2022 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$27,575 to $30,575

Original MSRP

6
of 10

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(6 reviews)

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Spacious

  • Impressive stereo

Cons

  • Sluggish performance

  • Uncomfortable driving position

  • Outdated technology

6
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
6/10
Performance
6/10
Safety
4/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
Photo by Christian Wardlaw. 2022 Volkswagen Passat front three quarter view.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat exits stage left, ending VW's nearly 50-year run with family-sized cars in the United States market.

First came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king.

Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either.

VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille.

7/10

To memorialize the Passat's passing, Volkswagen rolled out a Limited Edition for the 2022 model year. It slots above the base SE and sporty R-Line trim levels in the Passat lineup and carries a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,570 including destination.

Only 1,973 examples of the Limited Edition exited the Chattanooga factory, a number commemorating the first year the Passat went on sale in Europe (the Dasher was the Americanized version). The 2022 VW Passat Limited Edition gets everything standard along with exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. In addition, it is the only 2022 Passat available in a unique Racing Green paint color, as seen on the car used for this test drive. The other hues for the Passat Limited Edition are white, gray, and red.

Interior features on our test car included supple Mauro Brown leather upholstery. It matched the fake wood trim on the dashboard and contrasted nicely with the car's dark dashboard, carpets, and door panels. Special seat tags read "VW Chattanooga Since 2011" and "One of 1,973," while the rubber cupholder inserts appear to have a relief map of the Tennessee city molded into them.

Overall, the Passat looks upscale inside and out, especially considering its size and price. Though the design is more than a decade old, it has aged remarkably well. A freshening for the 2020 model year helped extend the Passat's shelf life, but this Volkswagen was aging more gracefully than most cars even before that.

Aside from the leather upholstery and a handful of thoughtful details, the Passat's interior is a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies. For example, the 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system looks like a postage stamp glued to the middle of the vast expanse of dashboard, and the small driver information display between the analog gauges appears positively archaic.

Nevertheless, the Passat's cabin displays modernity with its deftly integrated dashboard air vents and metallic detailing, while the subdued surface textures and tones add traditional European sobriety to the interior. It would be a fine place to spend time if it had a decent driver's seat.

Christian Wardlaw
Published Jul 26, 2022 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2022 Volkswagen Passat

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User rating:
by JuanCarlos T
Jul 04, 2024
It’s a great car for the value , not to big not to small . Very well finish interiors , all of the necessary bells and whistles, nice exterior design Jul 04, 2024
by Kimberly H
Apr 12, 2024
Love The VW Passat. I currently have a 13 SE model with over 280,000 miles on it. Only thing I hate about VW is the car repairs are EXPENSIVE. Ive had mines since 2015. No major issues with car within these last few years. Still driving it and now I think its time to get something else. My car had 58,000 miles on it when I purchased. LOVE VW PassatApr 12, 2024
by Anonymous
Feb 27, 2024
Love this vehicle. Huge amount of gear for a very reasonable price. Can’t beat it!Feb 27, 2024

2022 Volkswagen Passat Pricing

Original MSRP
$27,575 to $30,575
Price range
$18,780 to $19,726
Average price on CG
$18,780
YoY price change
$19,601 to $18,780

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Fender premium brand · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 400 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: engine start · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Fender premium brand · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 400 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (3)