Does the 2019 VW Passat SE R-Line compete with the Accord & Camry?

VW has decided to slipstream the Passat lineup with just two trim levels. This VW Passat SE R-Line has a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 174 HP and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. On the inside VW has raised the bar with safety tech and features nice upscale appointments. Does the 2019 VW Passat SE R-Line have enough mid-size sedan performance?
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[@Dmocification]

Yes!! He's brought up the zonk level up! Awesome! Also thanks for mentioning the safety features too! Great reviews and your constant uploads are unmatched. Keep up the great work!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for your kind words! They really help keep me motivated!

[@L8neWo1f1]

I got to say...my first VW was a 2013 Passat se. That car was pretty badass, classy, sportie, and the comfort was absolutely awesome! Bought it with 24 thousand, had 48 tho and thermostat went out. Would still have if I did not total it! Cheers

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

My very first used sedan! Great video Joe.

[@lrob5657]

I have one Joe and I love it. It really is a joy to drive. I’ve had Acura’s & Audi’s and VW is very similar in terms of driving dynamics and an overall premium feel. It’s smooth & quiet with plenty of passing power. Classy, elegant looking car. Accords and all are great but the Passat is definitely a little more premium in my opinion. There’s just something about German cars that gives the driver a very neutral, planted feel on the road and the VW Passat delivers that feel.

[@ksorsomeplace]

Nicely said.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your actual ownership input!

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@derekwebster8442]

This is not more premium than an Accord. Lol. This interior looks 10 years old and dated. For 30,000$ you can get a turbocharged Accord with 252 horsepower. Try again.

[@lrob5657]

derek webster sorry my dude but you’re dead wrong. My wife had an accord and while it was a good car, it honestly didn’t even come close to the passat in terms of driving dynamics. German cars just perform better on the road. Real car people understand this. Again it’s not a jab at Honda’s or anything but Japanese cars are still trailing in terms of how they feel on the road and how they handle at high speeds. Allow me to educate you 😎

[@alecj9570]

Great review. My first car was a '85 Volkswagen golf, stick shift and no power steering.. lol I listen to your Podcast on Why Influence, very nice Mr. Raiti. You and your team inspire me.

[@RaitisRides]

Hi Alec! Thanks for the compliment! Those were the days! I really appreciate your support!

[@iveyfaganjr605]

Thank you for the review. Love this car!

[@engkozino9470]

Insanely, great details for this car. He is really good.

[@indralewis1584]

I think it’s best looking car ever

[@nickpapagiorgio2253]

Great review again. I've thought about giving VW another go but then I remember all the issues I had with my 98' Jetta, never again.

[@RaitisRides]

I think there are many in the same situation as you!

[@dunstanchabwe6931]

would mind sharing the challenges you faced with VW Jetta

[@whitneyfan9019]

I had a1998 beetle and I had nothing but problems with it. I gave VW another chance and I will say there cars improved a lot compared to how they use to be.

[@NikoSoviet88]

Thank you for your hard work man

[@RaitisRides]

That really means a lot! Thank you for saying that!

[@ksorsomeplace]

Nice review. Very accurate, I think. I will say that screen size works very well for me in my usage. One thing that I would point out is that VW dropped the underhood insulator midway through the 2017 model run. Personally, I think that was a bad move. I think the car is a degree quieter with it and keeping the hood paint a bit cooler can't hurt either. Fortunately you can add it yourself as the under hood stamping didn't change.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great input Robert! I appreciate you watching!

[@CarStory]

Fender audio is a must if offered as an option. You won't regret it.

[@gregholman2930]

I didn't see a middle speaker up on the dash area? Why don't VW include a subwoofer too?

[@CarStory]

@@gregholman2930 With fender audio subwoofer sits in middle of spare tire. its the best subwoofer i ever heard (and felt) in a car.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that great recommendation Frank!

[@RaitisRides]

It's in with the spare!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your great info from your own experience!

[@davewilson7602]

For what it’s worth it has sunroof, heated leather, CarPlay, it’s nice looking in my opinion, the gas mileage is good, and the interior is spacious. We got the same as this video but in black in 2019 and it was 23k new

[@solid1378]

Smart-looking car and I am seeing more on the road now. This car however, needs more power. It's a great value in this segment.

[@patcurrie9888]

dropped the V6 for 2019, go figure?

[@lawrencewillie932]

A trick: you can watch movies at flixzone. Been using it for watching loads of movies during the lockdown.

[@thiagolian8201]

@Lawrence Willie Definitely, I have been using flixzone} for since november myself :D

[@thanosv1168]

I personally love it. The interior is great in my opinion and really clean and feels solid. The back seats are huge and are one of my favorite parts about it. The exterior looks classic. It will age better in 5-10 years then most of the other cars these days that have a ton of lines. Especially that R line version of it. The engine may not make a ton of power but its 0-60 is usually in the 7.7-8 second mark and its solid enough as a comuter car. It feels much faster on regular streets because of all the low end torque. But to be honest I do wish it had a bit better of an engine and made some more power. Maybe the new engine for 2020 that makes the same HP but over 200 pounds of torque will help it out a bit more.

