2018 Volkswagen Passat
Pros
- Turbo four-cylinder engine accelerates quickly and eagerly
- Ride quality is quiet, cushy and comfortable
- Back seat and trunk are roomy
- New, longer warranty coverage is among the best
Cons
- Touchscreens are smaller than those in competitors' systems
- Transmission's sluggish shifting hinders overall performance
- Driving engagement is pretty dull
- no Audi-like electricity
2018 Volkswagen Passat pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Passat does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.0 / 10If the 2018 Volkswagen Passat looks exceedingly familiar, that's likely because it's soldiered on with the same look since the current generation debuted six years ago. That's a long time without a significant, or even subtle, update, and most rival sedans have been redesigned during that time. But that's also a testament to all that the Passat gets right: reserved but timeless style to match its practical personality.
The Passat isn't the go-to sedan if you're seeking flash and flair, but its roomy cabin, large and useful shape of its trunk, and easy-to-drive nature make it an excellent family shuttle, a car for around-town driving with friends or colleagues, or long-distance road tripping in quiet comfort. And with six trim levels, two available engines, and a solid set of features spread throughout the lineup, there's a Passat right for all budgets.
For 2018, the Passat introduces an upgraded four-cylinder engine. The larger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (174 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque) gains 4 hp and more miles of improved fuel economy, now 29 combined mpg (25 city/36 highway). This is still just average mpg for a midsize sedan, but what the Passat lacks in fuel efficiency, it makes up for with lively performance and pickup. The last four-cylinder we tested sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, quick enough to make the optional V6 engine just that: optional.
2018 Volkswagen Passat configurations
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat comes in six trim levels: S, R-Line, SE, SE with Technology, GT, and SEL Premium.
The base S starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (174 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, one USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. The optional Driver Assistance package adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The R-Line adds 19-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel (with shift paddles), heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radio, VW's Car-Net smartphone integration (includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink), and unique R-Line styling elements. The S trim's optional driver aids are included, along with adaptive cruise control. An optional R-Line Lighting package adds LED headlights and taillights.
The SE builds on the R-Line features (minus R-specific styling and the large wheels) and further adds 17-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, a sliding front armrest, rear air vents and added Car-Net functionality.
The SE's optional Technology package gets you 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, foglights, automatic wipers, a hands-free trunk opener with foot sensor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, front and rear parking sensors, remote ignition, heated rear seats, a navigation system, an eight-speaker sound system, and an upgraded version of Car-Net. LED headlights and taillights are optional on the SE.
The new GT trim (delayed availability) is a mashup of R-Line and SE trims, with 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, sport front seats, and two-tone simulated leather upholstery among its distinguishing features. Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine (280 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) and paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, think of the GT as a Passat interpretation of the Jetta GLI.
The top-trim SEL Premium bundles nearly all features from the lower trims with 18-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable passenger seat, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, automatic wipers, a premium Fender audio system, a separate ski pass-through for the 60/40-split rear seats, an automated parallel-parking feature, and a lane departure warning system. The four-cylinder engine comes standard, and the V6 is optional.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat SEL (turbo 1.8L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Passat has received some revisions, including a slightly more powerful and fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Passat.
