2017 Volkswagen Passat review
Volkswagen Passat highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Refined, quiet ride
- Roomy back seat
- Spacious trunk
Cons
- Smaller infotainment screen than competitors
- Sluggish transmission
- Driving experience isn't particularly engaging
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Versatility in a great package
If you're looking for a versatile sedan with all the makings of a great family vehicle or commuter car, you're in the right place. The 2017 Volkswagen Passat can wear a number of hats. It's comfortable enough for long drives to meetings, spacious enough for your family and friends, and it has ample trunk space for running errands around town.
All Volkswagen Passat years
What is new for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?
- The SEL trim has been discontinued for 2017.
- Passat trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The SE trim now comes with Rear Seat Heaters, Parking Sensors, and Remote Start as standard equipment.
- The R-Line trim now comes with Power Seat(s), Leatherette Seats, Blind Spot Monitor, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2017 Volkswagen Passat trims
S
Incudes a 1.8L engine, cloth upholstery, a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, and more.
R-Line
w/ Comfort adds heated side mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and more.
SE
Includes 17-inch wheels, power sunroof, rear reading lights, push-button start, and more.
SEL
w/ Technology is available with either the 1.8L engine or V6, and adds 18-inch wheels, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, Park Pilot, eight-speaker sound system, easy-open trunk, and more.
SEL Premium
Available with either the 1.8L engine or V6, and features power folding side mirrors, power-adjustable passenger seat, rear-seat pass-through, lane departure warning, Fender premium audio system, Park Assist, and more.
Volkswagen Passat photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Volkswagen Passat
1. Thoughtful touches
It's the little things in the 2017 Passat that make help make it a pleasure to drive or ride in. The available hands-free trunk opener makes life easier when you're carrying sports gear or groceries; all you need to do is wave your foot under the back of the car and the trunk will pop open. As a standard feature, you also get 60/40 split-folding rear seats to expand your luggage capacity or carry longer items. The driver's seat has standard adjustable lumbar support so you can make your driving position as comfortable as possible. For longer journeys, lookout for a 2017 Passat with these available features: leather seating, heated front and rear seats, and memory functions on the driver's seat.
2. Tech-rich
If technology is important to you, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is a great choice. There's a whole host of available features to keep an eye out for. The Car-Net® App-Connect® allows you to connect your phone to the car and access music, maps, messaging, and more via the Passat's dash. The available Fender premium audio system adds yet another dimension to the Passat—it's perfect for long road trips where you need a soundtrack. There are some great standard tech features, too, including Bluetooth® streaming, and a rearview camera.
3. Driver-assistance features
The front assist features on the 2017 Passat come as standard. This gives you forward-collision warning if you get too close to the car in front and will activate autonomous emergency braking, too, if needed. If you like the idea of these assistance features, there are even more available including a blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. There are even some cool available features to help you park, including steering assist and distance control for those times when you need to navigate into a tight space.
4. Two engine choices
The standard engine in the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is a 1.8L four-cylinder engine with 170 hp. Because it's turbocharged, you get a spirited drive and there's even a sport mode if you really want to have some fun. Need a bit more power? The 3.6L V6 engine offers 280 hp and is paired with an automatic DSG performance gearbox. You also get steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters with the V6, giving you more control on mountain roads or while passing other cars on the highway.
5. Sporty touches
The Passat might make a great commuter or family car but that doesn't mean it can't be sporty, too. There are a number of available interior and exterior touches that give the 2017 Passat a slightly more athletic look. Pair this with the V6 engine and you've got the makings of an understated yet fun sports car. Most of these features are standard with the V6 and optional with the 1.8L engine. Look out for sporty R-line touches, sports seats, and more.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2017 Volkswagen Passat, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you're looking for a sedan for city driving, consider the Jetta. 2017 marked the final year of the sixth generation (2011–2017); it's a great option if you're looking for a used car. There are great standard features on 2017 models including Bluetooth streaming, a rearview camera, and a USB port. Available features also include a premium audio system and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
The seventh-generation Jetta (2018–present) builds on what came before with an ergonomic and intuitive driving position alongside thoughtful touches such as bag hooks. The 1.4L turbocharged engine is peppy enough to get you around town but there are 1.8L turbo and 2.0L turbo engine options available, too.
