- Good deals can be found on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
- TDI models generally command higher price points
When Volkswagen redesigned the Passat in 2012, it aimed to make it a mass-market alternative to the best-selling Toyota Camry and Honda Accord that combined the German characteristics of the company's previous models. Judging by the record-breaking Passat sales, this new, larger model is striking a chord with American buyers. It's a threat to serious rivals because of its wide array of engine choices that range from traditional five and six-cylinder gas engines to a unique-for-the-class turbodiesel that equals or bests some midsize hybrids. And on top of that, it's one of the most spacious cars in the class and puts some full-size entries to shame. That makes the Passat a great buy for people looking for a midsize sedan with room and class.
Introduction
Passats are powered by one of three engines and come in three trim levels. The 2.5 models get a five-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The 2.0 TDI is a turbocharged four-cylinder clean diesel engine with 140 horsepower and either a six-speed manual on TDI SE or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission on other models. The most powerful engine, the 3.6 V6 with 280 horsepower gets only a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and is available on SE and SEL Premium trims. S cars come only with the 2.5 and have cloth upholstery, 16-inch wheels, power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry, air conditioning, Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system with AUX input. SE adds leatherette upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, power driver's seat, heated mirrors and front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and touchscreen radio with 8-speakers and satellite radio.
Features like premium audio systems, 18-inch alloy wheels and satellite navigation are also available on the SE in different packages, depending on the engine you choose. The SEL level adds to the 2.5 different 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, wood trim and a backup camera. The SEL Premium gets leather/suede seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start and memory settings for the driver. All Passat's are backed by Volkswagen's pledge of no-charge scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, something other brands in this segment don't offer.
Read more »Which Style To Buy?
2013 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI SE
Recommended for: Drivers who want great fuel economy
The TDI SE gives drivers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that offers 140 horsepower and lots of torque, as well as an EPA-estimated 43 MPG on the highway. Like the 2.5SE, it gets upgrades over the base S that include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery and satellite radio. In addition, the TDI adds to the SE a six-speed manual transmission and electric power steering. TDI SE with Sunroof adds a six-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox and a power sunroof. TDI SE with Sunroof and Nav adds the touchscreen satellite navigation system, iPod cable, front fog lights, chrome exterior accents and 18-inch alloy wheels. The TDI SE offers a great entry into the Passat with generous amenities and the ability to take long journeys with the efficient and torquey turbodiesel engine.
2013 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI SEL Premium
Recommended for: Buyers who want luxury features combined with outstanding fuel economy
The TDI SEL Premium gives buyers all of the luxury the Passat offers but with the added bonus of great fuel economy and an extremely long cruising range, making long-distance trips very comfortable. The SEL Premium adds to the TDI SE leather seats with suede inserts, Fender audio system, navigation with SiriusXM traffic and TravelLink, dual-zone automatic climate control, backup camera, 8-way power front passenger's seat with memory settings for the driver's seat and mirrors and keyless entry and start.
2013 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L S
Recommended for: Buyers looking for lots of space at a low price
The most basic Passat still comes well equipped even though it undercuts many competitors. The 2.5S gets the base 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. Also included are 16-inch steel wheels, a trip computer, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power windows, locks with remote keyless entry and heated power mirrors, automatic headlamps, split-folding rear seat, height-adjustable driver's seat and a six-speaker audio system with streaming audio and an AUX input. The Appearance Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels, six-speed automatic transmission, dual lighted vanity mirrors and a rear center armrest.
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Is It a Good Time to Buy?
Good Deals Available
Best Alternatives
2013 Honda Accord
Good fuel economy with lots of space and solid feel, but steering feel is not the best
2013 Toyota Camry
Lots of space and good visibility with history of reliability, but interior quality is not quite there yet
2013 Hyundai Sonata
Stylish exterior, lots of standard features but engines not as refined as competition
2013 Ford Fusion
Lots of advanced in-car technology available, but not quite as spacious as rivals
