2020 Volkswagen Passat Review
Price Range: $10,496 - $22,490
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Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
While the 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacks personality and style, there's still a lot to like. It's comfortable and spacious, and it packs in some of the segment's best tech and driver aids. The interior is one of the biggest in the class, and the smooth ride and quiet interior remind you of its German origins. We just wish it was a little more fun to drive — the lackluster powertrain could use more power and refinement.
Price & Payment
Changing year will take you to a new page
Average price: $16,694
$
to$
Price
Pros
- Ride quality is quiet, cushy and comfortable
- Back seat and trunk are roomy
- Quality sound from optional Fender audio system
Cons
- Touchscreens are smaller than those in competitors
- Transmission's sluggish shifting hinders performance
- Driving engagement is pretty dull
What's new
- Refreshed exterior styling and updated interior
- More torque from turbocharged four-cylinder
- Added driving assistants and luxury features
- A refreshed version of the fourth Passat generation that debuted in 2012
Overview
If you're willing to overlook its age, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat is a roomy, comfortable sedan that offers a pleasing number of features for the money. You see, while Volkswagen has made a variety of updates for 2020, including a new interior design and materials, a mildly restyled exterior, and an updated engine, this is still pretty much the same Passat that debuted all the way back for the 2012 model year.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
26 listings
- $10,496good price$799 below market
- 133,902 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 23 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- Cars2us Of Fairfax (16 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0T SEL – SEDAN • FRONT WHEEL DRIVE • AUTOMATIC • 2.0L TSI I-4 TURBOCHARGED -INC DOHC 16-VALVE • GASOLINE • 23-34 est.VIN: 1VW...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (23 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1VWCA7A32LC004661
Stock: CU7718
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $14,995fair price$20 above market
- 68,444 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 23 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- Auto Trademark (17 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
2020 VW Passat 2.0T SE Call 703-361-6882, 1 Owner, Clean Carfax, Well Maintained, New Tires All Around, White w Brown Leather Interior, Auto Cruise ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (23 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1VWWA7A34LC020941
Stock: AT18244
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Most of these 2020 changes are welcome. New this year are higher-quality interior materials, an updated instrument panel and 6.3-inch touchscreen display, new color schemes, and a new range of upholstery choices, including cloth and either simulated or genuine leather.
Under the hood is the Passat's long-running turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. VW did make a few power tweaks this year that help make the Passat feel a little more lively when accelerating. Alas, the Passat's formerly optional V6 engine, which offered great sound and power, is unfortunately no longer available. As before, power reaches the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Passat's comfort-over-performance ethos remains core to the 2020 model. It rides smoothly on the highway and has a roomy interior and big trunk. As a basic "get the job done" kind of sedan, the Passat delivers. But ask for more, whether it be stirring performance, the latest technology features or a fresh design, and this aging sedan comes up short.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2020 Volkswagen Passat on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7/10
How does the Passat drive? It's acceptable but nothing exceptional. The engine lacks punch, making the Passat one of the slowest vehicles in its class. And unlike much of the competition, there's no optional engine to improve performance. There's a delay when you step on the gas, and the transmission is eager to upshift, furthering the sense that there's just not much sizzle here. The Passat feels sluggish when passing on the highway.
Another issue is braking performance. In our testing we found the Passat's panic-stopping distances to be longer than average for a midsize sedan. An uneven pedal response makes coming to a smooth stop somewhat frustrating too. The situation is a little better when the road bends. Around turns, the Passat is smooth and composed. The steering lacks feedback, but it's light and quick, making it relatively easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
Another issue is braking performance. In our testing we found the Passat's panic-stopping distances to be longer than average for a midsize sedan. An uneven pedal response makes coming to a smooth stop somewhat frustrating too. The situation is a little better when the road bends. Around turns, the Passat is smooth and composed. The steering lacks feedback, but it's light and quick, making it relatively easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Passat? Volkswagen errs on the side of plush. It delivers on comfort with a smooth ride that tunes out most imperfections in the road. Some drivers may prefer a firmer and sportier ride, but the Passat is plenty comfortable for the daily drive. The wide and supportive front seats help too. You might want more substantial padding from the Passat's seats, but the "relaxed-fit" shape still does a decent job of keeping you planted around turns.
The dual-zone climate control works great, with powerfully cold air conditioning and vents for rear passengers. The fans can be on the loud side when cranked up, but not obnoxiously so. Otherwise the Passat is relatively quiet with just a bit of tire noise on uneven surfaces.
