why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Volkswagen Passat

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 54 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Volkswagen Passat

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Volkswagen Passat Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.2

If we were to describe the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan in as few words as possible, we'd go with "more for your money." Compared to the previous-generation Passat , this all-new, just-for-North-America sedan is bigger, costs a lot less, and comes with more stuff standard. In other words, it's the automotive equivalent of the extra-value meal at your local fast food joint. But rest assured, the refined on-road German manners that appealed to many buyers in the midsize-sedan market over the years haven't been removed from this Passat iteration. If you're looking for a practical family sedan that is also fun to drive, the new VW Passat is a worthy contender for your hard-earned dollar.

You'll Like This Car If...

Looking for a roomy, midsize sedan that offers an assortment of powertrains and a healthy amount of standard content like dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and keyless entry, all for a starting price in the low $20K range? Try the 2012 Volkswagen Passat on for size.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although starting in the $20K price sweet spot, adding options (like an automatic transmission or a USB port) will quickly up the total for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan. And if you're looking for a family 4-door that stands out visually on the road, the sharp-looking Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima will draw more attention.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.2
Driving Dynamics

8.0
Comfort & Convenience

8.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.6
Value

8.2
Safety

10.0

How It Ranks

#19

out of 31

MPG

#15

out of 31

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Volkswagen Passat Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

The Volkswagen Passat sedan is not only larger, better equipped and much lower in price for 2012. It's also tailor-made just for North America, in North America.

Driving the Passat

2012 Volkswagen Passat Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan has grown substantially to appeal to North American sensibilities, but even though it's now a larger car, the new Passat is lighter and delivers a...

refined road-going experience. Its new suspension – including a 4-link independent rear setup – cancels out most road imperfections, and body roll is nicely controlled on tight curvy roads. The 2.5-liter 5-cylinder will undoubtedly be the volume leader of the Passat's engines and is a perfectly fine around-town commuter, but if you want more zip in your drive, the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine is where you'll get your smiles. Its minimal turbo lag and plenty of low-end torque make a trip of any length a more pleasurable experience. The final feather in the VW Passat's cap: Whether you choose the 2.5-liter in-line 5, the TDI or the V6, this German sedan is one quiet ride. That's a good thing, because with segment-leading rear legroom, passengers sitting there won't need to yell to be heard.

Favorite Features

Optional Fender Sound System
Fender's first foray into automotive sound, this 9-speaker, 400-watt system developed with Panasonic provides well-balanced and clear sound.

TDI
Offering up to 43 miles per gallon on the highway, this clean-burning diesel engine can return nearly 800 miles per tankful. Whether you can survive for that long without a rest-stop break is another matter.

2012 Volkswagen Passat Details

2012 Volkswagen Passat Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 VW Passat isn't flashy inside. Think clean lines and tasteful - but not overdone – chrome. Lower-end Passats can look vanilla, but spending a little more and moving up to the Premium level adds Autumn Nut Burl wood trim detail that brings some visual interest to the cabin. Base S models come with standard cloth seating surfaces, while SE models get V-Tex leatherette and SEL models receive the full leather treatment with suede-like "Dinamica" inserts. And while we're on the topic of seats, thanks to its longer wheelbase, rear seat passengers now enjoy 39.1 inches of legroom - which is more than any other current midsize sedan, and more than the longer and wider "4-door coupe" VW CC.

Exterior

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat may not be as distinctive-looking as the Passats that came before it, but its new looks should serve it well over time. It's now sleeker and more angular in appearance, sporting a 3-bar horizontal grille and pronounced side crease lines that draw attention to the sedan's increased length. This length also allows for a more sizeable trunk – with 15.9 cubic-feet of space, it's a nearly a cubic foot larger than the trunk in the Honda Accord, which the EPA classifies as a large car. Sadly, the VW Passat Wagon is no more, so if you're looking for a family-friendly front-wheel-drive hatchback, consider a VW Jetta SportWagen, Audi A3, Acura TSX Wagon or Honda Crosstour.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

For less than $21,000 (including destination), a 2012 Volkswagen Passat S sedan comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, cloth seating, automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-year/36,000-mile maintenance program. Hoping for a USB port to plug your mobile device into? You'll have to move out of the base Passat to get it.

Optional Equipment

With a lot of available options, it's easy to spend more on a 2012 VW Passat. Worth noting: Vegan-friendly V-Tex leatherette seating, a Fender Premium audio system, an iPod interface and a quick-shifting 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. For a little more oomph in your daily drive, a 3.6-liter V6 or 2.0-liter 4-cylinder clean diesel engine are also on the menu.

Under the Hood

The 2012 VW Passat sedan offers three engine choices: A 2.5-liter in-line-5 shared with the smaller Jetta, a turbocharged 2.0-liter in-line-4 diesel with direct injection (TDI), and a 3.6-liter V6. There are also four transmissions available: a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission direct shift gearbox (DSG). If how much you spend at the pump is important to you, you'll be interested to know that the TDI can return a class-leading 43 mpg on the highway when matched with the manual transmission. In order to get comparable fuel economy with any other internal-combustion-engine-motivated sedan, you'd have to move down from the midsize segment.

