2020 Volkswagen Passat - A smart choice in a shrinking segment

[@cornerofthemoon]

I pretty much looked at all mid sized sedans but ended up getting a 2020 Passat. The Camry and Accord are technically superior but I don't really care of the styling for either model and by the time one upgrades to a leather/leatherette package they're very expensive. I loved the new Altima inside and out but CVT is a major red flag for me. Other great contenders were the Mazda 6, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima, but in the end VW has a "Corona" deal which I couldn't pass up. Also I dig its roomy interior and baby Audi vibe.

[@cloudstrifex88]

Hell yeah I think the only contender for me on that list would be the Mazda 6. But even so the Passat R Line looks the best out of all of them in my opinion. I just wish they offered something other than the 2.0T which is undertuned.

[@nitishkannan2919]

VW Passat is 269 with zero down on lease for 3 years!!! It’s insane you write it off also that is called value and it’s German no comparison to any car in class

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

Yeah it is a great value, and I agree those cars may have better options and better overall technology and implementation but I think that the redesigned looks good, and you don't see that many of them out on the road. It's just unfortunate they couldn't fit the virtual cockpit in there, the instrument cluster makes it look dated

[@user-gu7dn9gr8f]

How’s the drive comfort and road noise?

[@canto_v12]

There's something to be said about conservative, classy styling and VW nails it--this will age so much more gracefully than cars like the Camry. Too bad the equipment is a bit outdated for the class.

[@ralphbernard3908]

I just bought a 2020 Passat SE about a month ago. I like it. It does not have the "stop/start" system. It has a traditional torque converted 6 speed automatic transmission. I like that. It has most safety features that other vehicles have. My insurance actually went down $10 per month because of the safety features! It is very roomy and quiet. Plus I got $6000 off sticker price!

[@nikolabozic3571]

Passat in US and in Europe, two deferent worlds!!!

[@AmandeepSingh-ck9xd]

*different

[@GUITARTIME2024]

I can get one for 22k dollars all taxes included. That's why.

[@felixarkang5414]

@@GUITARTIME2024 our new passat gt executive 2021 with extra options cost a bit over 40000€ in sweden

[@GUITARTIME2024]

@@felixarkang5414 you made my point. Plus your yearly road/property taxes are higher (I used to live in europe), and your gas prices are crazy. Glad i brought my euro wife back to America!

[@felixarkang5414]

@@GUITARTIME2024 yeah that True but here in sweden Healthcare is completly free in The us you need to pay for a Healthcare and it can be really expensive sometimes. But The passat in Europa is 10 Times better then nort america one. The passat in america is like 10 years behind.

[@whitneyfan9019]

I have a 2017 r-line Passat and I considered trading it for 2020 Passat a few years ago. It’s really not that much different which is why I decided to keep my 2017. My Passat has 52,000 miles on it and has been a great car that I still enjoy driving.

[@nitishkannan2919]

Can lease one for 0 down and 270 a month it’s a steal at that price!!! You can afford one on unemployment even lol

[@allenstalker5314]

I had a 2016 Passat that was a fantastic car ( Lease), i turned in my lease on 3/15/20 for a New 2020 Passat, the car is a month old and its been in the shop for over 11 days now. I love the looks and feel of the car but if you wanting one be mindful this is a re-design so you might have issues. VW of America is buying the Vehicle back from me and i will go into a Different Model Vehicle.

[@neil9658]

What will you get?

[@dancar02]

Excellent review of the VW Passat 2020. I have a 2016 Passat. The service for two years sounds interesting. Unfortunately I would think twice before taking my car to a service dealership. The last time my car was serviced at the dealership in Dec. 2020 the technician damaged the rocker panel of my car with the lift. The rims also were damaged when they rotated the tires. I like my Passat. very roomy and economical.

[@christopherd6399]

My 2020 SE was $7k off MSRP. That's $7k You'll get these $5k off comparably equipped competitors. VW can't get these off the lot. I don't think it's too floaty even with my 17 in wheels. I think it drives like a luxury car. With the potholes and huge cracks on Colorado Springs roads, this is the right car to have, if you don't get a SUV. Plus ground clearance is a bit higher than the competition, too. I drove the new Accord and Mazda 6. Great cars, but they weren't worth the extra money. I love the conservative styling, too, which doesn't come through well in video. I would say the Passat, even on the old platform, is the BEST value in midsize sedans. I love driving it and it is all-day comfortable. SE is the best value, and if you pay more than $22k for one, you've being had.

[@garfylunds7301]

I couldn't agree more. I have a 2021 model SE and it as an amazing automobile. I guess it is an "Eyes of the Beholder" thing. I don't get it why these "Auto Writers" like to disrespect it so much. Sure it's not all hyped up with the new electronics and stuff but it has exactly what I am looking for in a sedan; good looks with classic refined lines and a clean roomy interior. I especially love the linear design of the dashboard. All in all I really like it. Also...when I 'lightfoot' the gas pedal I am pushing 33 mpg average in the city driving. Gotta love me some "Budack Cycle' baby!

