2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T Review and Road Test in 4K UHD!

Volkswagen's Passat used to be America's discount Audi but that left the people's car brand without a direct competitor to the Camry and Accord. In stepped the new Passat in 2012 which changed everything. Instead of selling the same Passat in America and Europe VW decided to harmonize development between China and America sending us one sedan and keeping a very different Passat in Europe. The strategy worked in 2012 but five years later the competition has moved on in this cut-throat segment leaving the Passat behind. A refresh in 2016 and the addition of auto braking tech and CarPlay help soften the blow but the new Camry, Accord and Sonata are fresher faces loaded with the latest features customers are demanding.
0-30 : 3.2 Seconds
0-60 : 8 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 16.2 Sec @ 88 MPH
60-0 Braking : 124 Feet
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[@DriveAndBeDriven]

As always, great review, Alex! I personally find the exterior design of the Passat to be conservatively elegant, yet very crisp. The styling is very straightforward, but has a very timeless design to it. I personally find it extremely attractive. The interior, while not as technologically advanced/visually appealing as most of its competitors, it is extremely sophisticated looking. Everything is where you would expect it to be, and this interior (eventhough introduced a while back) has aged very well, and has that "white-collar" design/look to it. Overall, the Passat seems like a pretty neat entry in its class. Eventhough, it is getting slightly long in the tooth, I feel like VW has done a great job keeping it 'up to speed' with its competitors. I am truly looking forward to Volkswagen completely redesigning this vehicle (and installing VW's virtual cockpit screen)! From one car reviewer to another, keep up the great work, AoA! 👍🏽

[@EODHammer]

DCT (DSG) reliability? Dude, those things are rock solid.

[@Moisi547]

The passat is neither ugly nor agressive looking, it is more subtle looking.One of the best ride quality in its class. Best in class ride quality in my opinion, because the ride is more premium than most cars in its class. The steering might be on the light side, nonetheless it's quite smooth and quite inside. .When it comes to looks, that is more subjective. But for me the black color, or white with rear end spoiler , tinted windows has a classy look.

[@notsoserious0944]

Skip the novelty, I just want to turn on the heater! I like the simple interior design.

[@ronaldboykin9755]

Good review, first review that didn’t put down the Passat’s body style! I’ve had a 2008 Passat Kormfort for 12 years, I had my share of reliability problems but I kept up with maintenance! I couldn’t get anything for it if I trade it in so I kept it at 74k miles when I bought a 2017 Passat SE/w tech at 26k mike pre owned certified a few months ago. I love this car, in fact I love both my Passats but I was shock at the power of the 1.8 liter 4 cylinder turbo engine in my 2017 Passat. I thought it wouldn’t have the power of the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbo engine in my 2008 Passat!

[@greenvalley651]

I like the stylish of the passat, and all the vw design , classic, elegant and modern look, very angular,

[@AnnM223]

I can’t even compare the Passat comfortable ride with Camry and Honda, and I’ve owned both. There is so much more precision and overall quality. You cannot beat German engineering. As for the Jetta which people tend to buy more, I cannot say I was impressed.

[@juliusjones1154]

Alex does the most thoughtful reviews on the internet.

[@PowerShellWizard]

Great review. Alex is the best car reviewer out there bar none

[@dwevors]

Passat is simply built better. The safety cage is way better than the other brands.

[@CRVgarage]

Beauty lies in simplicity & this car is the proof.

[@wormburner37]

Just purchased a 2017 Passat in a mid trim level. That's after test driving the CVT Honda Accord and finding the steering wheel and headrests would vibrate at idle. WTF! I was not going to chance years of that nonsense despite the nice styling. The incoming 2018 Camry has got incredible specs with both engine choices, but still looks like a Toyota. I'll pass. Now, I find the Passat to feel refined, upscale, gentlemanly. The torque from the 1.8T pulls great. It's no racer but gets the job done very well. The cabin is very quiet, and the interior materials are very good. Believe me, I studied long and hard before making this purchase, and the styling of the Passat ultimately made me take a chance on the reliability front. So far, I am unbelievably happy that I did so. It also doesn't hurt that the Canadian mid level trim (Comfortline) comes standard with LED lights front and rear along with a few other options. And self-parking in a vehicle that sells for $30k CDN ! Such a feature packed car for the price. Just buy the car you fall in love with I say.

