002	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	19	5	0	76	64	32.4
2002	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	6	12	12	70	65	23.7
2002	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	light	none	5	8	21	66	75	23.2
2001.5	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	5	75	5	15	60	20.0
2001.5	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	11	20	69	120	26.9
2000	4dr Wagon turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	0	2	0	98	60	32.5

Return to top

This page shows only averages. See all the Volkswagen Passat fuel economy data.

BMW X3 MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2014	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	5	10	0	85	70	25.5
2014	4dr SUV turbocharged 180hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	v.lt	light	17	50	8	25	90	31.8
2013	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	17	39	20	24	58	19.7
2012	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	2	20	3	75	70	26.8
2011	4dr SUV turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	30	10	20	40	70	22.8
2011	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	30	10	60	74	24.6
2009	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	10	10	50	30	75	21.0
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2008	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	13	13	24	51	74	20.8
2008	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	med	light	0	10	20	70	65	21.0
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	11	23	11	55	69	20.0
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	light	light	20	50	0	30	60	20.1
2006	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	21	14	31	34	75	19.3
2005	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	5	47	12	36	70	17.3
2005	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	light	light	44	0	0	56	60	22.5
2005	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	16	13	13	59	115	20.2
2004	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	2	9	27	62	73	20.6
2004	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	light	light	4	9	39	49	71	23.1

Return to top

This page shows only averages. See all the BMW X3 fuel economy data.

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.

See TrueDelta's information for all Volkswagen models and BMW models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2015	Though as powerful as the 170-horse 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine it replaced, and stronger through the midrange, the Passat's new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine earns significantly better EPA fuel economy ratings: 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway vs. 22 and 32, respectively. Fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission, the difference widens: 24/36 vs. 22/31. Alas, the Mazda6 scores a bit higher: 25/37 with a six-speed manual and 26/38 with a six-speed automatic. In my real-world driving, I observed similar numbers in both cars, and the Passat managed the highest observed one-time average on my standard route to my son's school: 39.9 mpg. The Mazda's best on this route was 38. More typically I observed averages in the low 30s when driving both cars casually in the suburbs. Push them, and averages can fall into the mid-20s, even the low-20s. On the highway, the Passat's trip computer reported an average of 35, the Mazda6's an average of 36. Too close to call. What is clear is that both sedans deliver much better fuel economy than could be expected when the current Passat was introduced three years ago. This said, those seeking to maximize fuel economy, and who drive enough miles to offset a higher initial cost, have an even better option in the Passat's available diesel engine. The TDI engine has been further improved for 2015. It now peaks at 150 horsepower rather than 140. And it now rates 30/44 mpg with a six-speed manual transmission and 30/42 with a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission; plus owners often beat the EPA ratings. see full Volkswagen Passat review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2019	0	As mentioned previously, the Passant starts in second gear unless you push down hard on the accelertor. Since most of the time I did not do that, I got outsanding gas mileage with my just over 500 miles of driving this past week. I averaged 28 mpg. This includes 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg in modest city driving. Overall quite good gas mileage in the warm Florida weather. The EPA estimate for this car is much higher 25 city, 36 highway. To be honest, I never came close to averaging 36 on the highway but then again, I had to run the AC heavily in the Florida heat and the speed limit is 70 mph (I averaged 74 mph). Perhaps the EPA testing was done in Washington DC where they don't need to run the AC as much as I had to and the EPA tests are done at 55 mph? In any case, this gas mileage is quite good for a car this size and I had no issues with it. This is better than most cars I have driven under similar circumstances in the Florida heat. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD	Routinely getting 45-51+ on the highway and 35-38 in town with the TDI see full Volkswagen Passat review
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD	really exceedes my expectations. based on what i read and the fact that i do 95% hwy driving i expected to exceed the epa estimate of 43 mpg. in reality i can obtain upwards of 54mpg (computer) or ~51 mpg (corrected) on rural highways (62mph) and 47mpg on interstates (75mph) without a problem. that is in the neighborhood of a 10-20% improvement ABOVE epa estimates. simply amazing. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2012	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Average economy for the 5 cylinder engine is 27mpg see full Volkswagen Passat review
2012	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Great gas mileage...I commute about 45 miles a day for work (all highway) and I average about 33 mpg. Plus, the car does not require premium fuel, which is an added bonus. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2010	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD	Very good, for a car that is actually fun to drive (I feel that a hybrid is the equivalent of automotive novocaine). see full Volkswagen Passat review
2008	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Average 24 MPG in mostly city driving so far. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2008	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	Good fuel economy see full Volkswagen Passat review
2008	4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Highway > 30mpg see full Volkswagen Passat review
2007	4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	33 mpg in 6th going 80 mph, 500 mile range, who can ask for more? see full Volkswagen Passat review

