Used 2021 Volkswagen Passat S for sale 

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trims, the base S trim, SE, and the sporty R-line. The base S trim is priced at $23,995 and it gets full LED lighting as standard along with heated side mirrors with memory function. On the inside, it gets 6-way manually adjustable front seats with cloth upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel, and cruise control. A slew of standard features including blind-spot monitoring, reversing camera, rear traffic alert among others are offered as standard as well.

Moving to the SE trim priced at a premium of almost $3000 gets updated adaptive cruise control along with dual-zone automatic climate control and a remote start feature. It also gets a keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel among others.

Starting at an MSRP of $29,995, the top-line R-line gets advanced technology features and upscale materials. For the $3000 above the Passat SE, you get additional features such as Discover Media unit and Fender Premium Audio system along with the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) and Light Assist.

Volkswagen cars are built solidly. They are not the most reliable cars in the industry but VW’s service network is quite wide and the maintenance costs for a new German car with a VW badge on it is supremely low. The 2018 VW Passat scored a respectable 78 out of 100 on the JD Power report which is at par with its rivals. 

What's the Ownership Costs of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

The cost of ownership plays a major role while buying a new car. The actual living costs may vary depending on the state and the way the car is used but on average it tells the real price of the car over time. The current generation VW Passat has been on sale since 2012 and mechanically hasn’t changed that much. It is easy to procure spare parts for the German sedan and brings the ownership and maintenance costs low. 

The maintenance cost of the Passat lies in the same ballpark as the Toyota Camry which is the segment leader when it comes to easy and hassle-free ownership. Honda Accord is itself a reliable sedan but Honda parts do cost a bit more than Toyota. All these prices are subject to change from state to state and are a rough estimate just to give an idea of the yearly ownership cost of Volkswagen Passat. 

What is the Warranty Coverage with the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

Volkswagen offers a decent warranty package for the new Passat. It is comparable to what Toyota offers for its Camry. It offers a decent powertrain warranty package and lives up to the standards of the segment along with 2 years of complimentary maintenance. 

Honda Accord misses out on complimentary maintenance service which is offered by both Volkswagen and Toyota. Talking about complimentary service, Chevrolet offers only the first service as complimentary for its Malibu.

What's the Miles Per Dollar of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

Volkswagen Passat is quite cheap to maintain especially in its initial years and the sedan offers decent fuel economy numbers, be it in the city or out on the highway. Considering the fuel costs and the maintenance cost, the Passat should run for 8 miles on a dollar which is quite cheap and is as low as some of the compact sedans. 

The mid-spec Passat SE trim is the sweet spot in the whole 2021 lineup including the R-Line at the top-spt. It gets all the necessary features like LED lighting, 17” wheels, sunroof, leatherette upholstery on the inside along with a long list of standard safety features, all at a price of $26,995. Mechanically all of the trims are exactly the same. 

Is buying a used car Volkswagen Passat a good idea?

The current-gen Passat first broke covers in 2012 and since has received multiple facelifts but underneath it is still the same. A low mileage 2016 or a 2017 model should do the trick as VW offered an infotainment system as standard along with a multitude of safety features. The four-cylinder is mostly the same except for a lower torque figure of 184 lb-ft instead of 206 lb-ft. The Passat’s resale value is not great, owing to its suspect reliability record and high long-term ownership cost.

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With only one powertrain option, All the 2021 Passat models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0L  engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive. The Passat's 2.0T produces 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, which is a decent spec for a mid-size sedan under $24,000. VW offers the Passat as a sporting sedan which is exemplified by its class-leading torque figures. For the daily commute, the 2021 Passat offers a smooth drive but at low RPMs, the noticeable turbo-lag interrupts the flow of power. There is no V6 in the picture now, and the new Passat comes with a four-cylinder engine only. 

The VW's 2.0T engine is good but the traditional 6-speed gearbox is a weak point for the Passat's performance. Most of the competitors offer 8-speeds or a CVT, which are better options than Passat's standard gearbox. It is not the quickest shifting box and hunts for gears quite often. With that said, drive the Passat at a relaxed pace and this gearbox settles into its comfort zone and delivers smooth and unobtrusive shifts. 

Among the competitors with similar pricing, the Toyota Camry offers the most horsepower per dollar in the mid-size sedan segment. It is powered by a 2.5L inline-four engine and develops more than 200 horsepower. However, the Honda Accord’s base 1.5L turbocharged engine produces a healthy output of 192 hp and offers better driving dynamics than any other rival. It feels the quickest of them all, thanks to a lighter engine hanging on the front axle. 

What's the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's 0-60 mph Acceleration and Braking Performance?

