The 2022 Volkswagen Passat will be the last of its kind. Volkswagen has announced that next year’s model will be the last version of its well-known midsize sedan sold in the U.S.
The current Passat sets itself apart from other midsize sedans with a roomy interior. The cabin feels more upscale than its price tag (starting at $23,995, plus a $995 destination charge) would suggest.
Making Room for SUVs, EVs
“We’ve sold some version of the Passat for nearly 50 years,” said Scott Keogh, President, and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. But, “with the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport in high demand, and the North American production launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV next year,” the company plans to shift the Tennessee plant that builds the midsize sedan to SUV and electric vehicle (EV) production.
It wouldn’t quite be fair to say that VW is becoming an SUV-only company. Just this week, the automaker launched two new, sporty editions of its Golf hatchback. It also retains its roomy Jetta compact car and sporty Arteon Sportback. But the company has bet its future on EVs, and its SUVs outsell its sedans these days.
A Tennessee-Themed Goodbye Edition
The Passat will get a special edition model as a send-off. VW plans to build 1,973 Passat Limited Edition models, to honor the first year VW produced the car. They will retail for $30,295.
Shoppers can find the Limited Edition in Racing Green Metallic with a Mauro Brown interior, Pure White with a Mauro Brown cabin, or Platinum Gray Metallic with Titan Black inside. An Aurora Red Metallic version with a Titan Black interior costs an additional $395. All Limited Edition models will have unique 18-inch alloy wheels and mirror caps.
Inside, Limited Edition models will get seat tags identifying them as “1 of 1,973.” A mat inside the cup holders features an aerial map of Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the Passat has been built since 2011. Perforated Vienna leather seating surfaces, driver seat memory, power passenger seat, heated front and rear seats, Discover Media infotainment with navigation, Fender Premium Audio, Park Assist with front and rear Park Distance Control, and automatic high beams are all standard.
Class of 2022: All the New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
