History / Overview
The Passat is Volkswagen's mid-size family sedan model. Introduced in Canada at the end of the 1980s, it received its most recent full redesign in 2012.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2020, VW has given the Passat a comprehensive update, with freshened styling, some new features and a more powerful engine (it gains 22 lb-ft of torque) riding on a platform carried forward from 2019. Gone is last year's entry-level Trendline grade.
Available Trims
VW offers the Passat in Comfortline, Highline and Execline. All three use the same 2.0L turbo engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.
Standard Features
Comfortline trim's exterior, structural and mechanical features include remote engine start, passive keyless entry, all-LED exterior lighting, power-adjustable/heated side mirrors, and 16-inch wheels and tires.
Inside, the Passat is equipped with cruise control, a 6.33-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, air conditioning, and a 6-speaker stereo.
Among Passat's standard safety features is tire pressure monitoring, and auto on/off headlights.
Highline trim adds forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, blind spot warning with cross traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power trunk opener, chrome exterior trim, 17-inch wheels and tires, rosewood grey interior trim, front and rear reading lights, a power driver's seat with lumbar and memory, leatherette upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and leatherette door inserts.
Execline's additions are adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, dynamic cornering headlights, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding side mirrors, an 8-speaker stereo, navigation, 18-inch wheels and tires, a sunroof, footwell lighting, LED reading lights, sport front seats, leather upholstery, and heated rear seats.
Key Options
Passat options are grouped into two packages. Highline offers an advance driver assistance pack that bundles adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist, and a multi-function camera system.
Execline can be had with an R-Line group of 19-inch wheels and tires, stainless steel pedals, R-Line badges, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a rear spoiler, and black window surrounds. This package also deletes the easy-open function and front and rear parking sensors.
Fuel Economy
Volkswagen's fuel consumption estimates for the Passat are 10.2/6.9 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
Competing against the Passat are big family-car names like the Honda Accord, Toyota's Camry, the Nissan Altima, Hyundai's Sonata, the Kia Optima, and the Chevrolet Malibu.
