2021 Volkswagen Passat

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2021 Volkswagen Passat Review: An Old Dog With One Trick Left

Once a near-premium vehicle within VW's range, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is now a rather outmoded and run-of-the-mill sedan in the brand's range and the compact classification, in general. While Europe received an exclusive and all-new version of the Passat sedan, the USA has been stuck with a version that dates back to 2012. This year, the Passat persists with its modest and pragmatic design and 174-horsepower, 206 lb-ft of torque inline-4 gas engine. It offers up a spacious and reasonably comfortable interior, too, along with a capacious trunk. VW's focus on keeping the Passat a rational and affordable option within the compact sedan space has done it well, but cars such as the亲爱的da Accord,Mazda 6, andHyundai Sonatahave been winning a lot of appeal as more modern alternatives that have been receiving continuous updates.

Read in this review:

7.9
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2021 Volkswagen Passat Changes:What’s the difference vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat?

There are no cosmetic changes to the 2021 Passat, but VW has made updates to ensure the sedan remains good value on the quality, tech, and safety fronts. All trims are now equipped with adaptive cruise control, as well as leather-wrapped steering wheels and gear-shift knobs, while the SE gets 18-inch wheels and a sunroof. The lineup has been trimmed down for 2021, with the SEL trim being discontinued. To further its halo status within the range, the top-spec R-Line trim receives built-in navigation, premium audio, and adaptive headlights as standard.

Pros and Cons

  • Efficacious torque delivery
  • Spacious cabin and trunk
  • Plenty of inclusive safety tech
  • Good out-and-out safety rating
  • High reliability expectations
  • Outmoded aesthetics and design
  • Mundane driving experience
  • Subpar fuel economy returns
  • Unimpressive standard features

Best Deals on Passat

2021 Volkswagen Passat Trims and Prices

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP)
S
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
6-Speed Automatic
Front-Wheel Drive
$23,995
SE
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
6-Speed Automatic
Front-Wheel Drive
$26,995
R-Line
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
6-Speed Automatic
Front-Wheel Drive
$29,995

Passat Exterior

2021 Volkswagen Passat Front View CarBuzz
2021 Volkswagen Passat Rear View CarBuzz
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Dimensions

  • Length 193.6 in
  • Wheelbase 110.4 in
  • Height 58.0 in
  • Max Width 72.2 in
  • Front Width 62.1 in
  • Rear Width 61.0 in
  • Curb Weight 3,314.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

  • Aurora Red Metallic
  • Reflex Silver Metallic
  • Pure White
  • Deep Black Pearl
  • Tourmaline Blue Metallic
  • Platinum Gray Metallic

Passat Performance

2021 Volkswagen Passat Front Angle View CarBuzz
2021 Volkswagen Passat Rear-Facing View CarBuzz
2021 Volkswagen Passat Wheel CarBuzz

Engine and Transmission

掌舵的帕萨特轿车是一个2.0升的牛蛙bocharged 4-cylinder TSI engine that's been modulated to deliver up to 174 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque to the sedan's front-wheel drivetrain via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Power and torque are delivered low within the Passat's rev band, allowing it to reach urban speeds quickly and without fuss. The auto transmission also delivers competent and smooth responses but of course will tend to shift into a higher gear early to optimize efficiency.

  • Engine
    2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
  • Transmission
    6-Speed Automatic
  • Drivetrain
    FWD

Passat Gas Mileage

  • Fuel Tank Capacity
    18.5 Gallons
  • Fuel Economy
    City/Hwy: 24/36 mpg
* 2021 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T S Automatic

Passat Interior

2021 Volkswagen Passat Steering Wheel CarBuzz
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Seating and Interior Space

  • Seating capacity
    5-seater
  • Front Leg Room 42.4 in
  • Front Head Room 38.3 in
  • Rear Leg Room 39.1 in
  • Rear Head Room 37.8 in

Passat Trunk and Cargo Space

2021 Volkswagen Passat Front Seats CarBuzz
2021 Volkswagen Passat Rearmost Seats CarBuzz
2021 Volkswagen Passat Cargo Room CarBuzz
  • Trunk Volume
    15.9 ft³

Passat Safety and Reliability

Warranty

  • Basic:
    4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
  • Drivetrain:
    4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
  • Corrosion:
    7 Years \ 100,000 Miles
  • Roadside Assistance:
    3年 \ 36,000 Miles
  • Maintenance:
    2 Years \ 20,000 Miles

Verdict:Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat a good sedan?

Though relatively outmoded, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat still bears a fairly classy aesthetic and offers a balanced and urban-centric drive quality and a decent level of road comfort and general practicality. In terms of performance, the Passat won't thrill nor will it have you feel like royalty, but proficiency and luxury aren't what the compact 4-door sedan is about. If you're just looking for a pragmatic, everyday runabout that will get you and your family around effortlessly, comfortably, and safely, then the Passat is an ideal pick. With that said, however, the Passat's competitors offer a lot more in contemporary designs, delivering more balanced and refined driving experiences and featuring a lot more advanced technology and higher-quality materials. VW is also planning to halt production of the Passat come 2023, so if you are set on purchasing a fourth-generation model, we'd hold off until 2023 as you'd likely get a far better offer over the 2021 Volkswagen Passat sedan's current price of $23,995.

What Volkswagen Passat Model Should I Buy?

If you're looking to get the most value for your money, then the mid-spec SE trim is the Passat sedan to go for. It comes standard with some desirable additions including keyless access with push-button start and remote start, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, front seat heating, V-Tex leatherette upholstery, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, two additional USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and even lane keep assist. We wouldn't even review the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's options list as there aren't any comprehensive packages or worthwhile standalone add-ons.

Volkswagen Passat Popular Comparisons

The most popular competitors of 2021 Volkswagen Passat:

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