VW Passat 2025: Price, consumption, picture, technical data.
The VW Passat doesn’t wow like the flashier, faster family sedans it competes with. Parked next to the low and wide Hyundai Sonata or the sleek Kia K5 , the VW looks bland. Its interior is equally unremarkable, but well put together and boasts pleasant materials. The Passat’s cabin is also spacious, especially in the back seat.
Volkswagen Passat
That, along with its myriad standard driver assistance systems like automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, make it a solid choice for families. Its four-cylinder powertrain operates without fuss, but it’s noticeably slower than rivals like the Honda Accord , and VW doesn’t offer all-wheel drive or a hybrid variant like many of its classmates. Still, the VW Passat offers a comfortable ride and attractive pricing. For some customers, those features – and the refined German disposition – might be preferable to more popular midsize alternatives.
What’s new ?
Volkswagen is saying goodbye to the Passat after the model year, but the brand is sending it off with a limited-edition special model. Of the 1,973 units VW will build, 423 of them will be painted in an exclusive Racing Green metallic paint job, as seen on the VW Atlas SUV. The Passat Limited Edition also rides on 18-inch wheels with a 15-spoke design and features distinctive exterior details. Alongside a range of premium interior features – including leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, integrated navigation and a Fender audio system – there are calls to the Chattanooga assembly plant in Tennessee, where the Passat has been manufactured for the past decade.
We recommend the Passat SE, which comes standard with many features that family sedan buyers will appreciate, including touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, 17-inch wheels, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, lane-keeping assist, and rain-sensing wipers.
Engine, transmission and performance
The Passat has a single powertrain option: a 174-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission. In our testing, the engine was smooth and refined throughout its rev range, helping the sedan move with ease. The automatic is mostly a smooth operation, but it occasionally stumbled during our testing while crawling at low speeds in heavy traffic. Whether it’s highway miles or back roads, the Passat is up to any challenge. It combines a soft, almost luxurious ride with predictable handling, providing a vehicle that’s as comfortable as can be. The steering is precise and well-weighted, but like many others in the class, it doesn’t offer as much feedback as we’d like.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
EPA fuel economy from the Passat’s four-cylinder turbo engine is average among family sedans, and many competitors offer more efficient models and hybrid options. The VW’s 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway estimates lag behind those of the four-cylinder Toyota Camry . We tested both on our 75-mph fuel economy route, part of our extensive testing program; the Passat earned 36 mpg, while the Camry delivered an impressive 42 mpg. For more information on the Passat’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
Inside the Passat, clean, straight lines follow Volkswagen’s simple design language. The Passat’s interior is customarily German-looking, but lacks the real inspiration to earn our full praise. The Volkswagen’s cabin is not entirely without merit, however; it’s among the most spacious and comfortable in its segment. With an open cabin and thin door pillars, outward visibility in the Passat is excellent. As family sedans go, there’s little difference in cargo capacity. With the seats folded into their not-quite-flat resting position, we managed to fit 16 carry-on-sized boxes behind the front seats. The Passat fell to the family sedan floor in terms of real-world carrying capacity, perhaps because Volkswagen sacrificed some trunk space for the Passat’s huge back seat.
Infotainment and connectivity
The standard infotainment system includes a 6.3-inch touchscreen with a three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, and multiple USB ports. The top model offers navigation, a larger 8.0-inch display, a premium sound system, and a six-month subscription to VW’s Car-Net services. This allows users to locate the vehicle, request roadside assistance, and even lock and unlock the doors remotely using their smartphone.
Safety and driver assistance functions
While even the base model has several standard driver assistance technologies, only the top trim level is the most modern equipment. For more information on the Passat’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and maintenance coverage
Volkswagen has an above-average limited warranty and below-average powertrain coverage. To make up for the latter, the company offers some free maintenance.
Price VW Passat
Prices for the VW Passat Limited Edition start at €31,290 (including destination), while the Aurora Red Metallic paint finish increases the price by €395 (including destination).
