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2017 Volkswagen Passat

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OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
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Expert Rating
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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2017 1.8T S 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $22,440
2017 1.8T R-Line 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $23,975
2017 1.8T SE 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,495
2017 V6 SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $29,295
2017 1.8T SEL Premium 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $30,995
2017 V6 SEL Premium 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $33,995

Overview

The Volkswagen Passat is perfect for drivers who are looking for a midsize sedan that comes with a little extra luxury and style as standard equipment. The Passat drives beautifully, has a high-end interior, is available in a variety of trim levels and most importantly, is very affordable.

The Passat was redesigned for 2016 with an updated look, revised interior and new driver assist systems. The 2017 Passat will stay mostly the same with the big news being that Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking will become standard across all trim levels, making this the safest Passat ever to hit the road.

What's New for 2017

Because the Passat was updated for 2016, little is changing for this model year. Volkswagen is making forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking standard across all Passat trims. This safety feature monitors the front of the car and sounds a warning if a collision is imminent—if the driver doesn’t respond the car will come to a stop on its own.

Other changes include blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert coming standard on R-Line and SE trims. A V6 SE with Technology is being added to the lineup and the R-Line models gain a touchscreen radio that has USB connectivity and voice control. The SE trim now has keyless access and push-button start.

The best news of all is that prices are dropping. According to official order guides, the base model 1.8T S will maintain the 2016 starting price of $23,260 but most other trims will benefit from a price decrease with the 1.8 SEL Premium coming down a whopping $3,275.

Volkswagen Passat

Choosing Your Volkswagen Passat

The Passat comes in a number of different trim levels and the majority of them have a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 170 horsepower. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a sport mode. The Passat manages 38 mpg out on the highway and 25 mpg in the city.

While the 1.8-liter engine is standard on most trim levels, an available 3.6-liter V6 ups the available power, producing 280 horsepower.

Here is a quick rundown of the available trim levels with the Passat:

Volkswagen Passat

1.8T S

This is the most basic Passat. It comes standard with dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen sound system, and a rearview camera. Automatic headlights and Bluetooth streaming are also standard. Like all 2017 Passats, the S now comes standard with making forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, which is a major safety feature at this price point. The Passat S starts at $23,260.

Volkswagen Passat

1.8T SE

The SE upgrades the interior to V-Tex leatherette and adds keyless access with push-button start. It also comes with a standard power sunroof and VW Car-Net App-Connect. The SE adds to its already sporty look with 17-inch alloy wheels, and keeps the driver comfortable with an 8-way power-adjustable and heated seat. This year blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert now comes standard on all SE trims. The SE starts at $26,315, which is a $785 decrease from 2016.

Volkswagen Passat

1.8T SE with Technology

This year the SE with Technology is available with the standard 1.8-liter engine or a V6. The SE with Technology has all kinds of cool tech features, starting with a hands-free trunk that lets opens with a swipe of your foot under the rear bumper. A standard touchscreen navigation system will get you to your destination and adaptive cruise control makes sure you stay safe out on the highway. Both models gain remote start, park distance control, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and LED headlamps and taillights. The 1.8T SE with Technology starts at $28,815 and the V6 version goes for $30,115.

Volkswagen Passat

1.8T SEL

The SEL ups the luxury factor with leather, power-adjustable front seats, a premium audio system and 18-inch alloy wheels. Other extras include front and rear heated seats, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

Volkswagen Passat

1.8T SEL Premium

This is the most lavish Passat in the lineup, adding remote start, full LED headlights and daytime running lights, and LED taillights, which not only up the safety factor but look cool as well. The SEL Premium is priced at $31,815, which is a $3,275 decrease from the 2016 price. The SEL Premium with the V6 is also getting a price drop of $2,840 with a starting price of $34,815.

