Volkswagen Passat

Name: 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The 2020 Passat looks a lot like the model it’s replacing, but a minor update helps the midsized sedan keep pace with the competition in terms of advanced safety features and infotainment. Although it may appeal to buyers who want a traditional-looking sedan with lots of interior space, the Passat is showing its age against newer competitors—which is apparent once you drive it.

2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

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Volkswagen Passat

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Accord

Honda Accord Hybr...

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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2005

2006

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2021 Midsized cars Ratings

2021 Volkswagen Passat

$13,925 - $17,375

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2021 Chevrolet Malibu

$14,550 - $19,050

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2021 Honda Accord

$19,950 - $26,650

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

$19,950 - $26,650

EPA MPG 48 mpg

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2021 Hyundai Sonata

$15,450 - $20,550

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$15,450 - $20,550

EPA MPG 40 mpg

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2021 Kia K5

$15,450 - $22,000

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2021 Mazda 6

$16,875 - $24,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2021 Nissan Altima

$15,250 - $19,400

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2021 Subaru Legacy

$17,625 - $25,025

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2021 Toyota Camry

$19,550 - $26,950

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$19,550 - $26,950

EPA MPG 52 mpg

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2021 Volkswagen Arteon

$17,150 - $25,050

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 turbo (174 hp)

6-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2020-2022

2020 Redesign Year

The changes to the updated 2020 Passat help the midsized sedan keep pace with the competition in terms of infotainment and a full complement of standard advanced safety features. The Passat also retains its generous interior space and responsive handling. The ride is on the firm side but absorbs bumps decently. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission deliver power effortlessly, but initial acceleration from a stop feels a bit abrupt and fuel economy trails the competition. The front seats are comfortable and rear-seat occupants benefit from limousine-like spaciousness. The trunk is large. Controls are very easy to use, and so is the infotainment system. 2022 is the final year for the Passat.

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

Optimized for the American market, the 2012 redesign brought lots of room front and rear, but it was a step backward in terms of fit and finish. It also lost some of its crisp European driving feel, though it became less expensive. We'd look for this generation of the Passat with at least a power driver's seat, the touchscreen infotainment system, and a backup camera. The top-line SEL V6 offers plenty of power and plusher accommodations than lower-trim Passats. Keep in mind though, VW's cheating on EPA emissions tests. Be sure any used diesel you consider received the fixes and passes smog before buying it.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

The Passat has long been known for a quiet and comfortable ride, capable handling and a quality interior treatment. A mid-2001 freshening improved it even more. For 2006, the Passat was completely redesigned and grew larger. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder got 24 mpg while the quicker, stronger 3.6-liter V6 got 22 mpg in our tests. However, the ride wasn't as isolated as it was previously. Fit and finish remained excellent; while crash test results are similarly outstanding. This version of the Passat ranks near the top of the family sedan category. The V6 and AWD were dropped in 2009. There was no 2011 model.

1998-2005

1998 Redesign Year

The Passat long had a comfortable, quiet ride, capable handling, and an interior that exuded quality. A mid-2001 freshening improved it. The turbo four-cylinder delivers lively performance and the V6 is quiet and strong. AWD is available but makes the car slower and thirstier. The turbodiesel that debuted in 2004 averaged 28 mpg in our tests. Fit and finish remained excellent.