Keep an eye out for these standard features on 2018–2019 Volkswagen Jettas:
Cruise control
60/40 split-folding seats
Five-inch touchscreen
Bluetooth streaming
Rearview camera
The Toyota Camry has something for everyone, with a range of trims designed to fit your lifestyle. This is a fantastic commuter car with some sporty touches, too. The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 comes with sport seats, paddle shifters, dual exhaust with chrome tips, and, of course, a 3.6L V6 engine. Across the other Camry models, you'll find plenty of tech features, engaging driving dynamics, and a range of packages. Whether you're looking for something to take in the carpool lane or you want a sedan that's ready for long journeys, the Camry could be the car for you.
All 2017-2019 Toyota Camry XLE models include these standard features:
2.5L four-cylinder engine
18-inch alloy wheels
Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert
Three USB ports
Three driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
Now in its ninth generation (2016-present), the Malibu represents a fine example of a versatile sedan. The available hybrid engine, wide-range of trim levels, and attention to detail make this a great choice for a variety of needs. If it's luxury you're after, consider the Premier trim. On 2016–2018 models, it comes with a 2.0L turbocharged engine with 250 hp.
The Malibu got a facelift in 2019 and added the RS trim, which gives it a sportier look. Inside, the touchscreen also got a facelift going from a seven-inch touchscreen (2016–2018) to an eight-inch infotainment screen (2019 onward).
Look out for these standard features on all LS models from 2017–2019:
Teen driver technology
Power outlet in the center stack
Eight-way power driver seat
Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® connectivity
Available 4G Wi-Fi hotspot
USB port
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.6 out of 5
13 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 9 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 3 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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 PassatVolkswagen Passat features and specs
SE 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Rear Spoiler
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.8L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
110.4"
Overall length
191.9"
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
Max towing capacity
100/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Volkswagen Passat FAQ
The Passat is slightly bigger than the Jetta. The 2017 Passat is 191.9 inches in length while the 2017 Jetta is 182.2 inches.
Yes, especially if you intend to carry passengers. The standard 1.8L engine is smooth and the available driver assistance features mean you can have peace of mind when out on the road.
The 2017 Passat offers seven trim levels. With the 1.8L engine, you can find the S, R-Line w/ Comfort, SE, SE w/ Technology, and SEL Premium. On V6 models you have the choice of two trims: the SE w/ Technology and SEL Premium.
Passat means “trade wind," which follows the manufacturer's naming trend—other cars, such as the Jetta, are also named after winds.
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat with the 1.8L engine and automatic gearbox gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined, while the V6 model and automatic DSG gearbox gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
More about the 2017 Volkswagen Passat
Exterior colors
Deep black pearl
Fortana red metallic
Platinum gray metallic
Pure white
Reef blue metallic
Reflex silver metallic
Titanium beige metallic
Urano gray
Interior colors
Cornsilk beige
Moonrock grey
Titan Black
All available as cloth, V-Tex leatherette, and leather, depending on trim level.
Interior description
Cloth seats are standard in the 2017 Volkswagen Passat but the leatherette and full-leather options add a little luxury. The available front and rear heated seats are a comforting touch and great for colder climates. Adult passengers get plenty of room both front and back with 42.4 and 39.1 inches of legroom respectively. Even with a full complement of passengers, you still get 15.9 cu ft of cargo space in the trunk as well as plenty of in-cabin storage for drinks, snacks, and other small items.
Child seat details
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat can fit a total of three car seats in the rear using LATCH connectors. The middle seat has a tether anchor but no lower anchors while the other seats have both. This means the car can accommodate a range of LATCH child seats as well as other front- and rear-facing seats, infant seats, and child booster seats. The interior space of the 2017 Passat makes it popular with families of various ages.
Performance
With the V6 engine, the 2017 Passat will roar from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). This engine is paired with a six-speed DSG performance gearbox for smooth gear changes. The V6 gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.
Year comparisons
2012–2019
The first-generation Volkswagen Passat launched with three engine options, a responsive 2.5L gasoline engine, a 2.0L diesel, and a powerful 3.6L V6. In 2015, it got a facelift, giving it a more modern look with an updated grille and bolder styling. This is when Volkswagen's connected infotainment system was introduced alongside driver assistance features such as post-collision braking and forward-collision warning. From 2016, the diesel engine was discontinued and the engine offering changed to the 1.8L and 3.6L options. In 2018, the 1.8L engine was replaced with the slightly more powerful 2.0L.
2020-present
Although this is a new generation for the Volkswagen Passat, the car hasn't changed that much. The redesigned exterior is attractive and you get a whole host of new tech and driver assistance features but the inner workings of the car remain very similar.
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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.
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