Volkswagen Passat

R-Line

The Passat R-Line gives the Passat an aggressive, racy stance by adding 19-inch alloy wheels and sporty front and rear bumpers. It also comes with a leather-wrapped muIt-function steering wheel. The R-Line is available in two trim levels, the R-Line and the R-Line with Comfort Package. This year sees some major upgrades to the R-Line with a touchscreen radio that has USB connectivity and voice control. The R-Line with Comfort Package is priced at $24,795 for 2017, a decrease of $775 from last year.

CarsDirect Tip

The Passat is a great vehicle regardless of the trim level you choose. The R-Line has gotten some major technology upgrades making it an excellent buy. The SE is always a popular model and 2017 will most likely follow in that tradition, and if you are after true luxury, the SEL Premium V6 is not only luxurious but fun to drive.

Get your price on a Volkswagen Passat »

Read our review on the Volkswagen Passat »

Volkswagen Passat
author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

While the Passat is a legend among VW fans and has been around seemingly forever, it's had it's struggled of late. Its sales have lagged behind stalwarts of the midsize segment, like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, due not just to Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal, but because of the Passat's inherent blandness relative to an increasingly expressive segment.

Pricing and Equipment

The Volkswagen Passat has a wide range of trims available, which results in an equally broad price range of $23,260 to $34,815 ($820 destination charge included). As VW caters to slightly more affluent customers, the most popular trim on dealer lots will likely be the midrange 1.8T SE, which starts from $26,315 ($820 destination charge included). This trim comes standard with:

  • Rear climate control vents
  • Keyless ignition
  • Leatherette upholstery
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Forward collision warning
  • Six-speaker audio system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen

Buyers looking for additional features can add the Passat SE Lighting Package, which includes front fog lights and LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights for an extra $1,245.

The Passat is available with two engines. The starter powerplant is a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. Optionally, buyers can go with the SE or SEL trims and score a 3.6-liter V6 that injects 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission is exclusive to the V6-powered Passat.

Performance Pros

Volkswagen Passat
  • Four-cylinder engine makes the Passat feel quicker than it is
  • Smooth ride and nice handling for the class
  • Wonderful steering is perfectly balanced

Performance Cons

  • The V6 model doesn’t feel much faster than the four-cylinder
  • Diesel scandal means the Passat doesn't have an alternative powertrain to challenge hybrid competition

Interior Pros

  • Straightforward, simple cabin is refreshing in the lower trims
  • Six-footers can fill all four outboard seats comfortably
  • The synthetic leather is quite supple

Interior Cons

Volkswagen Passat
  • The uncomplicated design can feel out of place in higher trims
  • Lots of wind noise for its class

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Despite being a small engine in a big sedan, the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder feels just right. Its power comes on early and holds through the rev band. It also delivers decent fuel economy at 23 miles per gallon city, 34 highway, and 27 combined. Volkswagen may not have diesel any more, but it's turbocharged gas engines are great.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

In a German-engineered sedan aimed at more discerning family-car buyers, the amount of noise in the cabin seems excessive. We certainly don’t expect a whisper quiet commute, like we would in a BMW or Mercedes, but we expect better than what the Passat delivers.

The Bottom Line

Being a German sedan, the Passat caters to buyers who expect a toned-down appearance and plenty of comfort. While it delivers on most of those desires, its road and wind noise will quickly remind buyers this is not a German luxury sedan. However, it's still a great option for buyers looking for a midsize sedan that rivals full-size models in passenger room.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.8L I-4 / 170 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd Tiptronic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
23 / 34 / 28 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.8L I-4 / 170 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
23 / 34 / 28 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
102 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
191.9 "
Exterior Width
72.2 "
Exterior Height
58.5 "
Front Headroom
38.3 "
Rear Headroom
37.8 "
Front Legroom
42.4 "
Rear Legroom
39.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
56.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,263 Lbs.
Wheel Base
110 "
Turning Radius
18.2 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Climatronic
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Front Assist W/autonomous Emergency Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2017 Volkswagen Passat for Sale

5 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Volkswagen
1.8T SE
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$14,000

Mileage

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