The Volkswagen Passat is perhaps the best-kept secret for those looking for a mid-size sedan that offers value for money. You can pick up a 2021 Volkswagen Passat at a Volkswagen dealership for an MSRP of $23,995, and as this review will show, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
The Volkswagen Passat goes head-to-head with the Subaru Legacy, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord. It offers as much as these alternatives and more, all for a lower price.
Trims and options
S, SE, and R-Line are the three trim levels available for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat. All grades have the same powertrain, which consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
LED headlights and taillights are standard on all versions, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter for the driver. You also get daytime running lights.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM are all supported by the 6.3-inch infotainment display, and the basic audio system has six speakers.
As you go up the trim levels, you’ll get leatherette upholstery instead of cloth, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a premium Fender sound system with nine speakers.
Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic warning are all standard safety features across all model levels.
What’s new on the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is unchanged on the outside, but VW has added improvements to the interior, technology, and safety systems to keep the sedan competitive. It now comes standard across the board with adaptive cruise control and leather-wrapped gear shifters, with 18-inch wheels and a sunroof on the SE.
For 2021, the model range has been reduced, with the SEL trim no longer being offered. The top-of-the-line R-Line model comes standard with adaptive headlights, premium audio, and built-in navigation to further cement its halo position within the lineup.
Powertrain and performance
In all versions, power is routed via a six-speed automatic gearbox, which is standard on front-wheel-drive vehicles. The Passat’s 2.0-liter engine got a torque increase for the 2020 model year, and that upgrade will carry over to the 2021 model year.
At lower revs, the higher capacity turbo engine delivers lots of power before plateauing at 3,000 rpm. The vehicle’s engine and gearbox have been fine-tuned for ease of progress and relaxed interstate driving rather than extreme performance.
Volkswagen’s 0-60 mph sprint takes 7.8 seconds with the right foot planted, which is comparable to the basic Toyota Camry’s pace. On the road, the Passat can easily overtake slower vehicles thanks to the ample amount of torque.
Exterior
The Volkswagen Passat got a makeover in 2020 and will remain unaltered in 2021. Automatic LED headlights are standard on all trims, with the R-Line getting a smart front-lighting system with corner-illuminating capability. From the SE and up, a motorized tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard.
The S and SE have 17- and 18-inch wheels, respectively, while the R-Line has 19-inch wheels. The R-Line also has a front bumper with a rear sports valance, trademark air intakes, a rear diffuser, and chrome tailpipes, among other features.
Interior
The interior of the Passat is roomy, and the fit and finish are excellent. While some of the materials aren’t as high quality as those found in more costly cars, it’s still a good place to be. The cabin is well-equipped, with most controls conveniently located. It’s a regal, dignified, and reserved atmosphere.
Ambient lighting, which is available on the R-line trim, helps to modernize the atmosphere in the cabin.
The trunk of the Passat measures 15.9 cubic feet, which is larger than the 15.1 cubic feet offered in the Toyota Camry and above average in the midsize category.
Safety features
ABS, EBD, stability and traction control, as well as a complete complement of six airbags, are all standard on the Passat. The basic model comes with a rearview camera system and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning. Adaptive cruise control, front collision warning with automated emergency braking, and pedestrian monitoring are included on all models. Upgrading to the SE adds lane maintain assist, while upgrading to the R-Line adds high beam assist.
Summary
If the Passat is a contender for your garage, the price will almost certainly play a significant role in your choice. While the S model’s pricing is excellent, we suggest the SE model since it comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone temperature control, a power tilting/sliding sunroof, and two more USB outlets in the back. On the safety front, you get keyless entry with push-button and remote start, as well as lane-keep assist.