[@whitneyehlers8016]

Thomas My 2014 Ford Fiesta vibrates at idle. Really annoying!

[@l.g.8028]

How have you liked your car during these years? Nice and reliable?

[@tarassu]

It took me 30 seconds to understand why the heck rear door window doesn't have a small pillar between two sections but other side door does have it.

[@jameslancaster9934]

Oh my gosh there’s an American that recognises the rest of the world!

[@JamesVanAlstine]

Another great review. All your reviews are very thorough and consistent. Because of that it’s easy to compare vehicles.

[@brandonyen1245]

I'd owned the 2016 Se with lightning package and I love it and it's big and a lot of legs room in front and back also the trunk.

[@emjfotografi]

Interior definitely ages well versus other competitors. Simple and classic.

[@cedricm5153]

Sometimes I wonder if the intro is Alex's way of trolling. haha

[@crinixx]

Everyone here that says it looks bad is the type of person to put teal rims on their car

[@72sohaney]

Styling that belongs to the early 90's.

[@Xx1SailorScoutxX]

The Pussycat Dolls?? Really, Alex?? Jokes aside, very solid review.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Have you seen this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/epKzaqaEa5yEgas

[@JerseyDude1967]

lmao!

[@stevensmith5784]

Wowwwwww lol

[@roddyeskew3909]

I don't know what I expected

[@craigs34]

LMAO

[@reddevilunited77]

I own that exact model, and I average over 31 mpg in mixed driving.

[@Dream_Conversations]

Hello Alex, the best creator of car reviews on youtube, I wish you had a section dedicated to showing cars lighting/ambient lighting in darkness, interior and exterior. How a car looks at nights is very important to me and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Keep up the great work sir

[@tyrenm]

OmG the european vw passat 2017 looks so much better both interior/exterior-wise than this US-version:OO

[@_TbT_]

Dual Clutch user here with adaptive cruise control in a Golf. Love the combination. Dual Clutch should be a no brainer vs a normal automatic.

[@yutong5222]

Great review Alex. I want to add that Chinese market does get the European Passat, but it is sold under a different name called Magotan.

[@1717jbs]

Always great reviews. Thanks Alex.

[@freakincrazy6932]

Great review hope you can get new golf R to review. Thanks

[@sonyfxi]

Excellent review as always Alex

[@gilbertocolorni]

Your videos are always very good. Congrats!

[@xgamerbih]

I like the B5 much more

[@humanentity2214]

Great review.

[@watershed44]

The S model is a VERY good value and great buy! @ $22,400.

[@LlyleHunter]

Excellent review Alex

[@ElroyMcDuff]

Excellent review as always Alex, thank you. I love my '99 Passat and had planned to buy another one but after that emissions scandal? I'm done with VW.

[@DanielBlaney]

Great review Alex as always. Now badger Lincolns marketing team to send you a Continental to review :)

[@sprockkets]

Hello Alex, you still drive your soul ev? Has it lost any battery capacity? I'd love one but the nearest dealer for service is 800+ miles away.

[@Beach5and]

There is almost no incentive to buying the Passat. Mid-sized family sedans are more competitive than ever.

[@SDav21]

I think VW is making a mistake giving you guys sort of lesser versions of their cars and not just the European one. The Euro Passat might be more expensive but see how good it looks and how absolutely premium the interior looks and feels. It's why it is so much better than a Camry or Accord or other similar competitors. I don't know why Americans won't see the value in the extra cost. You guys want better cars but complain when the price is higher. Well what do you expect. And in any case, cars are so cheap in the US to start with so complaining about price shouldn't be allowed. You could get the far superior Euro Passat but I guess you will all complain about the price despite it being better in terms of engineering, quality and class than all of its competitors.

[@DaiJekBok]

VW is interested in Accord/Camry/Altima sales volumes. Far superior though it may be, the Euro Passat is just not competitive in that particular segment here.

