Used 2017 Volkswagen Passat R-Line Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Volkswagen Passat R-Line Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Surprisingly Good
Passat R-Line best value midsize sedan you can buy
Best in Class
AMAZING CAR!!!
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat R-Line Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Big, easily loaded trunk
- Pro:Roomy backseat even for a midsize sedan
- Pro:Refined highway ride
- Pro:quiet cabin
- Con:Small infotainment touchscreens
- Con:Transmission's sluggish responses
- Con:Less engaging driving experience than many rivals
Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
Driving
Though both available engines in the 2017 Volkswagen Passat are worth considering, most people will be satisfied with the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder. It's quick compared to rivals and offers decent fuel economy. Unfortunately, the gas pedal's responsiveness is sluggish in the default setting. You can switch to Sport mode, but then it feels too jumpy. The 3.6-liter V6 makes for better acceleration, but fuel economy falls behind class leaders. Its transmission has delayed shift responses, too, and it's a bit clunky with gear choice at slow speeds.
Regardless of engine choice, the Passat is quiet and comfortable around town and on the highway. Steering is generally precise, but this isn't the car we'd recommend if you're looking for a sporty driving experience. It's a bit more relaxed and reserved, which may or may not be your preference.
Interior
One of the most inviting parts of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is its reserved yet classy interior. Cabin materials are excellent, and the cabin layout is, as you'd expect from the German automaker, logical and simple. Competition is stiff in the family sedan segment, but the Passat still retains a vibe of simplicity and functionality that borders on luxurious. In contrast to that upscale interior feel, though, are the infotainment screens. Neither the base unit nor the upgraded 6.3-inch screen is very big, and graphics resolution isn't going to wow you. Still, they're easy to operate, and the robust suite of smartphone integration is certainly welcome.
We like the Passat's front seats, finding them properly bolstered and comfortable for almost any driver. Legroom is generous in the backseat, which means a comfortable fit for most adults and plenty of room for rear-facing child safety seats. The Passat is about tied with class leaders for trunk space at 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The trunk opening is large, and the 60/40-split rear seats mean plenty of space for larger items.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Volkswagen Passat in Ohio is:
not available