What's New
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat has returned for its final model year only two years after a major update made it one of the sleekest midsize cars on the road. To bid the name farewell, Volkswagen is releasing the new Passat Limited Edition model, of which only 1,973 will be made to pay homage to the year the first Passat left the factory.
The other trims of the Passat will remain the same as last year, with all work going into the Limited Edition.
Choosing your Volkswagen Passat
The 2022 Passat is offered in SE, R-Line, and Limited Edition trims. The starting price is $28,290, while the Limited Edition trim is $31,685 when fully decked out with the premium Aurora Red Metallic paint.
Engine Choices
The Passat only comes with a single powertrain choice: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine manages an EPA fuel rating of 28 mpg combined, which is about average for the mid-sized sedan segment.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 174 hp | 206 lb-ft | 28 mpg |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Passat offers seating for five passengers, with an ample 39.1 inches of rear legroom that backseat passengers will find welcome.
The trunk is quite large, with 15.9 cubic feet of room. That is enough for several large suitcases.
Safety Features
All Passat models receive LED Headlights and a full suite of active safety features, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and post-collision automatic braking to reduce the likelihood of a crash developing further. R-line models and up also receive adaptive headlights with automatic high beams.
Passat models received a Good rating from the IIHS, and NHTSA gave it four stars overall.
Connectivity
All Passat models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, remote start, three USB ports, satellite radio, and an SD Card reader. R-Line and Limited Edition models also receive a Fender premium audio system.
The Passat SE is well equipped, with dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, heated front seats, keyless access, automatic windshield wipers, a sunroof, and automatic LED headlights.
As with all 2022 Passat models, the only option is fancy paint: Aurora Red Metallic can be yours for $395.
Passat R-Line - MSRP From $30,290
The R-Line offers some exclusive bodywork, including bumpers, trim, chrome exhaust pipes, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a spoiler to affect a sportier look. Inside, the R-line gets paddle shifters on the steering wheel and some ambient lighting.
New features at this trim level include an upgraded Fender audio system, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, and navigation built into the infotainment system.
Passat Limited Edition - MSRP From $31,290
The Limited Edition model offers quite a bit more over the R-Line, including leather upholstery, Comfort sport power seats, and power-folding mirrors. The Limited Edition also gets additional safety features in Park Assist and Park Distance Control.
Most notably though, the Limited Edition gets access to a unique color combination of a beautiful Racing Green and Mauro Brown, which is available at no extra cost.
Compare Passat Trims Side-By-Side
If you’ve been eyeing the new Passat, now’s the time to strike. Considering the shrinking price difference between the trims for 2022 and the difference in equipment and features, we recommend shooting for the top-end Limited Edition model. Just make sure you get it in green.