Volkswagen Passat Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2006	4dr Sedan 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	26 mpg on roard trips see full Volkswagen Passat review
2005	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	19.5 overall mpg see full Volkswagen Passat review
2004	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	For the lack of power and performance I would have expected 15% - 20% more mileage that getting. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2004	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I expected 23-24 overall, and 26-28 highway. I get 25 highway and 22 overall, tops. Have to use premium or a mix of plus and premium. Tank is small. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2004	4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	ok MPG, but requires premium. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2003	4dr Sedan 270-horsepower 4.0L W8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	As an 8 cylinder engine, the overall fuel economy is not as good as the Passat 6 or 4 cylinder versions. Expect, on average, to get 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with a mixed of around 19-20mpg. 21 Gallon tank can be quite expensive to fill. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2003	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Averaging 21mpg in suburban/highway driving for a long time... not so great. A high-torque engine and heavy chassis requires lots of gallons of premium fuel. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2003	4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Fuel economy could be slightly better, city driving usually gets about 17 mpg. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2002	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	V6 is very thirsty in the city. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2002	4dr Wagon 190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I don't think 21 mpg is that good! see full Volkswagen Passat review

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the BMW X3

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	While the boosted four has a clear performance advantage, the swap was motivated primarily by the push for better fuel economy. EPA ratings are 21 mpg city, 28 highway, vs. the 2012 six's 19/25. An Audi Q5 comes close, 20/28, but with 211 horsepower isn't as strong. Despite weighing about 400 pounds less than the X3's 4,112, a Ford Escape with a similarly spec'd engine does no better. A Mercedes GLK350? 19/24. The Volvo is even worse. Compared to cars, the X3 doesn't fare as well. The roomier, nearly as heavy 528i rates 22/33. The crossover's larger frontal area and higher ground clearance take their toll as speed climbs. In our real-world sub-freezing suburban driving, the trip computer usually reported about 21 once the engine was warmed up, matching the EPA rating and quite good for a powerful, two-ton, all-wheel-drive vehicle. Engage an aggressive Eco Pro mode for a Prius-like throttle response and ultra-low rpm shifts, and mid-20s are easily achievable while high 20s are possible. I even observed 32 over one short trip where the lights were in my favor. But the cars behind you won't be happy. Conversely, enjoy the turbo at every opportunity and fuel economy will fall into the teens. A defeatable standard auto start/stop system operates a little more smoothly than in last year's 3-Series, but not as smoothly as it ought to. see full BMW X3 review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the BMW X3

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	We get 22.5 mpg consistently in overall averaging and 26 to 27 on open road trips. see full BMW X3 review

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Have noticed as low as 10 mpg in start and stop city driving. Average for daily driving is 14 mpg. It uses premium fuel so driving this car is already very expensive. see full BMW X3 review
2006	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	City driving fuel economy is not bad for an SUV. I average around 16MPG battling heavy traffic and my need for �enjoying using the accelerator�. Highway mileage is not so great. Cruising at 70-80MPH returns around 22MPG. see full BMW X3 review