2.5-liter in-line-5
170 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
177 lb.-ft. of torque @4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 (manual), 22/31 (automatic)

2.0-liter in-line-4, turbodiesel
140 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm
236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/43 (manual), 30/40 (DSG Automatic)

3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 (DSG Automatic)

Pricing Notes

A base 2012 Volkswagen Passat S with a manual transmission stickers in at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just under $21,000. If rowing your own gears isn't for you, moving to the 6-speed automatic transmission will require you to add the Appearance Package (front-illuminated vanity mirrors, unique wheels and a rear center armrest), and will bring the price closer to $23,500. Choosing the TDI diesel Passat nets you a starting price closer to $26,500, while the V6 with DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission brings the total closer to $29,500. A fully loaded VW Passat V6 SEL Premium will cost you about $33,500 when all is said and done. The Passat competes in the crowded midsize segment, which includes heavyweights like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu and redesigned value-oriented rides like the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata. In this group, the Passat falls behind the Camry and Accord when it comes to resale value, but bests the Malibu, Optima and Sonata over time.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volkswagen Passat vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 57 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

8.8/10

This is an AMAZING vehicle that has good value.

By DasAuto. (GA) on Monday, July 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great price for fully loaded diesel variant."

Cons: "No rear heated seats, Slow Nav system."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Passat is a fantastic car it is from a brand well known for quality vehicles and this one does not disappoint. Even though the base Passat is $7,000 cheaper than the last generation it does not feel cheap or cheesy. The exterior is nicely styled but at the same time not overly out of the box such as the design of a Nissan Leaf. However I believe the design will fair well over the years. One downside about the exterior is no H.I.D headlamps even on the highest trim. The interior is a absolute delight with wood trim and a soft touch dash. Even though the wood trim is fake (Obviously look at the price tag) it still looks good. However the interior does have some negatives like no rear heated seats and the Navigation system is EXTREMELY lagging in performance. The interior mostly is full of positives like an optional Fender sound system with a powered sub and the ability to play back movies on the Nav screen. Overall the Passat remains a solid choice if your looking for a huge Mid-size sedan. Also not to mention the diesel noise is practically inaudible inside the cabin and the fuel economy is over what VW claims."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great driver with excellent mph.

By jack (TX) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Enjoy every minute in it."

Cons: "Nice if rear seat had a/c vents. Newer models do."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Always enjoy driving in it. Was driving 400-700 miles/wk. Power and mileage both very good. I've been getting 44-48mph all around average depending on how easy/hard I drive. Comfort as driver and passenger exceptional. Twice had to hard brake and was very pleased with stopping power (didn't think I would stop in time). Handling is what would be expected from German engineering. The car is tight and handles poor roads well. Sticks to road. Turbo assists when power needed. Tranny exceptionally smooth and the Sport "S" gear setting holds shifts longer for even greater off the line performance. I purchased a '68 Camaro SS 396 for my first car. I'm older now, but have not been as pleased with a vehicle since then."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I love this car!

By dlt88 (FL) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Love how it drives, spacious interior, great value"

Cons: "I honestly can't think of any. I truly love the c"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I never knew it was possible to love a car this much. It drives so well, is comfortable, plenty big, and with a huge, comfortable back seat, looks gorgeous, love the Bluetooth, moon roof, and customer service. Couldn't be happier!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I love my car!

By Kinger (OH) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "stylish, comfortable, and fun to drive"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The car is everything I wanted, it has ton's of room and an incredible sound system. Also the perks of a Navigation system and back up camera. I did not want the extra expense of a diesel engine, so I went with the 2.5l. The V-6 has lots of power, but the fuel economy is not as good as the 2.5l. The car rides great and gives me the comforts and efficiency I was looking for in a car."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

MPG much higher than advertised

By Jake (KS) on Thursday, June 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive and fuel economy"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned this car for only 5 weeks so this review is based on satisfaction of a new car. My car has 1,000 miles of local driving and is consistently showing 38.9 MPG with the TDI. A couple of friends with Jetta's said I will easily get 48 MPG on the highway. Went with the SEL, navigation, Fender radio/speakers and, so far, the handling is extremely good. I researched the TDI Passat for several months before the purchase and I am pleased with my decision."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

ON Sept 13 I picked up my VW Passat TDI in Auburn

By snoopi (NV) on Sunday, June 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,364

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"WA. and drove to Las Vegas,it was fun driving the distance. Once I got settled in Las Vegas I had the misfortune, a small dog ran into my car( the dog survived) the front end did not. After a couple of days the front plastic piece fell down, first I thought I have a flat tire, due the noise. Some nice soul came to my rescue and kind of fastened it... After this mishap it was suggested I buy a Panzer plate and have it installed which I did ( paying close to $300.00) After the 10 000 miles oil change, and driving up to Alaska, another thing happened, in Oregon, good thing was, some young fellow came to the rescue and fastened the front end with baling wire, me and my wired together HILLBILLY car made it with out another glitch all the way to Alaska. I have not have it repaired, it cost so much more up here, as soon as I get back to Las Vegas I will have it repaired. Since it happened twice to me, maybe the front plastic could be riveted in/on? While I am writing the faults, might as well mention the fan (air/heat)it is super noisy. I am sure it could be made WHISPER QUIET, the technology is so much more advanced now. Other wise it is a beautiful car to drive. The mileage is impressive!!! I am looking forward to buying a VW again in the future"

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 57 reviews