Volkswagen Passat review (2015-2024)
The Volkswagen Passat is a car for those with their eye on a bigger prize. A car for those who strive, who are always hungry for better. That’s because it’s not just a common-or-garden family car. It’s verging on being executive transport, and many people would very much like some of that action, thank you very much. See what we make of this car in our road-tested Volkswagen Passat review.
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Pros
- Plush cabin
- Plenty of boot space
- Lots of standard equipment
Cons
- Petrols aren't so efficient
- Rivals are more engaging to drive
Interior
Our rating: 9/10
There’s nothing particularly whizz-bang about the interior of the Passat. Nor would you expect there to be. That might even seem slightly incongruous.
Tech and features
The dashboard is laid out exactly as you’d expect, with analogue dials, conventional dials for the climate control temperature settings, and a central touchscreen through which you can control a whole range of the car’s settings, as well as the sat-nav and audio set-ups.
Some owners replaced the instruments with a 10.3-inch display, which shows everything you could need, including speed, revs, your audio preference and a sat-nav map. It’s well worth keeping an eye out for.
Trim quality is pretty much beyond reproach. It boasts thick, yielding plastic on top of a dashboard that’s fronted by piano-black plastic and metal-effect trims, with chrome highlights, such as around the analogue clock. It’s quite the classy look.
Meanwhile, all the dials, knobs, levers and buttons operate with a slick uniformity that feels just so. If this is your first foray into the world of Volkswagens, you’ll feel rather special.
Driving position
The seats are very comfortable indeed, and even entry-level models get an electrically adjustable backrest with adjustable lumbar support.
Anything above SE will have an electrically adjustable seat.
In terms of quality, the VW Passat is a match for cars such as the Honda Accord, and is verging on being a rival for the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Engines and power
There are numerous petrol and diesel engines available in the big German saloon.
The best for diesel fans may be the 2.0-litre TDI, linked to the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
This is utterly at home on long motorway trips, where it has more than enough poke to make things relaxing, and it keeps its voice down most of the time, too.
The DSG swaps cogs effortlessly and smoothly, and even makes the car slightly more efficient. If you tow regularly, this is the one to choose.
Diesels just aren’t for some people, in which case the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is a peach. It has more than enough punch to let the Passat easily keep up with traffic in town.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
As long as you go into Passat ownership knowing a three-box saloon isn’t as practical as a hatchback, you’ll be fine.
In which case, the Passat will make a truly spacious and practical companion.
There's a vast amount of space up front, so even those considerably taller than the norm will have no issues with discomfort.
Rear seats
The rear seating is also pretty huge, so three adults will fit without any hassle or feeling like they’re on top of one another.
Storage solutions
The cabin is festooned with storage areas and the door bins are big enough for large bottles of water.
Boot space
The boot is enormous and will easily take three large suitcases and a couple of carry-on cases.
The only thing to be aware of is that getting stuff into it will be trickier than it would be with a hatch.
Running costs
Our rating: 9/10
Fuel economy
Diesel versions of the Passat should comfortably manage an average economy figure starting with a five.
Take one of the lesser-powered diesel models on a long motorway trip and you'll easily be in the 60s, if not approaching 70mpg – a figure we've come close to after around three hours on the motorway.
When combined with the large fuel tank, it means your local fuel station staff are likely to greet you with a ‘hello stranger’ – so infrequent will your visits be.
The 1.5-litre petrol model should also manage an economy figure of around 40mpg if driven carefully.
Combine this with the lower cost of unleaded and it’s easy to see why petrol can be the better choice for some.
Insurance groups
Insurance should be pretty cheap, with entry-level cars in group 12, rising to group 29 for top-spec versions.
The verdict
Interior
9/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
9/10
Owning a Passat is a bit like having a well-dressed member of staff to look after you because it looks subtly classy and just gets on with the job of making every day easier than it might otherwise have been
It’ll take you and four friends (plus their suitably fabulous ‘stuff’) from here to there without fuss – and will do so without costing a whole lot to run.
Each and every one of those friends will get in, look around, touch a piece of trim or fabric and offer a nod of appreciation for how good the Passat feels.
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