Off the line, the 2021 Passat's 2.0T engine pulls it to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and goes to a top speed of 130 mph. Though VW's 2.0T motor is refined and smooth the power delivery to the front wheels via 6-speed automatic transmission isn't. There is a noticeable turbo lag as you put the right foot down. Though for the cars in the price point, VW Passat has the most torque ratings, the popular Accord is faster. 

To shed all this speed, the VW Passat gets some of the biggest rotors in the segment - 12.3-inch front and rear brakes. Even with such spec, the 2021 Passat takes 127 ft to come to a halt from a speed of 60 mph in panic braking situations. That's a below-average performance, and it comes down to a heavy curb weight of the Passat, rated at 3325 lbs.  

The Chevrolet Malibu’s low power figure combined with a CVT transmission results in a 0-60mph time of 8.5 seconds which is painfully slow considering the segment rivals. The CVT transmission just cannot put down the power to the wheels the way it is intended to. Honda Accord’s CVT feels like a much better-calibrated unit. Honda engineers designed a pre-selected ratio for a better launch which lets the power flow to the wheels just like the first gear in an automatic gearbox.

How's the ride and handling of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

The Passat's standard engine offers plenty of power for the daily commute, but the power delivery isn't silky smooth during low speeds. The steering feels light and accurate. Though VW promotes its roomy sedan with sporting intentions, its best performance characteristics are its comfortable ride. The electromechanical power steering is weighted to provide a balance between precision at highway speeds and lower steering weight at parking speeds.

The sedan is more comfort-oriented while offering decent outward visibility. Its front suspension features struts with lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there’s a sophisticated four-link independent layout with telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar. For better engagement, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are standard on R-Line models.

The 2021 VW Passat is rated by the EPA at 24 miles per gallon city/36 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. That is identical to the EPA fuel economy of the Honda Accord equipped with a turbocharged 252-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic. The engine and gearbox ratio is not exactly the most efficient combo in the segment. With that being said, the Passat is blessed with the biggest fuel tank capacity and thus can travel for a longer distance on one tank of gas. 

Toyota Camry with its big 2.5L naturally aspirated engine somehow manages to return 41 mpg out on the highway which is certainly better than what Honda Accord can manage with its smaller turbocharged engine along with a CVT. 

Like the exterior, the 2021 Passat's interior showcase sophistication, quality, and high practicality. The cockpit in the Passat adorns a horizontal design language that emphasizes the interior space, best exemplified by the horizontal lines spanning the length of the dashboard, including air vents and instrument panel. 

The VW Passat's cabin offers copious amounts of cabin space despite its coupe-like styling. For the $23,995 starting price, the base-level S models come with cloth seats in Titan Black while the SE trims upgrade to Volkswagen’s V-Tex leatherette, which is offered in multiple colors such as Titan Black, Shetland Beige, and Mauro Brown. The most expensive Passat R-Line trim offers V-Tex, with two color options—Titan Black and two-tone Titan Black and Shetland Beige. New is the wooden finish on the dashboard along with faux stitching on the top of the dash. The air-con vents are similar to what we have seen in the Audi A4 and the A6. 

The interior features like Dual-zone climate control is a part of the package along with heated rear seats, though it's standard on the higher Passat models. The interior dimensions of the 2021 Passat offers ample headroom and legroom, both in front and rear. Talking about the rear bench, it is super comfy and the seat base is supremely supportive and is great for long journeys.

The Chevrolet Malibu offers a tad bit more shoulder room compared to the Passat and thus is suited better for carrying three passengers abreast at the back. It's the Honda Accord that offers the most amount of legroom at the back, thanks to its long wheelbase.

How big is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's Trunk?

Behind the rear seats, the 2021 Passat offers one of the biggest trunks in the mid-size sedan segment. At 15.9 cu.ft., Passats cargo capacity is the highest, making the VW sedan one of the most practical cars for the price. In comparison to Honda Accord, the Passat is slightly behind but offers better usability, and management, thanks to 60:40 split-folding functionality. 

Volkswagen sacrificed some of Passat's trunk space for the huge rear seat. The sedan sits low while the trunk opens wide. This helps in easy loading/unloading of the bulky cargo without straining your back.

How intutive is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system?

All 2021 Passat models feature innovative Volkswagen MIB2 touchscreen infotainment systems. Cheaper Passat models get a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a SiriusXM subscription for three months. Climb the ladder to the R-Line trim and the smaller screen makes way for an 8-inch system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The system is easy to use but is not the latest version as seen in the Tiguan. It gets physical shortcut buttons on the side of the display for better usability while on the move. 