[@ItsDahat]

My dad owns it we are gonna go to turkey with it its gray tho its kinda cool

[@mchlcordell]

Mi miss you’re vids 👍👍

[@koreyhimself]

Definitely took more notes from audis last playbook. Its working for them

[@HansDelbruck53]

Why so defiant?

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@martinn4186]

Good review, very thorough. I have a 2014 SE and you are right that it drives like a smaller car, has tons of space, and I avg 31mpg. 90k miles on mine and zero problems so far and still original brakes and just bought my first set of new tires last month. Two complaints are no button to turn off traction control (is that still true on 2019’s?) and the door trim did not age well; looked bad after a year.

[@ksorsomeplace]

Yes, still no button to turn off the traction control.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your great input from your ownership experience!

[@RaitisRides]

This is weird that do not have that!

[@bellaimages]

Your review is spot on! I had a 2019 VW Passat Wolfsburg edition that I got brand new, and gave over 15,000 rides as a Lyft driver. Put over 175,000 miles on before I was in an accident that totaled out the car. I miss my Passat and I'm looking to get another! The one thing you didn't mention is the incredible turn radius. The steering is very responsive in emergency situations and can make a complete U-turn in many streets where other cars would require a two point U-turn to complete it. The accident that did my car in was a rear end hit and run by a Mercedes which was speeding behind me. I was alone in my VW and not injured but the crash cans (I think that is what they are called) were smashed in, and the trunk was so endented that the spare would not come out. The driver of the other car took off. My daughter has a 2017 Jetta that she loves. Her car has 137,000 miles, so since we are both high mileage drivers, I think we both might be looking to get newer VW cars.

[@corybureau4124]

im so glad i've seen your comment! i'm between a 2022 Passat in the beautiful blue metallic with 30K miles on it, or a 2022 Mazda6 with 40K miles on it. i personally LOVE Volkswagens, and i like the style of the Passat just a little bit more, but it sits in the back of my mind that I KNOW the Mazda will have 0 issues going 200K+ without major issues, and Volkswagens aren't quite known for such. considering the Passat I have my eye on has been regularly serviced at a VW dealership i might just go for it, and take good care of it.

[@louisdilalla1588]

Hi Raiti, enjoy your comments and evaluations of the new cars on the market. Interested for the first time on the Subaru Legacy Xt turbo. When do u think you’ll be able to text drive the 268 turbo. Changing my car in Mars and would like your opinion. Am now driving the Passat vr6 2016. Thanks

[@RishabhSharma-wz2fl]

I dont know much about cars ,, but to be honest want your opinion as I am going to buy my 1st car. Which one should I buy camry or Passat. Or in simple terms VW or Toyota. Would be appreciating your opinion on this.

[@JayPatel-tx1zc]

Hello Joe another great review, I Iike the VW Passat SEL R LINE but personally I don't like the 8.1 0-60. I would like to see a 2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 1 day though. Thanks Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree! I will be getting that Camry soon Jay hang in there! :-)

[@greentwin13]

My first Passat was a 2012 TDi. I loved that car. Unfortunately, the buy back was the best option at the time. I replaced it with a 2017 Passat SE. The 1.8T was nice but never the same. When that car had a transmission issue at 70,000, I ran across the 2018 Passat GT and I'm not gonna lie, nothing compares. I still miss the TDi, but that GT is so nice. I test drove a 2022 and a 2023 and still went with the 2018 GT.

[@brandonyen7837]

It's still look like my 2016 Se and I love it a lot of legs room . But I wish they change the grill to a bigger size .

[@MrBazz26]

Great review Joe but you guys really need the more modern European Passat. This one is based on the previous generation European Passat which was replaced 4 years ago. Infotainment system, non TFT digital dials, manual parking brake and dashboard all look they were left over from the VW parts bin from a decade ago.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the compliment and you are so right about the update. I think 2020 will be our year!

[@joelyelcanio]

Still sounds better that a Honda Type R, lol.

[@RaitisRides]

You have a good point!

[@landroverSV]

Love your videos, you did the Passat GT VR6 and this one with the four banger. I owned a R32 MK4 Golf so I'm a VR6 fan. Hopping to get a Passat GT soon the prices for a 2004 Golf R32 are to rich for my wallet so the Passat GT in my opinion is a good bang for your buck if you're are VR6 lover like me.

[@jincho5951]

I don’t know much about VW. 👍video👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Jin for letting me share this one with you!

[@landrover3596]

I don't know about this four banger Passat but the Passat GT VR6 is a better choice then the Japanese counterpart. Loved your Passat GT review hopping to pick one up soon.

[@DalHarpJr]

Same old key that I had with my 2006 Jetta GLI...

[@RaitisRides]

I guess if it not broke down't fix it. ;-)

[@gregholman2930]

Beautiful car!! I think some exterior carbon fiber accents would have been nice on the R-Line for instance such as the front & rear spoilers. All black glass pano-moon roof as well! VW executive sedan for the over 45 yr old demographic, that is a comfortable road car. Why is it that they didn't splash more color on the seats with a "R" logo in red & around the steering wheel? No electric emergency brake either?.One more thing btw, how come there's no 228 HP engine option? ...Only a 170 HP for the R-Line, really VW, really?