[@christopherd6399]

@@garfylunds7301 mine actually does have all the same gizmos. Those magazine writers are paid to say what they do. I drove the new honda accord. It is a moving appliance, in my book. I liked the Mazda 6 better, but the back seats are too small. Passat is no sports sedan, but I drive in a straight line 95 percent of the time, and it ticks all the right boxes for me. Plus it's at least $6k less than the comps. I think sedans have peaked, and there's no big steps to take outside electric.

[@haze1123]

It would be great if your reviews always included an overview of the automatic engine start/stop system. Does this vehicle have it? Does it work well? Is it smooth? Is restart immediate or is there a pause? Is it easy to disable (hard button on dash or on-screen control)? Shoppers want to know because there is a lot of variation between manufacturers. Thanks

[@rj9617]

Good suggestion

[@ralphbernard3908]

No engine stop/start system on the 2020 Passat.

[@nathanb780]

Yes it has it and it sucks

[@tevys_wrld]

I had 2018 passat, its better than the 2020

[@shaesham]

At least it is priced competitively. You could get a lot of car of your money if you play your cards right. Also my instinct tells me that the power output is enjoyable.

[@christopherd6399]

Dealers can't get rid of these. They are offering crazy discounts. They are losing money with every sale. I got a SE for $20,300. I was astounded.

[@jeffmorse645]

Dealership in the Bay Area has several leftover 2020 VW Passat SEL for $25,000 before getting their best price. $7,500 rebate. Think I might be test driving one this weekend.

[@patcurrie9888]

300 ft lag a deal breaker on T4. 2018 was the last decent V6 Passat.

[@christopherd6399]

2.0 mostly eliminated the turbo lag over the 1.8t.

[@Applecompuser]

I love the styling on this car. The reviews are not fair in that they compare it to cars that cost much more. I have a Jetta and love and and was planning on this as my next car. PS I like the infotainment. It looks very cheap to me when cars have the floppy looking screens which are not built into the dash. The VW infotainment is built into dash on their cars. But, at the same time, I can see that Jetta, Passat, and Arteon are all aimed a similar market which is shrinking.

[@BTC909]

A true rental queen.

[@TearBlood]

Is the king the nissan altima 😏

[@shubham-------]

previous version looks more beautiful

[@cornerofthemoon]

The Passat is basically a 2nd choice compromise for those who can't or don't want to spend the money for an Arteon or an Audi. My heart was Arteon but my head said 2020 Passat but I've been happy with my 2020 R Line. I wish VW could have found a way to sneak in a more modern eight speed transition in the 2020 refresh but I'll take an old six speed over a CVT anyday.

[@user-xg9ke3vv3d]

ترجمته إلى العربية

[@aaronb1301]

I miss my 2013 Passat TDI.

[@piersandromannino4109]

This car is cheap however of European has nothing at all. It’s a car for the American market with an old design. The European Passat is way better. A Camry or an Accord or a Mazda 6 are the ones to pick in this segment

[@MrSelvin78]

Camry in non US market is same as Passat.

[@piersandromannino4109]

Selvin Sam Dhinakar G ??

[@MrSelvin78]

@@piersandromannino4109 I meant Camry is well built and luxurious in other markets.

[@hsvcommodore4111]

Piersandro Mannino Euro Passat cost's double the amount of this

[@piersandromannino4109]

HSV Commodore and so is a much better car. This is a car for the Chinese market, in USA nobody will buy it.

[@Enko063]

European version is spaceship for this. 😂

[@edwardchardo7865]

Most under-rated car . Superior bto the competition.

[@bosse641]

All wheel drive is a must.

[@hsvcommodore4111]

Nope

[@zuti071]

TDI is a must for Passat.

[@vividvulpe9842]

No. No it’s not.

[@LongHuII]

It does have a rear view camera?

[@Jared-Cruz]

Yes it does!

[@ACRoomReviews]

I picked up a base model S for $20K my only gripe I have with this car is that my 2016 base model Jetta S had a rear 12V outlet the Passat in S form doesn't! Would think it should be the other way around.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Mind if I ask where you got that deal? That's the exact car I want.

[@cloudstrifex88]

The 2018+ Jetta was based off the MQB platform and the Passat was on NMS from 2012 until they discontinued it, I'm guessing that was just not something they were willing to re-engineer on NMS.

[@ianalexander2017]

Its nice especially the styling of the Grill.

[@fleuger99]

This Passat is only for North America. Americans want cars with lots of features and low price, less about good design and capabilities. Hence we get this Passat only for North America. The Passat the rest of the world gets is a great car, modern and several powerplant options.

[@fleuger99]

@japanwatchconnection The EU Passat was available until 2023. Now the only Passat available is a Wagon while the Arteon is being sold as the only mid-size VW sedan.