The dual-zone climate control works great, with powerfully cold air conditioning and vents for rear passengers. The fans can be on the loud side when cranked up, but not obnoxiously so. Otherwise the Passat is relatively quiet with just a bit of tire noise on uneven surfaces.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The Passat wins big on interior space, with plenty of room for both front and rear occupants. Legroom is particularly generous, except the center console can rub on the driver's knee. The long doors make getting in and out a breeze, though it might be tight in narrow parking spots. The seat and steering wheel offer a good amount of adjustment, a boon for both short and tall drivers. Decently sized windows and narrow roof pillars make it easy to see out of too.
The controls aren't as well sorted. While there are dedicated physical buttons for the climate system and shortcuts to the major menus for the touchscreen, the display itself is low and partially blocked by your hand when driving. It also forces you to take your eyes off the wheel for longer than we'd prefer. That said, the system infotainment system is easy to use. The menu structure is straightforward and easy to figure out without pulling out the manual.
The controls aren't as well sorted. While there are dedicated physical buttons for the climate system and shortcuts to the major menus for the touchscreen, the display itself is low and partially blocked by your hand when driving. It also forces you to take your eyes off the wheel for longer than we'd prefer. That said, the system infotainment system is easy to use. The menu structure is straightforward and easy to figure out without pulling out the manual.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? The Passat offers a decent amount of tech including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Integrated navigation is only available on the top-tier SEL trim. It's easy to program and has on-screen controls that hide when you don't need them. Volkswagen also allows you to connect to your smartphone to check the fuel level or remotely start the car. We also like the Fender audio system's clean and bassy sound. Only lackluster voice controls hold it back.
The driver aids work well, with the adaptive cruise maintaining a decent gap in traffic and holding speeds downhill. The blind-spot monitor works well too, but the overly sensitive parking sensors were annoying. We also had an issue with the backup camera not always turning on.
The driver aids work well, with the adaptive cruise maintaining a decent gap in traffic and holding speeds downhill. The blind-spot monitor works well too, but the overly sensitive parking sensors were annoying. We also had an issue with the backup camera not always turning on.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? The spacious interior also means plenty of space for cargo too. The trunk is wide and deep, and the 60/40-split folding rear seat goes flat, opening the space up further for large items. Up front, there are a few sizable bins and cubbies on the dash and in front of the shifter for small items. The doors have decent-size pockets for most water bottles.
Installing a car seat is relatively easy thanks to wide door openings, a big back seat and easily accessible LATCH anchors. Even larger rear-facing seats should fit fine without sacrificing front-seat room.
Installing a car seat is relatively easy thanks to wide door openings, a big back seat and easily accessible LATCH anchors. Even larger rear-facing seats should fit fine without sacrificing front-seat room.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Volkswagen Passat will get 27 mpg in combined driving (23 city, 34 highway). That's generally good but well behind the class leaders. That said, we saw 30.9 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is better than we've seen in most of the similarly equipped competition and indicative that the EPA estimates are realistic.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Passat a good value? The price of a fully loaded Passat is right in line with the four-cylinder competition, and you get a lot of features and space for the price. The Passat is missing a few features available in the competition such as ventilated seats and a more powerful engine, but for the most part it's a well-equipped sedan. The interior isn't nearly as nice or premium as you'll find elsewhere, but the fit and finish is solid. Our test car had no noticeable build-quality issues.
Volkswagen's bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties cover four years/50,000 miles. That's roughly on par with the class. You do get three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance and two years/20,000 miles of included maintenance.
Volkswagen's bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties cover four years/50,000 miles. That's roughly on par with the class. You do get three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance and two years/20,000 miles of included maintenance.
Wildcard
6.5/10
The Passat lacks the charm and personality you'll find in the competition, or even older Volkswagens. VW's been running the same styling theme for a while now, so your new Passat won't look much different than your neighbor's old one. Compared to the Honda Accord, Mazda 6 or Hyundai Sonata, the Passat looks bland and boring. That might be fine if it was more fun to drive, but again the Passat fails to set itself apart from the crowd.
2020 Volkswagen Passat trim level differences
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat is available in four trims levels: S, SE, R-Line and SEL. Every trim uses the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. Compare the 2020 Volkswagen Passat trim levels in-depth.
Which Passat trim does Edmunds recommend?
Among the four trim levels available, we say go with the SE trim. It provides a solid mix of features, such as a power driver's seat, simulated leather upholstery and traffic-adaptive cruise control, without costing too much.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$179/mo for Passat S
Passat S
vs
$220/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #20 out of 28 among Midsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#20 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$496/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
1.12x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
10.6%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
3 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 20V533000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 69AY
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1829
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Defect Consequence:
- An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.
