Predicted 5-Year Cost to Own: $36,368
Compared to Segment Average: -$1,528
Although it doesn’t sell in anything close to Accord, Altima, Camry, or Sonata numbers, the Tennessee-built Volkswagen Passat has earned the title of Best Midsize Car in the 2021 KBB 5-Year Cost to Own Awards.
An impressive performance. But calling this front-wheel-drive VW a midsize car borders on the misleading because the Passat is an exceptionally roomy 5-passenger sedan. Its back seat is huge, and its trunk, at nearly 16 cubic feet, is positively cavernous.
A few words from our Expert Review: “Giving the Passat a leg up on its competitors is VW’s 2-year free-maintenance plan, in addition to its competitive 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. While not as powerful as a Kia Stinger or Nissan Maxima, the Passat’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is a strong performer that gets 36 mpg on the highway.”
That proven engine sends 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While we wouldn’t describe the Passat chassis as agile, it’s tuned for ride comfort while maintaining some semblance of sportiness.
All 2021 Volkswagen Passats have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base car, which starts at $23,995, gets important standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, and a rear cross-traffic alert. The flagship Passat, the $29,995 R-Line, sports 19-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters, Fender audio system, navigation, and gloss-black exterior trim.
With a simplified trim structure (S, SE, R-Line), the attractively priced Passat flies under the radar as the top midsize sedan in the 2021 KBB 5-Year Cost to Own Awards.
More 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Build and price your own 2021 Volkswagen Passat to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or check out the Volkswagen Passat models for sale today at dealers near you.
You can also see more midsize cars or check out the full list of this year’s 5-Year Cost to Own Awards winners.
