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2019 Volkswagen Passat review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Volkswagen Passat highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Compliant and comfortable
  • Rear passenger and cargo space
  • Inspiring Fender® premium audio system

Cons

  • Dull driving experience
  • Small infotainment screen
  • Slow transmission response

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 36 highway, 29 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

All Volkswagen Passat years

What is new for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat?

  • The Passat is available in a variety of new trims, including the SE R-Line and Wolfsburg Edition.
  • The GT, R-Line, S, SE, and SEL Premium trims have been discontinued for 2019.

2019 Volkswagen Passat trims

Curious how Volkswagen Passat trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE R-Line:

Wolfsburg Edition:

Volkswagen Passat photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Volkswagen Passat

What We Like

Smooth ride: Most shoppers in this class prioritize a comfortable ride quality over sporty handling, and for them the VW Passat should have plenty of appeal. Ruts and bumps in the road are smoothed over with barely an acknowledgement, yet the sedan keeps from feeling overly soft or floaty. This should noticeably reduce fatigue on longer trips.

Plenty of passenger and cargo space: Compared to other midsize sedans in its class, the Passat boasts a slightly larger interior volume that offers ample rear seat headroom and legroom that is suitable for taller adults. The 15.9-cubic-foot trunk capacity is about average, but it's wider and deeper than its rivals, allowing for easier loading of large items.

Fender audio upgrade: The available Fender premium audio upgrade is well worth the extra cost. Even casual listeners will appreciate the punchy bass and clarity in the high notes. We usually reserve audio accolades for luxury vehicles, but in this case, the VW and Fender partnership is deserving.

What Needs Improvement

Uninspiring drive experience: The Passat requires 8.5 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, which is slower than other sedans in the class. It feels even slower due to some delayed transmission responses. The Passat is likely able to corner with some athleticism, but the stability control system is tuned so conservatively that you won't be able to have any fun. It's adequate but far from impressive.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

4 customer reviews
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

SE R-Line 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

174

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

P235/40HR19

Rear tires

P235/40HR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

100/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Volkswagen Passat FAQ

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