Skoda Superb MK3 vs Volkswagen Passat B8

Skoda Superb

MK3 · 2015 – 2023

The third-generation Superb (MK3), on the MQB platform.

Volkswagen Passat

B8 · 2014 – 2023

The eighth-generation Passat (B8), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Skoda Superb

Pick the MK3 for an exceptionally roomy, comfortable family car with a sweet 1.5 TSI or 2.0 TDI.

Best engine: The 2.0 TDI 150 — or the 1.5 TSI 150.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Passat

Pick the Passat for a roomy, refined family car with a huge boot and strong diesels for long distances.

Best engine: The 2.0 TDI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol vs 2.0 TDI 150 · Diesel

	Skoda Superb	Volkswagen Passat
Power	150 hp	150 hp
Torque	250 Nm	340 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	8,7 s Winner
Top speed	220 km/h	220 km/h
Power-to-weight	104,9 hp/t Winner	98,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	133 g/km	109 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,8 L/100km	4,2 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Skoda Superb	Volkswagen Passat
Boot	625 L Winner	586 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.760 L Winner	1.152 L
Wheelbase	2,84 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,86 m	4,77 m
Ground clearance	13,9 cm	14,5 cm
Turning circle	11,7 m	11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.200 kg Winner	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Skoda Superb	Volkswagen Passat
Platform	MQB (shared with the VW Passat)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.4/1.5 TSI · 2.0 TSI petrol · 1.6/2.0 TDI diesel · 1.4 TSI iV PHEV	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 Gen 3 1.8/2.0 TSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI · GTE PHEV
Transmission	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Skoda Superb

1.5 TSI: kangarooing on early cars
DSG: jerkiness at low speed
2.0 TDI: DPF/AdBlue

Volkswagen Passat

EA888 chain and oil consumption at high mileage (early 1.8/2.0 TSI)
Haldex 4Motion service (fluid/clutch)
Electronic parking-brake and software campaigns

Pros

Skoda Superb

Very roomy boot and rear seats
Comfortable and practical
Broad range (including PHEV)

Volkswagen Passat

Facelift (2019) brought improved DSG options and electronics
Alltrack variant with 4Motion and higher ground clearance
GTE PHEV with electric range for the city

Cons

Skoda Superb

Sparse base equipment
Interior with hard plastics
Less refined driving feel

Volkswagen Passat

Saloon boot (586 l) smaller than the Variant (650 l)
Bigger and less agile than a Golf

Driving experience

Skoda Superb

Composed and secure for a large family car of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and practicality over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.

Volkswagen Passat

Comfortable, spacious and easy to cover ground in. The Passat steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well, and stays quiet at speed, with the Variant estate adding real practicality. Front-drive is the base; 4Motion adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is smooth and economical, the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance workhorse, and the GTE plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The DSG is smooth. It is a refined, tech-heavy family car that does everything well and has long been the default fleet choice.