2019 Volkswagen Passat Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Turbo four-cylinder engine accelerates quickly and eagerly
- Ride quality is quiet, cushy and comfortable
- Back seat and trunk are roomy
- Long warranty coverage is among the best in class
Cons
- Touchscreens are smaller than those with competitors' systems
- Transmission's sluggish shifting hinders performance
- Driving engagement is pretty dull
What's new
- Streamlined to just two trim levels: Wolfsburg Edition and SE R-Line
- More driver assistance features come standard on base trim
- Part of the fourth Passat generation introduced for 2012
Evolution and innovation are priorities for automakers trying to keep pace with changing consumer tastes. But occasionally a model remains popular without continual updates and design changes. The 2019 Volkswagen Passat embodies the "if it isn't broke" ethos, soldiering on with the same look since the current generation debuted eight years ago. Most rival sedans have undergone the knife during that span, but the Passat's successful formula is a testament to its timeless style and practical personality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$139/mo
Passat Wolfsburg Edition
vs
$175/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Changes are on the horizon for the Passat, however, with a full redesign likely for next year's model. Unsurprisingly, changes for 2019 are few. The lineup is streamlined to just two trim levels, and more modern driver aids filter down to the base model. Eliminating multiple trim levels — last year's model offered six — means less flexibility for a buyer's budget, but the choice is easier: Do you prefer base trim or fully featured?
What hasn't changed are the ingredients of the Passat's successful formula: a roomy cabin, large and useful trunk, quiet ride, and easy-to-drive nature. The Passat isn't the go-to sedan if you're seeking flash, flair or a hint of speedy thrills. But it makes an excellent family shuttle, a car for around-town driving with friends or colleagues and a long-distance vehicle for road tripping in quiet comfort.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.0 / 10Trim 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 Volkswagen Passat R-Line (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.0 / 10 |
| Driving | 6.0 |
| Comfort | 6.5 |
| Interior | 8.0 |
| Utility | 8.5 |
| Technology | 7.0 |
Driving
6.0With the exception of the well-tuned steering, the Passat's performance is a bit of a disappointment in the current midsize sedan class. It's slower than previous generations of the nameplate, it has subpar braking performance, and it fumbles away the smooth, effortless drivability it used to have in spades.
Comfort
6.5The Volkswagen Passat shines in this category, especially when long-distance driving is considered. It's a quiet cruiser. If you head out on lots of road trips, especially with a full load of friends, the Passat is a great choice. Just be sure to steer clear of the R-Line and its ride-ruining wheel and tire package.
Interior
8.0The Passat is big but easy to see out of and not especially complicated to use. Really, this German sedan is one of the most old-school American cars on the road. Essentially, it's a full-size sedan for a midsize price.
Utility
8.5The usable space in a Passat's trunk is impressive. Never mind the numbers, it feels class-leading. Small-item storage is unremarkable and bettered by other midsize competitors, 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. With infotainment and driver's aids, the offerings are fairly standard for the segment. The Passat does not distinguish itself here.
Which Passat does Edmunds recommend?
With just two trim levels to choose from, your choice comes down to how many premium features you want. We suggest the Wolfsburg Edition. It covers the key bases with 17-inch alloy wheels, simulated-leather upholstery, heated front seats and a 6.3-inch touchscreen interface, among other features.
2019 Volkswagen Passat models
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat comes in two trim levels: Wolfsburg Edition and SE R-Line. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (174 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission.