Used 2013 Volkswagen Passat for sale 

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat comes with an array of trim and powertrain choices. The 2.5L I5 Passat is available in S, SE, and SEL Premium trim levels. The 2.0TDI and the 3.6L V6 are both only available in the SE and SEL Premium Trims. The 2.5L I5 and 2.0L TDI both come standard with manual transmissions with the option of a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Apart from the engine variants, Volkswagen also offers a series of trims. Adding to the trim standard features, buyers can also opt to get optional extras from across the trim levels.

The pricing for the variants ranges from $21,000 to $34,000 considering the powertrain and trim level. The top-end SEL Premium trim clubs together all optional extras available with the engine variant. 

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The engine variants all perform well but are not exceptional in their performance. That said, the 2.0 TDI redeems itself by offering outstanding fuel economy. Hence, we recommend the 2.0TDI SE with the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. While there is a marginal decrease in fuel economy as compared to the manual, it would not be too apparent in real-world usage.

The Volkswagen Passat is available in three different engine variants; the 2.5L inline-five, the 2.0L turbo-diesel inline-four, and the 3.5L V6. The latter offers better performance but drops noticeably in fuel economy.

The Passat TDI does 0-60mph in about 9.1 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in about 16.7 seconds. These figures improve with the V6 variant, but at the cost of a substantial increase in fuel costs. The 2.0 I4 of the Passat TDI produces 140hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. 

It could be seen as unfair to compare the diesel’s performance with the flagship gasoline engines of the competition, but the fact remains that the TDI offers much better practicality in real-world usage and long-term ownership. 

That said, the torque-heavy turbo-diesel is perky and offers plenty of acceleration to keep up with traffic. The Camry leads this segment by some margin thanks to the powerful Toyota 3.5L V6 engine. The Sonata has higher performance figures but falls short of the Camry on the test track. 

The new Volkswagen Passat TDI excels in fuel economy. The 2.0L diesel engine offers high mpg ratings and very easily exceeds them according to tests conducted by a variety of sources. The V6 engine, however, ranks very lowly in this aspect, being rated at a measly 23mpg (combined) by the EPA.

The Passat TDI exceeds almost all competition in this segment and is far ahead of the cars selected here in terms of fuel economy. The Passat can travel an astonishing 740 miles in a single tank on highways, a figure untouched by most competing cars.

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat follows the understated, practicality-forward approach that the Passat line-up has perfected for years now. The 2013 model has a no-nonsense layout of buttons and features throughout the car. There is also a wide range of features available with the Passat ranging from two different navigation/infotainment systems to an optional Fender Premium Speaker System. There is also the option to have power-adjustable seats for both the driver and passenger up front.

The Passat does not impress with cabin space but the same can be said about the competitors here. The seats, however, are very comfortable and supportive. The optional extra power-adjustable seats also include adjustable lumbar support. There is also an optional extra leather seat available, but the cloth and V-Tex upholsteries are fairly good on their own.

The Passat offers a passable level of space inside with the competition chosen here marginally exceeding it. A moderately sized boot with almost 16 cu-ft of space and the equally moderate cabin space means that it isn't a particularly practical choice, in terms of space. 

That said, this segment has consistent levels of cabin space and boot space across manufacturers owing to stiff competition across manufacturers. The Volkswagen Passat also offers interior features such as -

• Optional Keyless Entry/Start
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Optional Satellite Radio
• Optional Sunroof
• Power Adjustable Steering
• Optional Satellite Navigation
• iPod/MP3 Player Support

2013 Volkswagen Passat Infotainment System

The standard audio system of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat does not have a touchscreen and may prove difficult to navigate. The Passat also does not have voice command control that many of its competitors offer. The optional navigation system is especially cumbersome with unpolished resizing and scaling features. That said, the maps themselves are excellent and clearly laid out.

• AM/FM Stereo
• CD Player
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• MP3 Player Compatibility
• Optional Satellite Radio
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Optional Voice Control
• Optional Satellite Navigation

The new Volkswagen Passat is almost exactly the same as the previous, facelifted iteration. The Passat falls short in this aspect due to its dull and unremarkable exterior.

With the Kia Optima and the Hyundai Sonata taking bold steps to redefine their styling, Volkswagen has to respond in the coming years.

After growing larger with the 2012 redesign, a step aimed at attracting US customers, the Passat is now at par with the competition in this segment. The Passat is similarly sized to the competition chosen here with the 2013 Ford Fusion being marginally larger. The 2013 Volkswagen Passat also offers exterior features such as - 

• Optional Rear Spoiler
• Optional Sunroof
• Optional Choice of Alloy Wheels

The new Volkswagen Passat performed exceedingly well in safety tests. The Passat boasts an IIHS ranking of Top Safety Pick+ while the NHTSA rates the Passat five stars out of five for crash safety. The Passat also offers a range of additional safety features. Additional safety features include -

• Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System 
• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Intelligent Crash Response System

The Volkswagen Passat is a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment. The excellent ride quality and handling give it an edge over the competitors. That said, it would be hard to recommend the Passat if not for the TDI engine; especially considering reports of reliability issues and increased long-term ownership costs. 

If you are absolutely averse to a diesel engine, then it would be wiser to choose the 2013 Hyundai Sonata over the Passat. However, we recommend the 2013 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI over its competitors due to its excellent fuel economy and ride quality.