2021 Volkswagen Passat Review: An Old Dog With One Trick Left
Once a near-premium vehicle within VW's range, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is now a rather outmoded and run-of-the-mill sedan in the brand's range and the compact classification, in general. While Europe received an exclusive and all-new version of the Passat sedan, the USA has been stuck with a version that dates back to 2012. This year, the Passat persists with its modest and pragmatic design and 174-horsepower, 206 lb-ft of torque inline-4 gas engine. It offers up a spacious and reasonably comfortable interior, too, along with a capacious trunk. VW's focus on keeping the Passat a rational and affordable option within the compact sedan space has done it well, but cars such as the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and Hyundai Sonata have been winning a lot of appeal as more modern alternatives that have been receiving continuous updates.
2021 Passat Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 193.6 in | 110.4 in | 58.0 in | 72.2 in | 62.1 in | 61.0 in | 3,314.0 lbs |
2021 Passat Performance
2021 Passat Interior
2021 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
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat A Good sedan?
Though relatively outmoded, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat still bears a fairly classy aesthetic and offers a balanced and urban-centric drive quality and a decent level of road comfort and general practicality. In terms of performance, the Passat won't thrill nor will it have you feel like royalty, but proficiency and luxury aren't what the compact 4-door sedan is about. If you're just looking for a pragmatic, everyday runabout that will get you and your family around effortlessly, comfortably, and safely, then the Passat is an ideal pick. With that said, however, the Passat's competitors offer a lot more in contemporary designs, delivering more balanced and refined driving experiences and featuring a lot more advanced technology and higher-quality materials. VW is also planning to halt production of the Passat come 2023, so if you are set on purchasing a fourth-generation model, we'd hold off until 2023 as you'd likely get a far better offer over the 2021 Volkswagen Passat sedan's current price of $23,995.
What Volkswagen Passat Model Should I Buy?
If you're looking to get the most value for your money, then the mid-spec SE trim is the Passat sedan to go for. It comes standard with some desirable additions including keyless access with push-button start and remote start, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, front seat heating, V-Tex leatherette upholstery, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, two additional USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and even lane keep assist. We wouldn't even review the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's options list as there aren't any comprehensive packages or worthwhile standalone add-ons.