![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1200" height="588" fill="none" preserveAspectRatio="none"%3E%3Cmask id="b" width="1200" height="588" x="0" y="0" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" style="mask-type:alpha"%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23a)" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3C/mask%3E%3Cg mask="url(%23b)"%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23c)" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23d)" fill-opacity=".15" d="M581.718 62.893c42.993 1.53 86.281 5.888 129.704 13.204 311.828 52.485 552.538 242.016 657.698 483.656-149.97-147.971-450.891-226.33-789.375-232.079-338.534.839-640.434 74.572-792.746 220.292 108.75-240.047 352.255-425.97 664.832-473.803a1041.548 1041.548 0 0 1 129.887-11.27Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23e)" fill-opacity=".5" d="M611.247 209.93a1458.84 1458.84 0 0 1 139.573 27.692c333.61 83.239 577.16 267.208 668.67 475.188-148.93-138.63-468.279-241.218-835.209-290.421-367.6-43.915-702.265-24.445-881.281 72.561 140.567-178.524 422.355-295.817 766.181-293.074 47.867.484 95.274 3.212 142.066 8.054Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23f)" d="M735.039 879.394c48.524-6.62 97.023-16.967 145.3-31.2C1227.03 746.059 1475.76 472.327 1564.28 145c-151.17 209.633-482.23 344.436-865.05 388.31C315.515 568.571-35.93 504.564-227 330.342-73.333 632.61 226.169 849.617 586.429 878.604c50.15 3.871 99.74 4.07 148.61.79Z" opacity=".3"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23g)" d="M694.222 783.712c50.956 12 103.317 20.27 156.946 24.578 385.102 31.013 738.232-146.76 952.062-439.434-231.22 151.216-613.24 158.795-1012.047 55.796C394.784 312.716 68.643 114.101-55.211-133c37.44 360.528 253.087 691.895 601.449 858.946 48.557 23.091 97.963 42.302 147.984 57.766Z" opacity=".9"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23h)" fill-opacity=".5" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3ClinearGradient id="a" x1="1005" x2="989.087" y1="23" y2="552.522" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23007EE5"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".333" stop-color="%231561D4"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%230A4AAB"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="c" x1="1005" x2="989.087" y1="23" y2="552.522" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23007EE5"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".334" stop-color="%231561D4"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="d" x1="675.999" x2="879.999" y1="648.999" y2="120.999" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23fff"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%23fff" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="e" x1="656.5" x2="637.602" y1="213" y2="622.259" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop offset=".115" stop-color="%23fff" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".944" stop-color="%23017D8D"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="f" x1="398" x2="737" y1="599" y2="387" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%2300ABB5"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%2300A0B5" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="g" x1="1051.5" x2="271" y1="567" y2="575" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%230098C2"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%23033E96" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="h" x1="1005" x2="986.038" y1="23" y2="587.43" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop offset=".813" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".972"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3C/defs%3E%3C/svg%3E)
2021 Volkswagen Passat Review
Price Range: $13,997 - $21,998
View 161 more photos
View 161 more photos
View 161 more photos
View 161 more photos
View 161 more photos+157
Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
While the 2021 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.
2021 Volkswagen Passat Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- SEL trim level has been dropped
- Adaptive cruise control is now standard
- Minor changes to standard equipment
- Part of the fourth Passat generation introduced for 2012
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$191/mo for Passat S
Passat S
vs
$220/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability Ratings 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
Volkswagen Passat Owner Reviews
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 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.
LOVE MY PASSAT
5 out of 5 starsJEEPserviceSucks, 05/03/2021
2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I now have almost 10k miles on my Passat R Line. I get amazing service with free loaners, car washes etc from every dealership I have been too. No problems at all with my car. I have averaged 28 MPG combined city and highway with a lead foot. On regular unleaded as well. I am a big guy. 6'3" over 300lbs with very wide shoulders as I have to have a 54 long suit and I have plenty … of room and the back seat is huge as is the trunk. For the money not a better car on the road. This is my run around car as I also have a big diesel truck. Love it.
Not as hoped for, not what I paid for
3 out of 5 starsI 95 commuter, 07/04/2021
2020 Volkswagen Passat SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Previously I owned a Passat wagon for 6 years, leased 2 CCs and am about to end a lease on a 2018 Passat SEL which was the top of the line Passat at the time - that's 15 years with VW. Though the Passat is a larger sedan for its class, sits higher and is less expensive than its cousin the Audi A4, my 3 year experience has been disappointing overall. Though it came loaded with options, … its performance and the functionality of those extra options have been inconsistent. This car was made in TN, not Germany. I had no issues with the German made VW's. This Passats turbo needed replacing after 1 year - yes it was covered by warranty, yet for many months I experienced a lackluster drive, and it has never been consistently powerful since. To fold down the rear seats, you must pop the trunk to pull two seat release tabs which are in an inconvenient position- they should be on the top of the rear seats, not in the trunk, and the left side never worked consistently. The heated mirrors did not work. The push engine start button I learned is covered with thin metal plating or foil which one day had literally peeled into a triangular shape and cut my finger. This occurred during early Covid shut down, so I opted to cover the button with 5-6 layers of glass tape, which still remain. I never write reviews, but thought buyers should be aware. It's time to lease again, and I am looking elsewhere.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, so we've included reviews for other years of the Passat since its last redesign.
2021 Passat Highlights
S
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,995 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $191/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 of an imminent front collision with a pedestrian or vehicle 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 it drifts over lane markers when no turn signal has been activated.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall3 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger3 / 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
Related Used 2021 Volkswagen Passat info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- BMW 7 Series 2020 Review
- Honda CR V Hybrid 2021 Review
- Ford Escape 2020 Review
- Dodge Durango 2020 Review
- Lexus LS 500H 2020 Review
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2010
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2012
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2013
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2014
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2015
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2016
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2017
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2018
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2019
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2020
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer News
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS News
- 2024 Maybach GLS
- Subaru Legacy 2024
- New BMW 4 Series
- 2024 Dodge Hornet
- Genesis Electrified GV70 2024
- New Genesis Electrified GV70
- GMC Sierra 3500HD 2025
Research other models of Volkswagen
- 2025 Volkswagen Atlas
- 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- 2025 Jetta
- 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2025 Taos
- 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- New Volkswagen Jetta GLI
- 2024 ID.4
- New Volkswagen ID.4
- Volkswagen Taos 2024