Used 2017 Volkswagen CC
Pros & Cons
- Striking exterior style is unique in its class
- Comes with many upscale features standard
- Turbocharged engine is smooth, slick and sounds great
- Rear seat headroom is limited by sloping roofline
- Trunk is small compared to most competitors'
- Priced higher than many competitors with comparable features
Other years
Which CC does Edmunds recommend?
The R-Line Executive's leather upholstery and adaptive cruise control are nice, especially for long-distance commuters. But with keyless entry, heated seats, Bluetooth and satellite radio, the Sport has the basics covered — and saves you about $3,000.
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
3.0 / 5Stand a few yards away from the 2017 Volkswagen CC, and its appeal is obvious. With sleek coupe styling wrapped around four doors, the CC's exterior design stands out as one of the most interesting among midsize sedans. Inside, the CC cabin impresses with near-luxury features and fit and finish. A 200-horsepower turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission pairing feels quick and refined, and sounds terrific.
But just as the CC ("Comfort Coupe") tempts with shapely lines and smooth power delivery, it does have limited, tight interior space, awkward sight lines and a higher price versus more conventional sedan alternatives. The Volkswagen also doesn't handle curves and corners as sharply as its sporty styling suggests. You'll need to decide if the trade-offs are worth it.
Fortunately you won't need to compromise fuel efficiency. The CC returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined (22 city/31 hwy). In our testing, we managed 25.1 mpg in overall driving and 26.2 mpg on our mixed highway-mountain driving test loop. Those are decent numbers but others, such as the Honda Accord, achieve better.
Volkswagen CC models
The 2017 Volkswagen CC is available in two trims: Sport and R-Line Executive. The latter is available with an optional carbon-fiber styling package called R-Line Executive With Carbon. The Sport surprises with nice amenities such as power-adjustable, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control, while R-Line Executive upgrades include leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and driver safety aids. For the same price, the R-Line Executive With Carbon adds gloss black exterior and carbon-fiber interior trim.
The CC comes standard with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The engine powers the front wheels through a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission (VW calls it DSG).
The Sport comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, foglights, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer nozzles, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, keyless entry, push-button ignition, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power-adjustable and heated front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks and premium vinyl upholstery. Also standard are dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, VW Car-Net smartphone integration, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a 6.3-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and an eight-speaker audio system with USB/auxiliary/SD card inputs.
The R-Line Executive is upgraded with 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, unique exterior styling and doorsill plates, power-folding and heated side mirrors, driver-seat memory settings, steering-wheel paddle shifters and leather seating. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and VW Car-Net App Connect app services also come standard.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Volkswagen CC R-Line (2.0L 4-cyl. turbo; 6-speed dual-clutch automatic).
Scorecard
| Overall | 3.0 / 5 |
| Driving | 3.0 |
| Comfort | 3.0 |
| Interior | 3.0 |
Driving
3.0The CC's overall performance is acceptable, but several more affordable midsize sedans are quicker and handle the same or better.
Acceleration
3.5The transmission is initially hesitant off the line, but the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is smooth and revs eagerly. It takes 7.0 seconds to dash from 0 to 60 mph — not bad, but some rivals are quicker.
Braking
3.0In our testing, panic braking distances from 60 to 0 mph were 120 feet, about average. But the brakes never feel all that powerful, especially when trying to haul it down from highway speeds.
Steering
3.0Electrically assisted steering feels precise and goes into turns crisply. But it lacks the kind of feel and feedback from the front tires that more discerning drivers desire.
Handling
2.5The CC R-Line was sloppy, both at our test track and out on the road. The suspension feels under-damped, and there's too much body roll. It doesn't handle nearly as sporty as it looks.
Drivability
2.5The transmission is clunky at low speeds, which can be annoying in traffic. Above parking lot speeds, however, it shifts smoothly and quickly. Power from the turbocharged engine is solid at almost all engine speeds.
Comfort
3.0The ribbed covering on the CC's seats doesn't look inviting, but the buckets are actually quite comfortable. This is a generally quiet cruiser, but we heard more tire and suspension noise during urban driving than we expected.
Seat comfort
3.5The front seats are well-padded with good bolstering, but the low-positioned rear seats cause an uncomfortable, unsupported knee bend. The middle seat is hard and nearly unusable. The armrests have nice padding.
Ride comfort
3.0We were surprised by the vibrations that crept into the cabin over the pothole section of our drive loop. The suspension absorbs most abnormalities well, but big bumps can be harsh and loud.