[@fleuger99]

@japanwatchconnection Agreed. I don't care about the Chinese market ;)

[@TIMAFEY2]

I'll check Canadian version review

[@milkovas556]

Very poor execution.

[@ralfybaby]

My 2012 has 325k miles and counting. Tired of it .... but it still goes and goes well. But it will be my last one. Tesla here we come ....!

[@65strad]

Engine type? Bought new or used?

[@3z0z1]

سبحان الله وبحمده سبحان الله العظيم استغفرالله♥️الحمدلله

[@denzelfashington3110]

Basically it is a previous Jetta size xxl

[@65strad]

Actually in addition to the additional spaciousness, the Passat has independant rear suspension. My 2014 SE w/roof with 1.8 EA888 GEN3 engine, bought new, now has 132,978 miles. Original rear brakes lasted 110K, still have original plugs and coils. VW master tech from Poland said if fuel economy and no misfires keep them! Apparently older plugs and coil removal can strip the threads if not careful. I use BG products religiously. 44K fuel treatment, and EPR & MOA when oil changes are done. I have ZERO squeaks or rattles even now, and ZERO problems. I'm 64, and my Tennessee built Passat has been the least trouble, best build quality of ANY car I've owned. That includes the 2011 VW GTI w/DSG that I bought new also. Trans service done twice, brake fluid changes 3x, coolant flushes 2x. Of the 6 VW's, Honda Pilot, Ford Windstar, Ford Explorer, Toyota Celica I've owned, my 2014 Passat

[@hsvcommodore4111]

The Passat is what the Camry was until a few years ago. Looks alright and that's it. Nothing special or exciting about it.

[@baldheadlogic]

I don’t understand why someone would buy this 2020 brand new. The outdated interior tech, drivetrain, and design screen 2012.

[@wocaomade]

canonlybeme4life the only reason would be the ride quality which is supposed be better than Jetta and on par with Accord and Camry, but yeah like you said basically this is Volkswagen squeezing the last drop of juice from this old platform to make money.

[@lryoung17]

They used an older platform to get the most out of it and it was always the best handling in the class before so now it's actually just class competitive but the SEL is very well equipped and can even parallel park itself and has heated rear seats and 3 way memory seats plus all the safety tech and adaptive headlights.

[@wocaomade]

@@lryoung17 But the infortainment screen is way too small. Also there is no virtual cockpit.

[@christopherd6399]

You can get one for $5k less than the competition. I'm thrilled with mine, but I like conservative styling. It rides like a luxury car, and in my estimation, it's quieter than the competition, too.

[@TalismanPHX]

Very dull. A Mazda6 is better looking and more reliable. A Toyota Avalon is more tech savvy and luxurious. VW obviously cheaped out on this Passat.... rear seat legroom is tremendous though.

[@Cobra-sv9uh]

Mazda 6 is not more reliable than the Passat, that's something you've said out of ignorance.

[@mbergheaud]

Plastic, plastic, and more plastic. Bring back the built quality and design of Passat B6

[@sergeihanush2262]

Mohamed people in America won’t pay that much money for a Passat as Europeans do!

[@canto_v12]

Honestly it's still better than a B5 Passat which was mostly hard plastic below the waist too. It's so much more car at basically the same price the B5 was, 20 years ago. That's value...the American way.

[@shannonnicholson2870]

Passat is quit unaspiring

[@dmoor10]

Goodness, how in the world is my 2007 Passat 2.0t lux 14 years older than this car. VW has really lost it's way.

[@kamiljay2697]

Vw not getting us market at all

[@cloudstrifex88]

Sales numbers say otherwise. It costs them a huge amount of RND to revise the car when it's already not selling well due to the SUV market which includes their own Tiguan and Atlas. It sucks but it's our own fault because nobody is buying cars anymore.

[@ShaneCharlesProductions]

2017 with LED lighting package makes this car look like trash 🗑

[@alaindpt0968]

this man is too big for this car !

[@DaniMrtini]

Get a sonata or an accord. Both are similar in price but look 10x nicer than this. Both have loads of leg room and lots of tech. This car from the side looks like a 2010 accord with a fixed up grill and that's about it.

[@Cobra-sv9uh]

You have a poor taste, I'll leave it at that.

[@juliocorales5090]

Hello Daniel, I tried just for curiosity the accord, the lowest price was 26K. Passat SE rides with class and confort.

[@nathanb780]

I drove a rental car 2020 Passat a few days ago. What a piece of junk. I would never buy a Passat. Could tell it was not well made. Traded it in for a 2020 Malibu - much better. Don't get me wrong - the Passat looks great. But what good is that when it isn't quality?

[@danielzheng7673]

this car is a joke

[@rumeal3838]

what about it makes you say that?

[@danielzheng7673]

@@rumeal3838 try test drive a pre-2015 VW car, then compare them with latest ones.

[@muursnorthwestamexem8581]

Trashhhhh