Review and specifications
2019 Volkswagen Passat
Optimized for the American market, the 2012 redesign brought lots of room front and rear, but it was a step backward in terms of fit and finish. It also lost some of its crisp European driving feel, though it became less expensive. We'd look for this generation of the Passat with at least a power driver's seat, the touchscreen infotainment system, and a backup camera. The top-line SEL V6 offers plenty of power and plusher accommodations than lower-trim Passats. Keep in mind though, VW's cheating on EPA emissions tests. Be sure any used diesel you consider received the fixes and passes smog before buying it.
- Market value
- $11,513
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 6-speed
- Category
- Midsized cars
- Generation began
- 2012
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $11,513
- Retail value range
- $10,350 - $12,675
- Original MSRP range
- $25,295 - $29,995
- Trade-in range
- $7,080 - $9,315
Ratings
- Road test score
- 82/100
- Reliability
- 3/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 25 MPG
- EPA highway
- 36 MPG
- EPA combined
- 29 MPG
- Tested city
- 19 MPG
- Tested highway
- 39 MPG
- Tested overall
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,380
- Cruising range
- 525 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.1 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8.6 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 129 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 52.5 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 192 in
- Width
- 72 in
- Height
- 59 in
- Wheelbase
- 110 in
- Weight
- 3,320 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,115 lb
- Towing capacity
- 1,000 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 4 in
- Front leg room
- 43.5 in
- Rear head room
- 2.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 33.5 in
- Luggage
- 3+1+0
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 7/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 6/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Volkswagen
<p>Most Volkswagens are well-built, agile, fun-to-drive cars that feel slightly more premium than their competitors—although that advantage has been slipping. Its lineup is focused on SUVs, most of which have spacious, comfortable interiors and responsive driving dynamics. Its GTI hatchback is a rare balance of practicality and driving thrills. Most models, including their EVs, have excellent fit and finish. Brand-wide downsides include unintuitive controls and infotainment systems, and below-average reliability for new cars. Reliability for used VWs is midpack in the brand rankings.</p>
Vehicle ID: 13053 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.