Used 2016 Volkswagen Passat for sale 

The Volkswagen Passat is available in five different trims namely the S, SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and R-Line. While all trims use a standard engine setup, the SEL Premium makes use of a distinct V6 engine that is impressive in its performance. The Passat falls in a price range that extends from $22,440 for the base model to $36,835 for the top-rack variant. Additionally, each trim also features a partially zero-emission value counterpart which is priced similar to the basic trims.

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We recommend buying the SEL trim of the Volkswagen Passat. Though it features the standard 1.8L I-4 engine, it is its extensive list of features that make the SEL an alluring option. Features like the navigation system, mirror memory, and premium sound system make the Passat viable and practical.

The Volkswagen Passat features a standard 1.8L inline-4 engine which churns out 170hp of power and 184lb.-ft of torque. As standard, the Passat comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and is channeled as a front-wheel-drive variant only. Apart from the standard configuration, the SEL Premium is available with an option of a V6 engine with a DSG transmission setup.

The base variant of the Volkswagen Passat boasts from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 8 seconds making it the fastest car in the segment. In the quarter-mile run as well, the Volkswagen sedan emerges as the quickest car clocking 16.2 seconds.

In comparison, all three cars make use of an inline-4 engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and are channeled as front-wheel-drive variants. The Hyundai Sonata manages similar performance figures as the Volkswagen Passat, while the Toyota Camry is the slowest car in the lot and takes 8.5 and 16.5 seconds respectively to the 60 MPH and quarter-mile mark.

For traditional buyers in the midsize sedan segment, fuel efficiency does play an important role in buying decisions. The Volkswagen Passat is highly fuel-efficient and its economical fuel figures are one of its strongest suits. The Passat averages 25 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. Combined, Volkswagen is good for 29 miles per gallon of fuel. Its fuel tank has a total capacity of 18.5 gallons and can cover a total distance of 462.5 and 703 miles in the city and on the highway.

In comparison, the Hyundai Sonata manages higher combined efficiency of 30 MPG, while the Toyota Camry can average 28 MPG. In terms of fuel capacity and range, the Hyundai Sonata is eerily similar to the Volkswagen Passat. The Camry’s fuel tank is less voluminous and can cover a lower distance in comparison.

The build quality of the cabin is undoubtedly one of the best-in-the-class with the use of first-grade materials. The seats are supremely comfortable and well-positioned to provide aplomb viewing angles and visibility and all upholstery options feel fine-drawn which adds an element of plushness to the overall design. The use of chrome or wooden accents breaks the monotony in the cabin, making it refreshing, and the centrally placed infotainment system is quirky, to say the least.

However, what does seem like a problem is the amount of noise that seeps into the cabin. Irrespective, the ride quality remains decent and even on long trips, the Volkswagen maintains its character. The highly bolstered and cushioned seats and rear legroom are a sigh of relief even on the weekend road trips and there is ample storage space on offer as well. Volkswagen Passat’s cargo capacity of 15.9 cubic feet, is spacious enough to fit two luggage boxes. The squarish build of the trunk means more space efficiency.

In comparison, all three cars have a standard seating capacity of five passengers. While the Hyundai Sonata does have ample legroom for front seat occupants, the Passat provides maximum comfort and space to the rear seat passengers. The cargo capacity on offer is highest in the Hyundai Sonata and lowest in the Toyota Camry with a total trunk volume of 16.3 and 15.4 cubic feet respectively. Some standout interior features of the Volkswagen Passat include:

• Driver and Passenger Lumbar Support
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Interior Air Filtration
• Steering-mounted controls
• Dual Zone Front Air Conditioning and Climate Control
• Cruise Control

How intuitive is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat’s infotainment unit?

Even from its base variant, the Volkswagen Passat feels heavily equipped with a large number of features making the sedan user-friendly and practical. As standard, the Passat is equipped with a 5.0-inch touchscreen system that supports Bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection.

As one moves higher up the trims, a 6.3-inch screen replaces the standard unit and also gets connected to Volkswagen MIB II infotainment software. All sound systems deliver impressive performance and are one of the best in the segment. Some salient infotainment features include:

• AM/FM Stereo
• USB Connection
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• MP3 Player
• CD Player
• 6-Speaker Sound System

Ever since it was first launched, the Volkswagen Passat has adorned a luxurious design that reeks of opulence and grandiosity. While the headlights have been finely crafted, the taillights do feel idiosyncratic and its liking is subjective. In its stance, the Volkswagen Passat looks like a luxury sedan. Its grill upfront feels robust and athletic, with chrome embellishments adding a touch of upmarket feel to the Passat.

The Volkswagen Passat is the heaviest car in the segment and has a total curb weight of 3,262 lbs. It is 191.9 inches long and sports the longest wheelbase of 110.4 inches. Its total width stands at 72.2 inches and has a total height and ground clearance of 58.5 and 5.4 inches respectively.

In comparison, the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata are relatively lighter and weigh 3240 and 3252 lbs respectively. The Hyundai Sonata is the widest car in the segment, while the Camry has maximum clearance from the ground of 6.1 inches. In terms of wheelbase, the Hyundai Sonata is similar to the Passat, while the Toyota Camry features a shorter wheelbase. Some salient exterior features include:

• Lip Spoiler
• Wheel Locks
• Splash Guards
• 16-inch alloy wheels

The Volkswagen Passat scores a five-star rating in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. Its long list of safety features, speak volumes about its reliability and dependability. As standard, the Volkswagen Passat is equipped with features like driver and passenger airbags, traction control, and brake assist. With the higher-level trim options like blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, and auto-leveling headlights. Some other safety features include:

• Child Seat Anchors
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Engine Immobilizer
• Daytime Running Lights
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors

The Volkswagen Passat may fall in the midsize sedan segment, but its features, space, and practicality allow it to compete with cars above its segment. Its engine feels potent while upholding efficient and economical fuel figures. There is ample storage, cargo, and passenger space, thus making the Passat all-rounded and well-to-do. However, there is one problem we have with the Volkswagen Passat. Its tail lights do feel out of place when overall design is considered and there are other cars in the segment that look better. The infotainment and safety features are class-leading and paramount, which makes the Passat a viable and pragmatic choice. In a segment with cut-throat competition, the Volkswagen Passat has abundant potential to garner buyer’s attention.