2021 Volkswagen Passat Review
Price Range: $11,195 - $20,990
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.
Price & Payment
Changing year will take you to a new page
Average price: $17,284
$
to$
Price
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Back seat and trunk are roomy
- Quality sound from the available Fender audio system
- Touchscreen is smaller than those in competitors
Cons
- Transmission's sluggish shifting hinders performance
- Missing some expected tech or luxury-level features
- Driver engagement is pretty dull
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
Overview
Sometimes being old is good. Like with wine, for instance, or the stuff featured on PBS' Antiques Roadshow. But for the Volkswagen Passat, age seems to be a liability. The 2021 Passat is based on the fourth-generation model that debuted nearly a decade ago. Consequently, it's slowly fading into the background of the midsize sedan class.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
24 listings
- $11,195good price$1,489 below market
- 100,871 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 24 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- Epic Motor Company (8 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
The 2021 VW Passat SE is a spacious, fuel-efficient sedan with German design and comfort. With a smooth turbocharged engine, roomy interior, and high-...
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:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1VWSA7A39MC002841
Stock: 002841
Certified Pre-Owned: No - 31,476 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 24 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Dulles (3 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency. Certain cars may have unrepaired safety recalls, so check nhtsa.gov/...
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:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1VWSA7A30MC017115
Stock: 28222959
Certified Pre-Owned: No
On the upside, the Passat still has a few solid attributes such as a smooth ride and a roomy rear seat. But rivals such as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 have newer technology features, fresher styling and additional engine options that the Passat lacks. So is the Passat right for you? Check out our Expert Rating below to read our full in-depth evaluation.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2021 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 R-Line 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 Passat's 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 28 mpg in combined driving (24 city, 36 highway). That's decent but behind the class leaders by a few mpg. 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.
2021 Volkswagen Passat trim level differences
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is available in three trim levels; S, SE and R-Line. All come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (174 horsepower, 206 lb-ft of torque) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Highlighted standard features include: Compare the 2021 Volkswagen Passat trim levels in-depth.
Which Passat trim does Edmunds recommend?
We think the midlevel SE trim represents the best version of the Passat. With extras such as a sunroof, simulated leather upholstery and extra USB ports, it offers a nice step up from the base S model without adding much to the price.

Edmunds Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption

The VW ID Buzz Won’t Get a 2026 Model Year; Its Future Is Now Uncertain

Volkswagen Taos Cargo Test: This Extra-Small SUV Has an Extra-Large Trunk

These Are the Best Cars We've Tested In 2025 ... So Far
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$115/mo for Passat S
Passat S
vs
$146/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. 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
1 recall 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:
- 21V812000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 40R7
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 30
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
- Defect Consequence:
- The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.
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(57%)
4(14%)
3(10%)
2(12%)
1(7%)
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 | $115/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
- Chrysler Pacifica 2021 Review
- Mazda CX 5 2021 Review
- Toyota C HR 2021 Review
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz SLC Class 2020 Review
- Volvo V60 Cross Country 2020 Review
- Audi Q8 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Used Chevrolet Malibu-limited 2016
- Used Kia Optima 2020
- Used Buick Verano 2017
- Used Chevrolet Cruze-limited 2016
- Used Scion Ia 2016
- Used Toyota Yaris-ia 2018
- Used Nissan Sentra 2025
- Used Toyota Corolla 2026
- Used Kia K4 2025
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
Research other models of Volkswagen
- Volkswagen ID.4 2025
- 2024 Jetta GLI
- 2025 Volkswagen Golf R
- New Volkswagen GLI
- 2026 Volkswagen Taos
- 2024 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2026 Volkswagen GTI
- New Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- 2025 Atlas
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used Nissan Truck in Kingsport, TN 1997
- Used Polestar 3 in Richmond, VA 2025
- Used Honda Crosstour in Pflugerville, TX 2015
- Used Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class in Canton, MI 2025
- Used Toyota Sequoia in Little Rock, AR 2026
- Used Toyota Corolla in Arlington Heights, IL 2026
- Used Toyota Celica in Harrisburg, PA 2005
- Used Cadillac CT4 in Lawrenceburg, IN 2026
- Used Volkswagen New-Beetle in Bryan, TX 2010
- Used Lincoln Town-Car in Rockville, MD 2011
- New Mclaren 750S-Spider for Sale in Monterey, CA
- New Mercedes-Benz SL for Sale in Redmond, WA
- New Ford Expedition for Sale in Mount Holly, NJ
- New Alfa-Romeo Giulia for Sale in Glendora, CA
- New Hyundai Tucson-Plug-In-Hybrid for Sale in Diamond Bar, CA
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Duluth, MN
- New Lexus LX for Sale in Hattiesburg, MS
- New Alfa-Romeo Stelvio for Sale in Lewistown, PA
- New Alfa-Romeo Giulia for Sale in Nixa, MO
- New BMW 2-Series for Sale in Boston, MA