Driving
6.0Acceleration
6.0Braking
6.0Steering
8.0Handling
6.5Drivability
6.0Comfort
6.5Seat comfort
7.0Ride comfort
5.5Noise & vibration
7.5Interior
8.0Ease of use
7.0Getting in/getting out
8.0Driving position
6.0Roominess
8.0Visibility
8.5Quality
7.5Utility
8.5Small-item storage
7.0Cargo space
8.5Child safety seat accommodation
9.0Technology
7.0Audio & navigation
7.0Smartphone integration
7.5Driver aids
7.5Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2018 Volkswagen Passat video
[MUSIC PLAYING] KURT NIEBUHR: Here we have the 2018 Passat GT. [MUSIC PLAYING] What makes a Passat GT a GT? Well, Volkswagen of America decided that they want a Passat that looked a little bit more sportier than the regular Passat, something that would kind of remind you that they do make a GTI, just not a Passat version. Most importantly, they put the 3.6-liter v-6 engine under the hood. That makes it kind of a sport sedan. Maybe we should go to the track and see if it is a sport sedan. [MUSIC PLAYING] All right. Well, we're here. We're going to make a key-up run for acceleration. Once again, key-up run is basically, as the car comes, you turn the car on, you put the car in drive or in first gear, whatever. This is just drive. There it is. E-brake's off. Let's go. Oh. Lights the tires up. Kicked in the traction control. But that v-6 sounds good. This car's hustling. I like that. I like that. I like that. Not a slouch. Most Passats come with a four-cylinder engine, and they don't sound like that. I am a little worried about the traction control light, though, because there is no way to shut traction off in this car. All right, sport mode on the transmission. There is no sport mode in the car. There are no drive modes in this car at all. So out of the box, that's what you get. That's what you've got to run. Yeah, I'm not gonna do throttle brake overlap. I think that just makes the tires break loose that much sooner, and this car's got to be feathered carefully. It takes a gentle touch. Traction control. I'm looking at you, buddy. Downshifts well on the brakes. Kind of cool. Automatic downshift, and rev matching. It is not a slow sedan. The key is just not triggering that traction control. But I really wish you could shut it off in this car. I actually wish this car had all-wheel drive, and I wish it was a manual, and I wish it was a wagon. What are you gonna do. [MUSIC PLAYING] Performance-wise, it's not that much different from any other Passat that they sell. In the suspension department, it sits a little bit lower. And that's it. Luckily for Volkswagen, your basic Passat is pretty solid. It has a good chassis, it responds well. And when you put this big 3.6-liter engine in it, you can really move out. But the tires are the limiting factor with this car by far. You'll hear right up here the tires don't really like that. And I think that's kind of a shame with this car, even more so than the fact that you can't shut off the stability control, which is a real bummer, because the car feels playful. You can brake kind of late like this, and you can throw the car in and it responds well. It does want to rotate on the brakes, and that's OK. You can tuck the nose on the throttle, and off the throttle. I don't think Volkswagen markets the Passat GT as a sport sedan, per se. I think they just market it as a sportier Passat. And I think they're right on. With the v-6 engine in it, with the slightly lower ride height, I think it is a sportier Passat. To really be a true sport sedan, it would have to have better tires and better brakes. Not that the brakes are bad, but they just don't have the capacity that I think a real sport sedan buyer would want to see out of their brakes. But that engine's good. It's hard not to want to drive this car because it sounds like this. It sounds fantastic. Kudos to Volkswagen for making a car this big kind of playful and fun. All right, well we're inside that 2018 Passat GT, and it's just like sitting in any other Passat, which isn't exactly a bad thing. We've always liked how clean and orderly the inside of these cars are. I like them quite a bit. I'm a fan of modernism, so having everything laid out in a very clean and simple way makes me happy. The main changes to a Passat GT over regular Passat are basically their two-tone moonrock gray and black, and they also have contrasting stitching. The wheel, it's a flat-bottom wheel. I think flat-bottom wheels have jumped the shark. I don't think we need to see them anymore, especially in a regular-sized car with a lot of room. But Volkswagen does make some of the best wheels, I think, in the business. My hands fit on it really well. The leather is very nice. And it also has this contrasting stitching here. It's also got this carbon fiber-ish trim here, but other than that, it is a Passat. That isn't a bad thing. So I've got the seat right where I want it, and I'm just over six feet tall. Now, that might not really matter to you right now, but in a moment, you'll see why that's important. I'm sitting behind myself. The front seat is right where I'm comfortable sitting, and now I'm in the backseat. And I can cross my leg in the back seat of a Passat. This amount of leg room is this car's party trick. And it's the only car in its class that has this much leg room. This is almost like S-class leg room. It's obscene back here. But it also reminds me of one of the other traits of Volkswagen Passats. And that is sometimes they don't have the highest quality plastics in them, like here on the side. That's really hard. Almost every surface in this car has a lot of hard plastic on it. That might bother you, it might not. But it is something to keep in mind. So let's fire it up. You can hear that Volkswagen has modified the mufflers on this car. They actually have fewer perforations to give the car a sportier sound. That's the 3.6-liter, 280-horsepower v-6 engine, what's going to make this car more of a sport sedan than a regular Passat. So is the Passat GT a sport sedan? Kind of sort of. It certainly has the motor. Handling could be a little bit better. But if you're in the market for a mid-sized to full-sized sedan to take care of your family and haul it around, it's probably a good replacement for the Volkswagen GTI that you sold in the first place. You shouldn't have sold the GTI. For more videos like this, hit Subscribe. [MUSIC PLAYING]
2018 Volkswagen Passat GT Review
Edmunds Road Test Editor Kurt Niebuhr takes a closer look at the 2018 Volkswagen Passat GT to see what sets it apart from every other Passat. Starting at the track, we run the GT down the quarter-mile before heading to the handling circuit to get a feel for the character of this sportier Passat. After that, it's over to the garage for a closer look at some of the details that make this Passat a GT.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Passat safety features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Warns the driver if a front collision with a pedestrian or vehicle seems imminent. If necessary, can apply automatic emergency braking.
