Trunk comparison: VW Golf Wagon vs VW Passat Wagon
Main Differences
The most noticeable difference concerns the depth of the trunk (measured from the loading edge to the trunk floor): the VW Golf Wagon is 0.8 in or about 22% larger here than the VW Passat Wagon.
Other differences are: the Passat offers a 5.5 in longer cargo area (+7%) with the seats folded down and a 1.6 in longer cargo area (+4%) with the first row of seats upright.
The width of the trunk opening is 2 in (+5%) larger on the Passat, while the height of the opening is only 0.4 in (+1%) in its favor. The loading edge on the Passat is 1.2 in higher above the road (+5%). The narrowest point in the cargo area is the same size in both models.
Impact on Usability
The significantly greater trunk depth of the Golf practically means that the interior extends closer to the loading edge further down: the trunk floor in the Golf sits lower relative to the road than in the Passat.
In practice, this means two things: on the one hand, loading and unloading heavy items is often easier in the Golf because the floor is lower and the loading depth is greater; on the other hand, with the same loading height above the loading edge, it is easier to accommodate bulky or tall items inside because more "depth" is available.
The Passat, in turn, offers advantages for transporting long items such as furniture boards or skis due to the longer cargo area (especially with seats folded down) — but the difference is moderate at 7% (folded) or 4% (seats upright).
The slightly wider trunk opening of the Passat makes loading wider objects easier, though the 2 in difference is minor. The 1.2 in higher loading edge of the Passat can make lifting heavy items somewhat more difficult but only has a moderate effect.
Conclusion: For frequent handling of heavy or tall cargo, the greater trunk depth of the Golf Wagon speaks in its favor; for occasional transport of significantly longer or somewhat wider items, the Passat Wagon offers slight advantages due to the longer cargo length and wider opening.
The other differences are small and only marginally affect everyday usability.