2012 Volkswagen PassatFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Diesel Midsize CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
30
MPG
Highway
40
MPG
Combined
34
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 18 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
41.9MPG average+23.3% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 34 MPG · Owner reported avg: 41.9 MPG
Range: 33–49 MPG
Driving mix: City 42% / Highway 58%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 41.9 real world MPG based on 18 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 34 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Automatic (S6)
Diesel Diesel
City
30
Hwy
40
Comb
34
Fuel cost: $2,500/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
22
Hwy
32
Comb
26
Fuel cost: $2,600/yr
Automatic (S6)
Regular
City
22
Hwy
31
Comb
25
Fuel cost: $2,700/yr
Automatic (S6)
Premium
City
20
Hwy
28
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $3,550/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic (S6) | Diesel Diesel | 30 | 40 | 34 | $2,500 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Automatic (S6) | Regular | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Automatic (S6) | Premium | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,500
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$-500
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 299 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 10.5 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 3.6L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 6-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 2L, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$1,981/yr
California
$5.957/gal$2,628/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$1,715/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$1,825/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$1,995/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$1,990/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,467/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$2,037/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$1,916/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$1,962/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $1,981/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $2,628/yrHIGHEST | +$647 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $1,715/yrLOWEST | $-266 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $1,825/yr | $-156 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $1,995/yr | +$14 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $1,990/yr | +$9 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,467/yr | +$486 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $2,037/yr | +$56 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $1,916/yr | $-65 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $1,962/yr | $-19 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 34 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Volkswagen Passat MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year