2021 Volkswagen Passat review
Volkswagen Passat highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Roomy back seats and trunk
- Quality Fender® audio system
Cons
- Sluggish transmission response
- Tiny infotainment display
- Some tech and luxury features are missing
Mileage (EPA estimate)
24 city, 36 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is showing its age against newer rivals
In an effort to keep up-to-date, most passenger cars undergo a full redesign every seven or eight years. The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, however, has been around since 2012 and its age has been showing for a while. In 2020 a slight refreshening brought updated interior and exterior styling and increased power and added a few features. This time around, there are fewer changes. The previous top SEL trim has been discontinued, leaving the R-Line model as the new range topper.
Despite its age, the Passat remains a solid choice among midsize sedans. It favors comfort over performance and provides ample space for passengers and cargo. It's not very engaging or fun to drive, but in this class, that's likely not a priority. We would suggest checking out its contemporary rivals, though—including the Kia Optima, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata—as they all offer more modern technology and features.
All Volkswagen Passat years
What is new for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
- The SEL trim has been discontinued for 2021.
- Passat trims have been upgraded with CD Audio as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
- The R-Line trim now comes with Fender Audio and Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Sunroof(s) as standard equipment.
2021 Volkswagen Passat trims
S:
- 174-hp, 206-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Cloth Seats
- Smart Key
- Rear View Camera
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Parking Sensors
- View our Volkswagen Passat S inventory
R-Line:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Sunroofs
- Power Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Remote Start
- Front Seat Heaters
- Fender Audio
- Navigation System
- View our Volkswagen Passat R-Line inventory
SE:
- Includes all features available on the R-Line
- No significant upgrades found on the SE
- View our Volkswagen Passat SE inventory
Volkswagen Passat photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Volkswagen Passat
What We Like
Smooth ride: The Passat's suspension tuning is on the softer side and will appeal to buyers who prioritize comfort over sporty handling. Despite easily smoothing over broken pavement, it has a stable feel without seeming floaty. Furthermore, the Passat's handling remains composed when taking corners and is largely unaffected by midcorner bumps.
Plenty of passenger and cargo space: The Passat offers a slightly larger interior than the typical midsize sedan in this class and provides enough rear seat space for taller adults thanks to an abundance of headroom and legroom. At 15.9 cubic feet, the trunk capacity is only average, but the wide and deep shape makes loading large items easy.
Fender audio upgrade: Audiophiles and casual users alike will appreciate the power and clarity of the available Fender premium audio system. The bass can thump with gut-punching power and the speakers emit clear tones with no distortion. Whether you're into rock or opera, we think it's worth looking for a Passat with this system.
What Needs Improvement
Slow transmission response: Power delivery is adequate but not at all impressive in the Passat. The transmission doesn't help either, as there's a noticeable delay between the moment you step on the gas and when the car finally starts moving. Once underway, it hurries you into higher gears and makes the Passat feel even more lethargic. You'll also have to plan ahead to pass other cars on the highway.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
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
S 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
- Cloth Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Rear Spoiler
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
174
Torque (ft-lbs)
206
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
110.4"
Overall length
193.6"
Width
72.2"
Height
58"
Leg room
F 42.4"/R 39.1"
Head room
F 38.3"/R 37.8"
Front tires
P215/55HR17
Rear tires
P215/55HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
100/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Volkswagen Passat FAQ
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- S: 24 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- SE: 24 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- R-Line: 24 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
The Volkswagen Passat received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Volkswagen Passat as 19 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has a maximum towing capacity of 1000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat:
- CD Audio
- Rear Spoiler
- Automated Cruise Control
- Sunroof(s)
- Fender Audio
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