[@AkioWasRight]

You're right, cars are cheaper here, and that's why people would rather pay an extra few grand for a car with a more premium image. In the US, overlap and image can kill a car or an even an entire brand. If car doesn't fit into a category, it sales will suffer. That's why the Euro Passat failed here.

[@SDav21]

emdec55 It doesn't make sense. It fits into this segment it's just a bit more expensive because it's better. Simple. A better car demands a higher price (usually).

[@SDav21]

emdec55 It's also strange how markets differ I suppose. We used to get the Euro Accord which looked more like an Acura (not sold in Europe or South Africa or Australia etc). That Accord sold so well. Honda decided to then give all markets only the American Accord now and it is an undeniable flop. No one wants to buy one and it isn't even more spacious than the Euro Accord. And because it is the American Accord, we didn't even get a diesel which was more off putting. Only a lethargic 4 cylinder and a silly V6 that makes noise but goes nowhere.

[@bryandalton959]

Maybe it is designed on the UGLY side so the Americans will buy it, they like shoddy made cars that burn oceans of fuel and won't go round corners well. The US emissions and regulations are designed to make it difficult to sell into the USA so that the backward manufacturers at home can compete. I inspected a Tesla X at the Manchester showroom, build quality is not what you get on a £85K Euro competitor, I spotted a scratch inside the door and the "orange peel" paint job on the door was appalling. Now they have dropped leather too, I had such hopes.

[@bill7481]

Alex, do you plan on reviewing the 2017 CX5? If so, let it be a Grand Touring, please.

[@YMR3786]

Good job.. great review... keep up the good work.

[@jordannsilverstine4458]

What did you think about the heated seats??

[@Mrgiannyx3]

Hello guys, will the 17' passat R-line have the same size wheels or itll have the 2 35s?

[@rbielarski]

Like this car very much, my thoughts are classy & restrained. If they had offered an honest diesel engine again or hybrid model I would have chosen it for my 2017 replacement. But very happy with my Fusion Energi.

[@Orangefabs]

Hey Alex! Great review as always! Do you think you'll be able to review the new 2018 camry hybrid anytime soon?

[@Croak1]

Hey Alex, ever thought of doing your excellent review process on older cars? See how say, a 1999 Camry, or a 2000 325i, or a 2005 Accord, etc stacks up to new competitors. Do you buy that new Kia, or a used Toyota? A new VW or a used Audi? Infotainment and electronics obviously won't hold up well, but basic safety, economy, comfort, utility, etc might. It will also give owners of those older cars a better basis of comparison when considering new cars. The trick (besides copious amounts of your time) would be finding good examples of the used cars.

[@greenvalley651]

Alex, when are you going to review the atlas and new tiguan??

[@fartman10284]

Fernan Valdes when VW gives him one

[@stevensmith5784]

Don't cha by the pussycat dolls? Wouldn't think Alex rolled like that. Lol

[@watershed44]

I'm not sold in the new Camry at all. Seems to be throwing more gadgetry (safety bells and whistles) and increasing price.

[@elliottmanning4116]

How big is a backseat suppose to be in this segment? A limousine. The new Malibu doesn't have a tight backseat. Maybe compared to other vehicles in the segment sure, but didn't the wheelbase stretch with the redesign go to backseat legroom?

[@Benyuri7]

Elliott Manning the Malibu is big but isn't wide enough in the rear seats, it's long enough but not enough hip room. Look at the data 53 inches vs 55 - 56 of the Honda Accord and VW Passat. To have competitive rear seating you need hip room and leg room more so than shoulder room.

[@SNLGUY]

Great car!!

[@stupid8911]

Anyone else getting only 360p definition available? Alex, thoughts?

[@Apakman]

It looks like the R-line trim has the value. $1500 for sunroof and push button start? I probably will save that for extended warranty if you are worrying about VW reliability

[@infidel24]

The steering wheel position for someone like myself is very pain inducing. After having undergone 3 major back surgeries this car, well the 2015 model, almost killed me. How hard is it to line things up properly VW?

