Pros: Good fuel economy; vast-for-the-class cabin with excellent rear-seat space; refined interior materials; composed ride
Cons: V6 models significantly pricier than 4-cylinder versions; some less-than-intuitive controls; lack of stand-alone options
CG Says: All 2017 Volkswagen Passats now have standard forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. SE and R-Line models gain standard blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert. Passat is VW’s midsize sedan. The base powertrain is a 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic. A 280-hp 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automated-manual transmission is also available. All Passats are front-wheel drive. Available features include keyless entry and starting, remote engine start, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and mitigation, and park assist. The Volkswagen Passat offers excellent passenger and cargo room in a very practical and comfortable package. In a class filled with excellent choices, the Passat follows a bit of a different path–one that helps it stand out from the crowd.
Class | Midsize Car |
Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
Nation of Manufacture | USA |
Base Prices | 1.8T S: $22,440 1.8T R-Line: $23,975 1.8T SE: $25,495 1.8T SE w/Technology: $27,995 V6 SE w/Technology: $29,295 1.8T SEL Premium: $30,995 V6 SEL Premium: $33,995 |
Base Engine turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 170 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 23 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 34 |
Optional Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
Horsepower 280 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automated manual |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Quick Spin: 2017 Volkswagen Passat V6 SEL Premium
Test Drive: 2016 Volkswagen Passat SEL
Test Drive: 2016 Volkswagen Passat SE
First Spin: 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Test Drive: 2014 Passat 1.8 TSI
2014 Volkswagen Passat: A Week in a Sophisticated, Segment-Busting Sedan
Steve and Johnnie Road Test: 2017 Volkswagen Passat V6 SEL Premium
Farewell Five-Cylinder: Meet VW’s New 170-Horse 1.8-Liter TSI Four