Toyota Kluger vs Volkswagen Passat
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Kluger and Volkswagen Passat hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Kluger packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Volkswagen Passat.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota Kluger stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Volkswagen Passat. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Kluger uses a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid producing 184kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Passat lines up making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Toyota Kluger has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 140kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Kluger measures 4,966mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 191mm longer than the Volkswagen Passat at 4,775mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Kluger generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 241L in the Toyota Kluger and 586L in the Volkswagen Passat, giving the Volkswagen Passat a 345L advantage. The Toyota Kluger seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Kluger leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.7m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,596/year for the Toyota Kluger and $1,824/year for the Volkswagen Passat. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Kluger.
Estimated annual total: $1,596 (Toyota Kluger) vs $1,824 (Volkswagen Passat). The Toyota Kluger saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Kluger) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Passat). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Kluger if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Passat if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Kluger takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Toyota Kluger will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Passat has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota Kluger and Volkswagen Passat?
The Toyota Kluger is the cheapest at $62,410 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Kluger uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Kluger and Volkswagen Passat all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Passat has the largest boot at 586L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Kluger has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Kluger makes the most power at 184kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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