[@bryandalton959]

In Europe the 1.8T is a poor choice as it eats fuel £5.36 a gallon , most people would choose the 2.0 or 1.6 TDI diesel engines, my 1.6 TDI Estate (SW) Bluemotion drove to a little known place called Wales, it averaged 72 MPG there and back, of course that is using a British gallons based on a 20oz pint or 4.546 litres ( a litre is the volume of 1Kg water) . I think that equates to 60MPG in US gallons. Why do the US still use antiquated measurements? Do not judge a Passat's rear wheel handling unless it is loaded, which is what it is designed to be used for, If each off the 24" bags had 22 Kgs in them and two 85 Kg rear passengers the car would hunker down and stick to the road.

[@BanBiofuels]

Great review as usual. You must have a stellar memory or use a teleprompter. Either way, it's all good.

[@neonpick9340]

Hey Alex, Can you please review 2018 R trim or SEL ..Thanks

[@AlaskaErik]

I can't believe the front seat still has no front adjustment. That alone would keep me from buying this car. But the atrocious reliability after the warranty has expired also keeps me from ever considering a VW. I have a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited with Tech and Ultimate packages and after almost three years I would definitely get another one. Hyundai got almost everything right with the 2015. My only two complaints were the dim HVAC and clock lighting and the lack of a mute button for the radio. Both those have been fixed in later years. Comparing the Passat interior against my Sonata and all I can say is that the Sonata has a much better layout. The only area where the Passat might shine is rear seat space, but all we ever have back there are small grandchildren in car seats. And the Sonata has plenty of room for them.

[@Moisi547]

VW has lots of work to do on the passat here in the US

[@hellbunny9394]

So VW has given up the mid-size sedan market in the US.

[@lexusfan100]

I got a 2017 passat se with tech for only 24$k..all in ..taxes, registration n fees..not a bad deal eh

[@aliallaboutme]

lexusfan100 hows it holding up? I have a 2015 Passat

[@lexusfan100]

Ali Alhadhrami really good..i got 1000miles so far and no issue whatsoever. I am liking it

[@aliallaboutme]

lexusfan100 that’s nice to know I haven’t had any issues so far either I have 34,000 miles on mine

[@lexusfan100]

Ali Alhadhrami nice..what mileage u change your oil..it says here 10k. I think thats wayy tooo high

[@aliallaboutme]

lexusfan100 yes it’s correct every 10k miles you’re supposed to get an oil change. My next one isn’t until probably June depending on how much I drive

[@buildmorefarms1007]

The seats are perforated to let out the gas fumes.

[@classikz]

Mazda6 should be top contender

[@swanblake]

@Alex On Autos do you think that if the 2018 Camry had Apple Carplay that there would really be no cons for it?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

There are still a few quibbles I have. No 4-way lumbar support, the steering is lifeless compared to the Mazda6 and I think they should have used the Lithium battery in all the hybrids, not just one trim. But that said it's fast in V6 trim, handles better than a Mazda6 even in hybrid trim and is comfortable, reliable and they finally ironed out the kinks in their radar cruise control system.

[@mrslcom]

It's crazy that the steering wheel is so far off centered. Nice enough car but not competitive in today's market.

[@alijunaid6845]

Personally i don't find any issues with styling, but handling and ride can be made better,,,,overall i think it's B on grade scale

[@whatevernevermind5960]

European Passat is better in every single way. I think for the next generation US spec car they should just rebadge a Skoda Superb to a VW.

[@user-ge2rd7ri5o]

Huuge fan sine almost from beginning.. love the mother in-law seat references.. I want a car buying advice.... I’m thinking to buy a 2016 Passat and put 60k miles on it in 2 years Is it able to do that? I know is not a Camry but camry is 3k more... so I’m thinking cost in short .. .. I don’t want to keep the car for more than 2 years so why spend more.

[@Captpath]

Apart from the screen, nice 2008 Ford Fusion center console here...

[@SNLGUY]

The DSG transmission has a very expensive service cost at 40K. They do shift very quick but as Alex said they are not as smooth as a traditional transmission.

[@NA-du5vm]

The only thing 2017 about this car is the year.

[@Maxfli82]

That info screen on the dash looks like dot Matrix! My kia has oled in its dash

[@daveincanada785]

The appearance is as fun and exciting as 2005 Chevy Mailibu. I get that VW wants to keep it conservative but when Honda, Toyota and even Nissan are putting out midsize cars that are trying to get away from looking to conservative, The Passat appears even more stale.

