Main Navigation beebs
Skip to main content

2012 Volkswagen Passat review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen Passat highlights

Customer rating

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

All Volkswagen Passat years

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is well-regarded for its spacious interior, strong fuel economy, and smooth ride, with high praise for comfort and handling. Criticism centers on cabin noise, cost of maintenance, and some reliability concerns. Technology features are appreciated but can feel outdated. Overall, the Passat balances value and comfort for its class.
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Passat an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Passat 20th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat features and specs

TDI SEL 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Remote Start
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Diesel Engine
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Fender Audio
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD Audio
  • Navigation System
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Fender Audio
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

140

Torque (ft-lbs)

236

Engine type

Turbo Diesel

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

110.4"

Overall length

191.6"

Width

72.2"

Height

58.5"

Leg room

F 42.4"/R 39.1"

Head room

F 38.3"/R 37.8"

Front tires

P235/45HR18

Rear tires

P235/45HR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2012 Volkswagen Passat FAQ


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.