Hydrocarbons contained in exhaust gases emitted by vehicles determine their actual toxicity. This study investigated the exhaust emissions from a passenger car equipped with a compression-ignition engine that meets the Euro 6 standard. Exhaust gas samples were collected on a chassis dynamometer during engine operation at idle, at maximum torque, and at maximum useful power. The cytotoxic activity of the exhaust gases was determined using the BAT-CELL method in a viability test of L929 cell line after 24 hours of exposure to the exhaust gas mixture. The results showed a decrease in cell proliferation. It was also observed that the tested cells exhibited morphological changes, such as disruption of the cell membrane integrity. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified using gas chromatography. It was found that the permissible concentration of benzene was exceeded by up to several hundred times. Among the tested samples, the exhaust gases emitted during the maximum torque phase were the most cytotoxic. It was concluded that the current legal standards and the methodology used to control exhaust gas composition are insufficient from the perspective of human health protection.