Used 2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Oh What a Ride
Isabella Alton, Miami Beach, FL, 01/31/2018
2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Beautiful car , wonderful smooth ride and awesome safety features. The technology is unmatched and the look is elegant and timeless.
Great value and fun to drive
B. Ford, Grapevine, TX, 08/19/2018
2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
After my first 1000 miles I am convinced this was by far the best car for the money. The R-Line styling stands out and looks so much better than the competition. Pricing was incredible between incentives, a little haggling and even considering a few dealer add ons my drive out number including tax and tag was 85% of MSRP. Base tech features are great and safety-tech features are … standard. The warranty 6yrs/72K can't be touched in the class. Yes, the styling is a little dated but honestly the car stands out in comparison to the competition which all look the same. Driving experience is good. Quick off the line with a little lag when accelerating around 60 but brakes are very strong. Steers flat with little lean - this may be to the credit of the standard 19" wheels.
Subtly beautiful
Bill, Las Vegas, NV, 03/22/2020
2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Bought this car as a replacement for my Honda Accord which replaced the Toyota Camry I had before. As you can tell I have moderate experience with family sedans. Before I bought this car I made a point to drive all the major brands and best selling vehicles as is the norm. I really enjoyed the way the accord drove but with all the issues Honda is was having with its 1.5 I decided to … pass. The modern Camry, did not fit me at all no matter how I tried to adjust the seat. Not to mention the ridiculous front leaning head rest. When I drove the Passat, everything seemed just right in the world. No crazy swoopy boy racer plastics, a nice clean easily accessed and understandable interior, and of course the solid nice feeling while driving.
I now have 17k miles on my Passat R. I average a little over 31mpg. Other than oil changes and tire rotations, nothing else to complain about. The vehicle still looks as good as it did the first day I brought it home. Its held up well to triple digit heat and the mouldings trim haven't yet experienced any of fade commonly found here in the southwest Mojave desert. It's still quiet and smooth as well.
My only complaint. I wish this vehicle had about 20 more horsepower. It's a large vehicle. It's not going to be a economical vehicle of any noteworthy extreme. I just wish VW gave us the same powerplant in the Tiguan at the very least. I'm not asking for GTI or Arteon level performance, but for a car that looks this nice, a little oomph would be much appreciated. Other than VW hit a homerun and I wouldn't change anything else.
Great car, but not perfect
Richard, Memphis, TN, 07/12/2018
2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Really good looking car, comfortable, great safety features, good gas mileage, cool amenities and accessories. To echo some of the other reviews, there is hesitation in the lower gears and brakes slide some near the end of a stop. I prefer the look of the R-Line over the SE and SEL. With the options on the R-Line, I think it is the best bang for your buck out of the Passat models.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2018 Volkswagen Passat R-Line Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Turbo four-cylinder engine accelerates quickly and eagerly
- Pro:Ride quality is quiet, cushy and comfortable
- Pro:Back seat and trunk are roomy
- Pro:New, longer warranty coverage is among the best
- Con:Touchscreens are smaller than those in competitors' systems
- Con:Transmission's sluggish shifting hinders overall performance
- Con:Driving engagement is pretty dull
- Con:no Audi-like electricity
Which Passat does Edmunds recommend?
You can get a nicely equipped Passat in SE trim, but for more upscale character, opt for the SE's Technology package. An SE with this package is a solid value and has just about everything you'll need in a family sedan, including keyless ignition, a power-adjustable driver seat, Apple CarPlay-Android Auto smartphone integration, forward collision mitigation, navigation, front and rear heated seats, and a hands-free trunk opener. We're intrigued by the new GT trim, however, with its V6 engine and sport suspension tuning. It could be the best answer to the Passat's otherwise sedate nature.
Full Edmunds Review: 2018 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
Driving
6.0The Passat's punchy turbocharged four-cylinder engine should appeal to any midsize sedan shopper looking for their car to provide a good, solid kick in the back side. Sadly, other performance elements that come into play in everyday driving are subpar.
Comfort
6.5The Volkswagen Passat shines as a supremely comfy and quiet cruiser, especially when long-distance driving is considered. If you go on a lot of road trips, especially with a full load of family or friends, it's a great choice.
Interior
8.0The Passat is very roomy inside and easy to see out of. The controls are easy to use, too. Really, this German sedan is one of the most old-school American cars on the road. Essentially, it's a full-size sedan for the price of a midsize one.
Utility
8.5The Passat's trunk is impressively large. Never mind the numbers, it really is one of the best. Small-item storage is unremarkable and bettered by that of others, but there's still enough storage for most.
Technology
7.0The Passat's technology is acceptable, both in terms of its features and the controls for them. There's little missing, but there's also little that's above and beyond the norm. Its controls are also fine, relatively vice-free, but others are better.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2018 Volkswagen Passat in Ohio is:
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