2020 Volkswagen Passat Review: Does The Basics Right
The Volkswagen Passat used to be a cushy, near-luxury alternative to mainstream midsize sedans like a Camry or Accord. But starting in 2011, Volkswagen realized that American buyers weren't willing to pay a premium for a softer car with premium materials, so it decided to offer a Passat specifically for the US market. Though it is based on the same platform and using the same engine configuration as the previous model, Volkswagen still calls the 2020 Passat a new generation.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine maintains the same 174 horsepower from last year, but the torque has been bumped up to 206 lb-ft. Minor exterior improvements help the Passat to remain competitive in a very saturated market segment, though this is certainly amongst the plainest sedans available. The starting price of $22,995 will appeal to buyers who want the best value for money, and the large trunk and back seat serve as compelling selling points. But is a plain, roomy sedan enough to make buyers shy away from crossovers or any of the Passat's more boldly-styled rivals? We tested the top 2020 Passat SEL trim to find out.
What’s the Price of the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
Volkswagen has made a concerted effort to keep costs on the Passat moving forward. The sedan may not be as plush in comparison to more luxurious rivals, nor as well-appointed as its more tech-minded competitors, but it offers a good balance of the two for a reasonable price. The entry-level S trim gets the ball rolling at a base price of $22,995, while the slightly better-appointed SE ups the ante by another $2,850. If you want the sportier-looking, if not performing, R-Line, then you will need to put aside $28,645. Getting behind the wheel of the top-tier SEL will set you back a fair $31,095. All of the prices for the Volkswagen Passat exclude tax, registration, licensing, and VW's $920 destination charge.
2020 Passat Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 191.9 in | 110.4 in | 58.5 in | 72.2 in | 62.1 in | 61.0 in | 3,325.0 lbs |
2020 Passat Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Driving the Passat isn't about having a thrilling experience. The steering is light but steady, making it ideal for cruising in a straight line down the highway, while the brakes are powerful and a bit sensitive to help you stop in a hurry rather than modulate speed or direction. The wheels offer enough grip to keep you confident on the road, but not enough to really have fun with, and there is no communication between them and the steering wheel.
The suspension is a bit on the firm side for a car that seems designed for town driving, but it does a good job of absorbing most road imperfections. It is smoother on the highway where bumps are rare, and, at these higher speeds, imperfections are dealt with more easily. The sedan is well-insulated against external noises, so it remains relatively quiet even when cruising.
Overall, the VW Passat is a sensible sedan, but it won't get your blood pumping, and pushing it to do so will only lead to disappointment. This is a car made for town driving and getting everything done in a day that you may need to. It isn't designed to satisfy wants.
2020 Passat Interior
2020 Passat Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 7 Years / 100,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 2 Years / 20,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Rollover Rating |
|---|
| 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the New Volkswagen Passat A Good Sedan?
It must be said that we miss when the Passat felt like a near-luxury alternative to an Audi A6. Today, it just feels like a cheap imitation of its former self; one could say the Passat is to German cars what The Olive Garden is to Italian cuisine. In a time when most car buyers have already moved on to crossovers and SUVs, Volkswagen offers a sedan with only a massive back seat and spacious trunk as the key selling points, even though the Honda Accord trumps it in both categories while including a nicer cabin and gutsier engines. The 2020 facelift has not done much to improve upon the Passat's deficiencies, but the sifting down of more advanced features to the lower trims without increasing cost has definitely helped its appeal.
Even with that said, the Passat has some stiff competition in the form of the Honda Accord and Mazda 6, which each offer similar features and a better driving experience at a similar price tag. Not to mention other value options like the Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata, plus countless other competitors in this segment that offer more power and nicer, albeit smaller interiors. With its facelift, the Passat looks a bit more stylish but it doesn't stand out from the host of similar sedans on the market. If you have your heart set on an affordable German sedan, the Volkswagen won't disappoint, but it won't really impress either. There are certainly better options out there.
What VW Passat Model Should I Buy?
For 2020, Volkswagen presents the Passat with a few new trim levels, giving buyers a greater range of choice. And, while the value of the entry-level S trim has been significantly improved without raising its price, we still think that the SE should be your starting point when looking to buy the sedan. It gets all the same infotainment features as the improved S trim, but it offers greater levels of comfort with V-Tex leatherette upholstery and power-adjustable seats. The second-tier trim also gets dual-zone climate control and conveniences like keyless entry and ignition. Looking higher up the trim spectrum, the R-Line doesn't add much besides a sportier aesthetic, and the top-tier SEL is $5,000 more expensive. Most buyers looking at the Passat want the best value for their money, and the SE is exactly that, in our opinion.
2020 Volkswagen Passat Comparisons
2020 Volkswagen Passat vs Volkswagen Jetta
One class below the Passat, you'll find the VW Jetta, an eminently affordable everyday family sedan that follows similar construction and quality cues to its larger sibling. As standard, it gets a less impressive turbo four-cylinder engine that develops 147 hp and 184 lb-ft, but this also allows the sedan to deliver better fuel economy of 30/40/34 mpg, making it an excellent town car, much like the Passat. Alongside the sedan's smaller dimensions, this provides better versatility and affordability around the cramped streets and crowded parking lots that are the bane of city living. However, this also means that passenger and cargo space are not as abundant as they are in the Passat. Still, the Jetta is more agile on the road and delivers a more engaging driving experience. If that is something you want from your sedan, the Jetta GTI would win you over in a test drive, with its much more capable 228-hp turbo inline-four engine. But, if you need the extra space and desire the added comfort features, the Passat may still be the better choice for you.
2020 Volkswagen Passat vs Honda Accord
Perhaps the VW Passat's most capable segment competitor, the Honda Accord remains ahead of its rival despite the VW's latest upgrades. The Honda's 1.5-liter turbo four-pot delivers a more impressive 192 hp and 252 lb-ft (and up to 252 hp when equipped with the 2.0L turbo), giving it a lot more oomph around town, while still keeping costs down with an excellent fuel economy of 30/38/33 mpg. Add to this just how much more enjoyable and engaging the Accord is is to drive, and it becomes harder to see the Volkswagen as real competition. In fact, the Honda does just about everything the Passat does, only better. It is spacious and feels extremely upscale, even though it has a similar starting price of $24,020. It even offers more passenger and cargo space, which is perhaps the VW's strongest selling point. Overall, there really isn't anything that the Volkswagen Passat does better than the Honda Accord.