2018 Volkswagen Passat Buyer's Guide
Starting Price: $23,845 | Price yours
Above Average: Driving dynamics
Below Average: Resale value, long-term reliability
Consensus: Rewarding to drive, but not so much fun on resale
On a mission to win new friends, the Passat has covered some serious ground.
Designed specifically for the North American market and built at the automaker's state-of-the-art assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the U.S.-spec Volkswagen Passat is larger than its European counterpart but retains much of that car's dynamic handling character. Offered in a host of trim levels and two powertrain choices, this stylish, spacious and capable 4-door matches German design and build quality with top safety ratings and attractive pricing. For 2018, the 1.8-liter base engine has been replaced by a more powerful, more efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The Passat has a bevy of standard tech and safety features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking. Also standard is an impressive 6-year, 72,000-mile transferable warranty.
Driving It
Some pertinent observations from our full review of the 2018 Passat: "There’s an undeniable sporty side to the 2018 Volkswagen Passat personality, but comfort takes precedence in this sizable sedan. The ride is smooth and its spacious interior is quiet, even on the highway, where wind and road noise are kept out of the cabin. Visibility is excellent, and the light steering and brakes are responsive. Overall, it’s a sophisticated drive."
Volkswagen Passat Shoppers Also Look At
Passat GT
The newest member of the Passat line is the Passat GT. Arriving later in 2018, the GT is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 and has a sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust and red brake calipers. Additional features include GTI-inspired red accents up front; blacked-out roof, spoiler and side mirrors; 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels; and carbon fiber accents in the cabin.
Build and Price Your Passat
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat opens with a starting sticker price around $24,000 and stretches beyond $35,000 for the V6 SEL Premium. Build and price your own 2018 Volkswagen Passat to unlock its Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own and more.
The Right One for You?
The Volkswagen Passat may be the only European midsize sedan on the market, but it hasn't cornered the market on style or driving satisfaction. Check out our Midsize Sedan Buyer's Guide to see what else catches your eye.
Photo Gallery: Exterior, Interior and Details
Designed specifically for the North American market and built at the automaker's state-of-the-art assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the U.S.-spec Volkswagen Passat is larger than its European counterpart but retains much of that car's dynamic handling character. Offered in a host of trim levels and two powertrain choices -- the popular TDI turbodiesel remains on hiatus in the wake of EPA violations -- this stylish, spacious and capable 4-door matches German design and build quality with top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick + rating, and attractive pricing. The Passat recently received revised styling inside and out, plus a bevy of new tech features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking now come standard.
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