What is the tire model for the Passat?
1 Answers
The Passat uses different tire models for different variants. The 2022 280TSI Business Edition comes with 215/60R16 tires, the 2022 280TSI Elite Edition with 215/55R17, while other variants are equipped with 235/45R18 tires. The first number indicates the tire width; the second number represents the aspect ratio (the percentage of the tire's section height to its width); the letter R stands for RADIAL, indicating a radial tire; and the third number denotes the rim diameter. Tire width is one factor affecting a vehicle's fuel consumption. Wider tires have a larger contact area with the ground, increasing friction between the tire and the road. This results in more energy loss as kinetic energy is converted into frictional heat, meaning wider tires tend to consume more fuel over the same distance. However, there are two sides to every coin—while fuel consumption increases, wider tires provide better grip, leading to improved vehicle stability. The aspect ratio primarily influences a vehicle's responsiveness to road conditions. Vehicles with lower aspect ratios have thinner sidewalls and experience greater pressure on the tires, making them highly sensitive to road conditions. This allows for quicker transmission of road feedback to the driver, enhancing control—common in performance-oriented models. Higher aspect ratios mean thicker sidewalls, offering more cushioning but poorer road feel, particularly during turns, which can feel sluggish—typical in comfort-focused models. Additionally, off-road vehicles generally have higher aspect ratios to better handle rough terrain.
