First Drive: 2020 Volkswagen Passat Is New but Not That Improved
The biggest change is how many advanced safety features come standard
The roomy Volkswagen Passat got a few minor cosmetic updates for 2020, plus some new standard safety equipment. Although its design has evolved, the Passat is still a conservatively styled sedan inside and out. And there aren’t any changes under the hood; the new car has the same engine and transmission as the 2019 model.
Still, even mild year-to-year changes can affect how a car rides and drives, how much gas it uses, and how comfortable it is. That’s why we bought a new Passat SE—the best-selling Passat variant, according to Volkswagen—equipped with a few popular options, including a sunroof and heavy-duty floor mats.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial assessment of the new Passat is already available to you. But if you haven’t signed up yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all of our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.
Sign up for CR's Cars email newsletter so we can tell you when we post all of our latest road tests.
Update: Since this first drive was originally published in January 2020, we finished testing the Passat.
See the complete Volkswagen Passat road test.
What we bought: 2020 Volkswagen Passat SE
Powertrain: 174-hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
MSRP: $25,845
Options: $1,230 (sunroof, heavy-duty floor and trunk mats, roadside assistance kit)
Destination fee: $920
Total cost: $28,080