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Uses rear radar sensors to warn driver of vehicles in adjacent lanes. Also illuminates icon in side mirror when a vehicle enters blind spot.
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Warns the driver with a flashing LED of vehicles in the blind spot. Can also apply countersteering to nudge the vehicle back into its lane.
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See your car's valueAlthough it hasn't undergone a major redesign for several years, the 2018 Volkswagen Passat continues to hold its own against rivals from the U.S. and Japan in the hotly contested midsize-sedan segment. It might not have the sports appeal or technical sophistication of some competitors, but the Passat's blend of roominess, pleasant styling and comfortable ride clearly strikes a chord with the steady stream of buyers who have kept the model in production since 1973.
After a minor refresh in 2016, the Passat undergoes a few changes for 2018, most notably with an upgraded four-cylinder engine. The new, larger 2.0-liter engine replaces a 1.8-liter powerplant and brings with it more horsepower (174 hp) and improved fuel efficiency (29 mpg combined). It's the current standard engine for all trim levels, except for the new GT trim, which comes exclusively with a 3.6-liter V6 engine (280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque). The V6 is optional on the top-trim SEL Premium. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Curiously, Volkswagen made forward collision warning and automatic braking an option on the base S trim for 2018; previously it was standard equipment. Higher trim levels offer standard equipment that includes Volkswagen's App-Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The Passat's interior is one of the model's strong suits. The design is attractive and the layout is functional. There's also an abundance of space, with plenty of leg-, hiproom and shoulder room for front occupants, a rear seat that's one of the largest in its class, and a generous trunk size that vacationing families will appreciate. The infotainment system, while not a class leader, is nevertheless easy to use.
With suspension designed more for comfortable highway cruising and around-town practicality than flat-out cornering, the Passat still provides crisp steering response, and the Sport mode and available paddle shifters can help enhance the driving experience for those interested in a bit more excitement. Performance from the standard four-cylinder engine is likely to be more than adequate for most drivers, although the V6 cut about 1.3 seconds from the 0-60 mph time in Edmunds testing.
Fuel economy for the Passat with the base four-cylinder engine is EPA-rated at a combined 29 mpg (25 city/36 highway), while the V6 achieved a combined rating of 22 mpg (19 city/28 highway).
The surprisingly well-equipped Passat S comes with such features as dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and an infotainment system with a USB port. The R-Line model adds a few sporty touches, the SE tacks on more comfort and convenience items (and tech when equipped with the Technology package), and the top-of-the-line SEL Premium goes all out with details such as heated leather seats, more driver-assist devices and a premium sound system. The new GT model, meanwhile, is geared toward those who want a fuller measure of power and performance from their sedan. When it comes time to choose the 2018 Passat for your needs, let Edmunds help you find the best example.
2018 Volkswagen Passat Overview
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is offered in the following submodels: Passat Sedan. Available styles include R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), V6 GT 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM), and V6 SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM).
What do people think of the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Passat 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Passat.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Passat featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
2018 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,865. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $6,843 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,843 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$26,022.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is20.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Passat SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30,810. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Passat SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $8,028 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,028 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$22,782.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is26.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 13 2018 Volkswagen Passat SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,510. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $8,165 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,165 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$19,345.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is29.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 7 2018 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Passat V6 GT 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM)
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat V6 GT 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30,040. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Passat V6 GT 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM) is trending $6,419 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,419 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$23,621.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat V6 GT 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM) is21.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 4 2018 Volkswagen Passat V6 GT 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,705. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $7,575 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,575 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$17,130.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is30.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,405. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $5,185 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,185 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$22,220.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is18.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Volkswagen Passats are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Volkswagen Passat for sale near. There are currently 47 new 2018 Passats listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $24,210 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $8,313 on a used or CPO 2018 Passat available from a dealership near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Volkswagen lease specials