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What do our experts think of the 2022 Volkswagen Passat? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New For the 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
The S trim has been removed from the lineup and in its place is the Limited Edition which is actually true to its name. Just 1,973 examples will be built and each one will feature subtle nods to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the Passat has been built for the last decade.
2022 Volkswagen Passat – volkswagen.com | Shop 2022 Volkswagen Passat on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Solid fuel economy
Spacious interior
Inoffensive styling
Well-equipped base model
Underwhelming powertrain
Drab interior
Small infotainment screen
2022 Passat Specs
- 174 horsepower from base engine
- 206 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 16 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Android and Apple connectivity
- Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Two years of free maintenance
2022 Volkswagen Passat Powertrain
Every single Passat uses the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes just 176-horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels only through a six-speed conventional automatic transmission. As a complete unit it’s underwhelming when compared to the rest of the segment but that’s one reason that Volkswagen has decided to give up on the Passat after the 2022 year model.
Take the competitors away and judge it on its own merits and it becomes more attractive. The engine itself is quiet and smooth. That calm is a large contributor to its refined driving experience. It’s a calm workhorse that gets the job done without issue. Merging onto the highway or passing at highway speed is the only time it feels underwhelming. On the positive side, the handling and pedal feedback is above average. While not sports-sedan sharp it’s not numb or overly sensitive either.
2022 Volkswagen Passat Fuel Economy & MPG
While VW doesn’t offer a hybrid version of the Passat, the sedan is already fairly fuel efficient. The EPA estimates that it will get 24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Combined that’s 28 mpg which is a good number considering all associated factors.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Volkswagen has imbued the Passat with one of the most spacious interiors in this segment. In addition, it’s easy to see out of and easy to get into and out of. The seats are highly adjustable so drivers of all sizes can get comfortable without difficulty. Ride quality is solid with only the worst of roads finding themselves capable of unsettling the Passat. Sadly, the rest of the interior design is less desirable in practice. Cargo space is fairly limited in the trunk at just 16 cubic feet. In addition, there’s not much storage in the cabin itself. The central infotainment and climate control system is so tightly packaged that it’s harder to use than in most modern rivals. Thankfully, the interface itself does a lot to make up for the shortcomings of the interior itself.
Entertainment & Technology
While we’d love to see Volkswagen provide a more sizable screen that’s in keeping with the times, it’s good that this 6.3-inch infotainment screen is quick to react and easy to use. A larger 8.0-inch system is available and we prefer it but it’s not a dramatic improvement. Either way, the user interface itself is good and the optional Fender sound system is above average too.
We also love the inclusion of a number of driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Those systems each do a nice job of making driving slightly less stressful and tiring.
Safety Features
The Volkswagen Passat received mostly good scores from the IIHS but failed to pick up either of the firm’s major awards. Additionally, the NHTSA awarded the Passat four out of five stars.
2022 Volkswagen Passat Trims & Pricing
SE – $27,575
The base Passat comes with 18-inch wheels, powered mirrors, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic headlights, a sunroof, LED headlights, LED tail lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped gear knob. Every Passat comes with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
R-Line – $29,575
Meant as the sportier version of the Passat, the R-Line gets special 19-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, a black rear spoiler, adaptive headlights, ambient interior lighting, automatic high beams, integrated navigation, and a Fender premium audio system.
Limited Edition – $30,575
VW starts the LE out with unique 18-inch wheels, but then adds black painted mirror caps, power-folding heated side mirrors, driver seat memory functions, and heated sport seats with a Limited Edition Chattanooga Tag in front as well as heated outboard seats in the rear. Since the Passat came out in 1973, just 1,973 units of the Limited Edition will be available. Each one will also come with a stylized map of Chattanooga as well as a blueprint of the production factory molded into the cupholders.
Warranties
Volkswagen offers a Limited warranty and a powertrain warranty that both extend to four-years or 50,000-miles. That’s more Limited coverage than some brands like Honda or Toyota. At the same time it’s not as long as others from Kia and Hyundai. In addition to that coverage VW offers two years or 20,000-miles worth of free maintenance.
What we think
2022 Volkswagen Passat – media.vw.com | Shop 2022 Volkswagen Passat on Carsforsale.com
The Volkswagen Passat has been an inexpensive German sedan that did its best to make a name for itself over nearly 50 years. As it takes its last bow here in the United States it’s going out with a model that is largely symbolic of its entire history. It’s not going to set anybody’s hair on fire but it will be attractive enough that we think every one of the Limited Edition models will sell out quite quickly. Even the base model comes quite well-equipped considering all of the technology found within. Add in the free two years of maintenance and it’s a pleasing package.
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