Noise & vibration
3.0A mixed bag. During highway cruising, wind and engine noise is nearly nil. But around town there's a noticeable amount of tire and suspension noise as the CC often crashes over road imperfections.
Interior
3.0You'd think the CC's low-slung roofline would mean a neck-wrenching lack of headroom, but the low-placed seats help. The interior is well put together and looks nice, although storage space could be better.
Ease of use
2.5VW's nav/infotainment screen has been enlarged and updated for newer models. It took us longer than usual to pair a phone. The cruise control stalk is hidden by the steering wheel, but the climate controls are nice and simple.
Getting in/getting out
3.0The front doors open wide, and you have to duck only slightly to enter. The rear doors are generous, but the seriously sloping roof makes the entry space so small that you actually have to turn your body to slide in.
Roominess
3.0Front headroom is reasonable, door-side elbow room is decent, but the center armrest is narrow. Rear headroom is limited, but not as much as the car's shape suggests. The chopped side windows make it feel tighter than it really is in back.
Visibility
2.0The thick windshield posts hinder the ability to look through turns. The rear three-quarter view is marred by sloping rear side windows. The rear window is steeply sloped so the opening is small.
Utility
The downside to that sharp exterior styling is less trunk space than you might expect from a midsize sedan. The pinched shape could also complicate loading larger, awkward items. The rear seatbacks fold flat, and there's a center pass-through for skis and long items.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Volkswagen CC.
Trending topics in reviews
- appearance
- interior
- seats
- comfort
- value
- technology
- visibility
Most helpful consumer reviews
4/5 stars, Could be faster but can’t complain
Josh Beal,
2.0T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
When buying this car, I was a VW fan and driving a 2015 Jetta. I wanted to upgrade into something with Apple Car Play as well as something more aggressive looking.
I found the CC that I drive now and a ridiculously good price and haven’t complained since. There are times that I wish I had a faster car or I wish it got better gas mileage, but all in all I highly recommend this car for someone looking for a turbocharged engine as well as upscale features at a good price point on the used market.
3/5 stars, Sporty looking car but lacks some key features
RK,
2.0T R-Line Executive PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2017 CC R-Line Executive car is really sporty looking stylish car. Seats are comfortable. Being closeout model year for 2017, they are priced aggressively to sell by some dealers. I wanted to point out that some must have features at this price range are missing. Blind spot monitoring, Rear cross traffic alerts, Home link/Home Connect features are missing.
3/5 stars, Pretty but has a lot of problems
A Nicole,
2.0T Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I absolutely love driving this car but it will nickel and dime you to death. Anyone I’ve talked to with the same car has the same thing to say. It’s one pricey repair after another! Gorgeous car but I wish I would have never got one. Mine is a 2012
5/5 stars, Sleek and stylish
KAO,
2.0T R-Line Executive w/Carbon 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
Research for the car you want and how much you will pay for it.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $34,475
- MPG & Fuel
- 22 City / 31 Hwy / 25 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5100 rpm
- Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 189.1 in. / Height: 55.8 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.0 in.
- Curb Weight: 3369 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.2 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts like the CC models:
- Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist)
- Camera recognizes lane markings and actively helps countersteer to keep the vehicle in the lane above 40 mph.
- Forward Collision Warning
- Helps warn the driver of an imminent front collision with visual and audible alerts. Applies necessary braking to lessen impact severity.
- Intelligent Crash Response
- The car automatically shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors and activates hazard lights in certain types of collisions.
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FAQ
Is the Volkswagen CC a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2017 CC both on the road and at the track, giving it a 3.0 out of 10. You probably care about Volkswagen CC fuel economy, so it's important to know that the CC gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CC has 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen CC. Learn more
Is the Volkswagen CC reliable?
To determine whether the Volkswagen CC is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CC. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CC's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2017 Volkswagen CC a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2017 Volkswagen CC is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2017 CC and gave it a 3.0 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2017 CC is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2017 Volkswagen CC?
The least-expensive 2017 Volkswagen CC is the 2017 Volkswagen CC 2.0T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $34,475.
Other versions include:
- 2.0T R-Line Executive PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $37,820
- 2.0T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $34,475
- 2.0T Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $34,475
- 2.0T R-Line Executive w/Carbon PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $37,820
- 2.0T R-Line Executive w/Carbon 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $37,820
- 2.0T R-Line Executive 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $37,820
What are the different models of Volkswagen CC?
If you're interested in the Volkswagen CC, the next question is, which CC model is right for you? CC variants include 2.0T R-Line Executive PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0T Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), and 2.0T R-Line Executive w/Carbon PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM). For a full list of CC models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more