[@DanielBlaney]

The bigger issue is that there are beautiful designs like the Fusion and even the new malibu that just look so much better without being super busy like the new Camry and Accord.

[@thainguyen-jf5zu]

still can't be a competitor of camry and accord

[@patcurrie7733]

Suede inserts, a little bit more soft touch rubber down around the sides of center stack and defined crease down the sides. This is what all the bellyaching is about of the US version? Come on fanboys!

[@rogerworkman5813]

When will you review the new Atlas. Thank you. Roger

[@iTsTheVoLtAgE]

are you planning on filming the new ford fusion?

[@xavierrandolph6129]

Have you done or will be doing the 2017 Mazda 6?

[@aeriose]

Can you review the 2018 Buick Regal GS when it comes out?

[@AndrewBullard9170]

Does also the Gti also have CarPlay and android auto?

[@fartman10284]

Andrew Bullard yes

[@matthewdvorsky2264]

Hello Alex!

[@informationretrieval5896]

Can you review the Subaru Impreza Sport manual? Thank you!

[@bird718]

passat looks the same as the last one and the one before that

[@clashwithmoi8926]

The sel premium has paddle shifters?

[@beamboy420]

Alex please review camry 2018

[@theswaff699]

re-baged skoda superb

[@DarrenPersad]

Well, Škoda is a part of Volkswagen-Audi Group. There's Volkswagen, SEAT, Škoda, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. I believe they also have stakes in Ducati and Scania these days.

[@Pikminiman]

How well exactly does a wet noodle handle?

[@ARB0204]

Can you do a review on the new 2018 Toyota Camry XSE v6 with red interior and white exterior with black roof and mirrors with driver assist and navigation package.

[@schmo7777]

Akhil Bolla wow such specific requests.

[@TonyStark-px1kx]

You're new to US for doing MS, aren't you ? Secondly..can you please* review..Alex is not working for you !!

[@equikimmy]

No exclusive trunk comfort index again.

[@troysmith9007]

the interior is old camry got the best interior

[@whatevernevermind5960]

troy smith nah Mazda 6 has imo

[@kn7gez]

Took a lot of taxi cabs when I had VWs. Trouble trouble trouble.

[@ARB0204]

I would consider waiting for the new Arteon to come out because it is a better looking car inside and outside and has way more tech and features than this Passat which feels far more outdated compared to the new Arteon and the current new European Passat which looks more sleeker on the outside and modern in the inside and I won't mind spending the extra money for the new Arteon or the new European Passat when it comes to the United States.

[@Ken-vl4wk]

When I first saw I thought you were reviewing a car from the 80's.

[@DarrenPersad]

Although the Euro models are undeniably better than the North American spec, I do like these quite a bit. However, it's depressing to see a lack of AWD, manual transmissions, five cylinders, and a bit nicer interior quality. I drove a 2004 Passat that was equipped with the 1.8T as well as the 4Motion AWD system and a 5-speed manual. Interior was appointed with real leather, real woods, softer, padded materials throughout, and wonderful overall design. It was fun, luxurious, comfortable, and affordable. Volkswagen is really not impressing with the new ones, but I'd still buy one, because they're still quite nice to own.

[@TheMetalGaia]

Michigan license plate. Does Alex live in MI or is it because the vehicle was built with parts from MI? I'm curious.

[@DBLA]

For some reason, a lot of press vehicles are registered in Michigan and California. I live in California and it's not uncommon to find manufacturer license plates from MI.

[@TheMetalGaia]

Well I'm from Michigan, and our automotive business is one of the biggest exports. So I guess it isn't THAT surprising, lol

[@e.simons6964]

Still wanting to see the review of the 2017 toyota highlander....

[@csrs247]

By the way, they no longer make the Chrysler 200.

[@patcurrie7733]

No mention of Turbo lag at 300 feet? smh

[@cheny1538]

Where did you find the AWD passat? It never exsited

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The B6 and B7 Passats from 2005-2015 were the last generation that offered AWD.

[@cheny1538]

Alex on Autos thanks,maybe not in the US. I can’t find a single used one.

[@MeezyPeezy]

The new saabkyle