For 2021, the Passat R-Line models are equipped with the Discover Media system, which adds HD Radio and 2.5D navigation. It features one-shot voice destination entry, typed destination entry with search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on frequently used routes. There's a good news for audiophiles as the VW offers a Fender Premium Audio system as standard in the under $30,000 Passat.

Key infotainment features in the 2021 VW Passat include:

• Apple CarPlay and, Android Auto
• 6.3-inch/8.0-inch display
• USB-A port
• SD Card multimedia interface
• SiriusXM radio (three-month trial period)
• Bluetooth technology
•  400-watt Fender Premium Audio system with eight speakers

The new Volkswagen Passat doesn't look all that different from the older models. The sophisticated design and coupe-like roofline on the 2021 Passat helps it stand out from the rest of the midsize sedan competitors. The 2020 update changed the exterior styling completely. Except for the A-pillar and the roof every other panel is a brand spanking new. The front end is supported by an elegant and dynamic side treatment that features a strong Tornado line. Standard 17-inch ten-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels give the car a more dynamic stance, while SE models come shod with 18-inch five-spoke two tone wheels.

R-Line models take the basic design and up the ante. It gets agressive treatment with a unique bumper with C-signature air intakes in gloss black and adds vertical chrome stripes to the grille. From the side, R-line models are distinguished by badging on the flitzer and black window surrounds. At the back, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler add a sporty touch. R-Line models feature striking 19-inch, two-tone, five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. 

On the side, a strong shoulder line runs from headlamps to the rear end of the sedan. The design is quite contemporary and it all looks extremely corporate and German and borderline boring. With that said, the design is inoffensive and should appeal to the masses. 

The Honda Accord is the widest and has the longest wheelbase here and the roofline rakes, a bit like a coupe. It looks much better in person and the design feels fresh and is definitely the more exciting sedan to look at. The 2021 Passat remains a generously-proportioned four-door sedan. Nose to tail, it measures 193.6 inches and features a 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.6-inch width, which allows for an exceptional 39.1 inches of rear-seat legroom. 

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has not been crash-tested by the federal safety rating agencies. However, tehe face-lifted 2020Passat and the 2021 model shares the same platform and proportions. The 2019 VW Passat was awarded an excellent five-star safety rating by the NHTSA while the 2020 model has not yet been tested by the either NHTSA or IIHS. The new Passat gets a host of active safety features as well to make the ride as safe as possible.

A standard feature on the 2021 Passat is Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The Passat also includes Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

Notable safety and driver-assistance features of the 2021 VW Passat include: 

• Front Assist w/Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Brake assist
• 6 airbags
• Active Cruise Control
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blindspot monitor
• Reversing camera
• Lane keep assist
• Pedestrian warning

2021 Volkswagen Passat vs Toyota Camry

The all-new Toyota Camry is one of the most desirable cars in this segment. It gets a host of powertrain options including a superb naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and a big V6 in the TRD trim. If a sporty body kit on your sensible Camry is what you like, then the Toyota is for you. Find best deals and discounts on the Used Toyota Camry on sale.

With the sensible design and practical cabin, the Camry is backed up by the ultimate reliability quotient and the safety net of Toyota’s after-sales. It sounds like a much better package. 

2021 Volkswagen Passat vs Honda Accord

The new Honda Accord is the big daddy of the mid-size sedan segment. It is one of the most popular choices among buyers looking for a premium and family-friendly yet fun to drive sedan. The Accord seems to tick all of the boxes. It is well built, offers plenty of safety features, and offers a super spacious cabin. Find best deals and discounts on the Used Honda Accord on sale.

The VW Passat just cannot match the diverse personality of the Honda Accord. For those who rather like to travel in comfort than style, VW Passat is the right choice while the Accord offers more sporting performance.

2021 Volkswagen Passat vs Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is one of the more forgettable sedans in the segment. It features a mediocre built quality along with some of the least powerful four-cylinder engines of the segment. With that said, it offers plenty of kit on the inside and a spacious cabin thanks to its big proportions. Find best deals and discounts on the Used Chevrolet Malibu on sale.

The suspension is one of the highlights of this package that offers a splendid ride in the Passat. The Malibu seems outdated in front of the fresher rivals. For the price, the Chevy offers the lest power while the Passat offers good horsepower and class-leading torque. Considering the starting price and value of features, 2021 Passat is a better choice. 

The 2021 VW Passat is one of the oldest dogs running this race with a new face and upgraded features. If you are looking for a roomy, midsize sedan with an upscale interior and lots of standard features, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat should be under consideration. The starting price of under $24,000 and the long-list of standard features make it a valuable prospect in the segment. Highly practical car that blends sportiness and comfort, along with a huge back seat and trunk, reasonable starting price, and excellent safety ratings. Though for all-weather capability, you should look towards the competitors.