- Recall Number:
- 19V389000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 94L9
- Manufactured from:
- 2010-12-23 to 2015-10-02
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 662185
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Defect Consequence:
- Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
- Recall Number:
- 19V218000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 69Y8
- Manufactured from:
- 2018-10-31 to 2019-02-12
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
- Defect Consequence:
- In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 7 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 2 years / 20,000 miles
Volkswagen Passat Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(42%)
4(18%)
3(13%)
2(16%)
1(11%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Roomy and Comfy!
5 out of 5 starstweetconn, 12/15/2020
2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I bought my new 2020 Passat SE in September. I had wanted a Passat for some time. I chose the Platinum Gray Metallic color. The car is very roomy with lots of legroom even in the rear seating area. There are many safety features; lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, backup camera, adaptive cruise control, etc. To my surprise, my car insurance premium actually went down because of … them. I like the engine temperature guage (which my 2014 Jetta didn't have) and the torque converted 6 speed automatic transmission. The gas pedal is very responsive and the power from the 2.0 TSI engine is good. Brakes are very responsive. The car handles well and has the typical German car feel. I have done better than the 34 mpg highway mileage rating of 34 mpg. I average 36 on the highway and 32mpg in and around town. My only dislike is that it does not have a CD player, but the Apple Carplay feature helps to make up for that. I intend to cut the oil change interval in half and change the oil every 5000 miles. (It is important to use synthetic oil in turbo motors.) I hope to keep this car for a long time. I also got a great deal, by paying $6000 below MSRP! At almost 41,000 mile mark my Passat is running well. The original Nexen tires have plenty of tread left and should at least pass the 50,000 mile mark. Under ideal conditions I have achieved 41 miles per gallon on the highway. No mechanical issues so far.
Great family car that won’t break the bank
4 out of 5 starsPaul, 08/17/2019
2019 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
No, it’s not a BMW, Audi, or Porsche (although some reviewers think it should be though). The Passat is comfortable, easy (and sometimes fun) to drive, reliable, and affordable (compared to the Japanese competition).
Positives: It has plenty of rear seat leg room and a spacious trunk (way more than my 2010 Honda Accord had). Controls are accessible and easy to use. The display screen … is I guess smaller than others but I really don’t want a 15” laptop screen sitting on my dashboard so it works for me. The seating is very comfortable and supportive. Steering is responsive and the car is very maneuverable. In sport mode or manual tiptronic mode, the car can perform well off the starting line and accelerates smoothly. The warranty is also excellent.
Road noise is a bit pronounced on highways but surface quality has a lot to do with that (I also suspect a change in tires will fix this when I’m ready for a new set). The transmission is a bit jerky at slow stop and go speeds due to the gas-saving 6 speed transmission. I have also experienced strange issues with Apple CarPlay but using an actual Apple USB cable fixed that.
All said, I’m happy with my Passat and look forward to driving it as our family car for years to come.
Still loving it - Wonderful car and great value
5 out of 5 starsWayne D., 11/14/2019
2019 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I've owned my 2019 VW Passat Wolfsburg Edition for more than six months and I am still loving it.
It is a wonderful car. It is exceptionally roomy, responsive and agile to drive, and a tremendous value. The included active safety features (blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic monitor and back up camera) greatly increase safety. It has an elegant, yet understated and conservative … appearance which I prefer in a car. Contrary to some reviews I have read, I do not find this car to be any noisier than other similarly priced and sized vehicles. Indeed, it is quieter than many similarly priced cars. It's a great car for the price!
Great car and good $ per Value
5 out of 5 starsO, 12/21/2020
2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Looking for a family car that fits taller than average people, it's the best. My kids are 6.3 and 6.0, and I am 6.0 and have a great room in the back with plenty of room on both the driver and front passenger side. The power is a bit on the low end of the low RPM range, but it has good performance in the higher RPM ranges once you punch it.
Good MPG. I get 30 - 33+ on the highway at … 70 MPH.
I will be using it to go skiing in the winter, and a rear folding seat is a good option for skis and gear.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, so we've included reviews for other years of the Passat since its last redesign.
2020 Passat Features & Specs
S
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $22,995 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $179/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.9 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Passat models:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Warns the driver if a front collision with a pedestrian or vehicle seems imminent and, if necessary, applies automatic emergency braking.
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Uses rear radar sensors to warn the driver of vehicles in adjacent lanes. Also illuminates an icon on the side mirror when a vehicle enters the blind spot.
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Applies countersteering to nudge the vehicle back into its lane if the car drifts over lane markers without a turn signal being activated.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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