Item: 2017 Volkswagen Passat
Author: Justin Cupler

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.

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:

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 »

Mark Vallet

Automotive Editor - August 17, 2016

Read Less

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.

Justin Cupler

Automotive Editor - May 17, 2017

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

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

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.

Read Less

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 / 29 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

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 / 29 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 Stereo, 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
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

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area