The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is a way more different vehicle than its European counterpart. The mid-size sedan is US-built and is actually bigger and cheaper.
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat. Although a solid vehicle, it is an unexciting competitor to Honda's Accord and the Toyota Camry. In addition, the recent emissions scandal that the German car manufacturer is embroiled in has forced the removal of the TDI diesel engine which was one of the few reasons to buy the Passat.
The 2017 Passat now only comes with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The former can churn out as much as 170 horsepower while the latter can belt out 280 horsepower. Both engines are paired with the standard six-speed automatic transmission.
The new Passat doesn't offer as many updates to its design since the 2016 model brought with it an updated styling and new features. It gives off an impression of playing safe with larger four-bar grille and domed hood. The headlights and taillights are now all LED. All trims now sport automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning.
Interior-wise, the space in the back for passengers is enormously generous. Backseat passengers have their own air vents and a USB port. Heated seats are available for higher trims. The dashboard features a clean and user-friendly interface with a display touchscreen that is aesthetically pleasant and easy-to-use.
The ride on the new Passat is pleasantly smooth and unostentatious thanks to the six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine offers more than what buyers would expect with its quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission and the capability to go from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 5.7 seconds. It has a rating of 23 miles per gallon in city driving and 34 on the highway from the EPA.
The Passat has garnered very good scores in terms of safety from US safety organizations. The IISH, for example, gave the Passat the top "Good" scores in all administered tests including the small-overlap front crash test.
In summary, the exterior design, unfortunately, comes off bland. It lacks distinctive features compared to the more stylish Kia Optima and Mazda 6. While the interior is ergonomically designed, it doesn't match up to the price tag of higher trims.
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat retails at a base price of US$23,260. The highest trim can retail at US$34,815.
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