[@RaitisRides]

You bring up some very good points, especially the engine situation! Hopefully the next generation will fix that!

[@WoWdOm18]

Accord sport with the 2.0t is way better all around. plus more reliable

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you Dom!

[@st.thomas5802]

@@rv2167 exactly

[@patcurrie9888]

Huge mistake dropping the V6. I tested the T4 and V6 last year, wanted the V6 in titanium beige. The T4 has a turbo lag at 300 feet, noticeable. I got a V6 Camaro instead.

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

A Chevy? LMAO.

[@rayosullivan4398]

The problem with the camaro it will fall apart in five years

[@patcurrie9888]

@@rayosullivan4398 hahahaha, partial RU?

[@oscarlopez5122]

Do not forget the Optima SX. It blows it out of the park!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input and perspective! I appreciate you watching!

[@ronaldboykin9755]

Hondas have a reputation for being more reliable cars but I think the Passat is a nicer car. I have a 2008 Passat Kormfort with a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that puts out 200 horsepower. I love the way it runs and drives but it has had its share of recalls. It was a demo back in 2008 from a dealer with 1000 miles on it. They were not kind to it but now at 72k miles after a few tweaks it drives good. I would hope the newer ones are more reliable!

[@joelyelcanio]

Bro! When will the new GTI will be revealed?

[@RaitisRides]

Probably not until the start of 2020.

[@jtes1442]

What a shame about the lack of power. Such a great looking car. They need to add more power and offer an AWD version.

[@ksorsomeplace]

They've got more power than the numbers would suggest when you drive one. I would suggest giving one a test drive before making up your mind on the power.

[@RaitisRides]

It will be intersting to see how this turns out!

[@RaitisRides]

I highly recommend it as well!

[@clonny76]

They do. It’s called an Audi.

[@LS1007]

Pretty nice car but..... kinda plain and needs more power. Good review Joe! Hey, I was watching the movie “Brannigan” staring John Wayne that was filmed in England in the mid ‘70’s. You should check out the cars in it. There’s a ‘66 E-Type Jag driven by the villain that has three wipers on the windshield and push button start. Also several Fords that the U.S. didn’t have although some of them had the same names. Pretty interesting. 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@RaitisRides]

That sound like one heck of some movie cars!

[@southernclassik]

Wow, this car has less power than a BRZ but its a a lot heavier. what a shame. Good review as always Mr. Raiti!

[@ksorsomeplace]

The car is very light on its feet. A BRZ is not really a comparable vehicle.

[@southernclassik]

You're right. Just kind of low on power and torque by todays standards. Seems like it would feel strained pulling 3300 LBS with only 175 HP

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@RaitisRides]

That is a good point!

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@TylerSmithMusic1]

I have this car, and I gotta say with some new sportier wheels this car looks damn near like an Audi. Haha I love it. (Yea i know VW/Audi is the same on some vehicles)

[@TylerSmithMusic1]

Not to mention 40 mpg on the highway long trips

[@brightsydebill8410]

Why wouldn’t you get a gti for less and manual

[@HansDelbruck53]

You shouldn't say "front windshield". There's only one windshield on a car. Just say Windshield. The big window in the rear is just a window. It doesn't shield the driver from the wind.

[@monaharp783]

HansDelbruck53 disagree. Too hard to understand which piece of glass someone is talking about if you don’t specify front or rear. People are used to saying what they are going to say.

[@HansDelbruck53]

@@monaharp783 In the olden days before cars had any glass in front of the driver, it was soon realized after automobiles became more powerful that the driver would need some sort of glass in front of him to shield his face from the harsh winds at high speeds. Therefore the "windshield" was born for that express purpose. There was never any need for the back of the driver to be shielded from the wind because the driver never went backward at high speed, so no "back windshield" was ever invented. The back glass is simply that, the back glass, as it does not, and never has, shielded the driver from the wind. You won't find any manufacturers referring to the back glass as a windshield. In any car, there are the windshield, the side windows, and the back window (or back glass). Those are the facts.

[@Fly2kill1]

I’m a VW household but this just doesn’t cut it. The US always gets the short stick

[@ksorsomeplace]

I would not say the U.S. is getting the short stick. The car is really awesome and the U.S. version doesn't diminish that.

[@Fly2kill1]

Robert Bryant it’s ok. It’s not as good as the Accord. It’s needs a full redesign. Like the Euro spec.

[@RaitisRides]

Will that ever change.

[@RaitisRides]

In Europe they are having all the fun!

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@MandusahRamirez]

Idk why Volkswagen didn’t offer the 2.0T from the GTI & GLI.. for a 2.0T 174hp is weak when other manufacturers have 100 more hp from the same displacement!

[@MegaFranceschini]

I all way say a 4 cylinder engine belong to a VW or a Honda or a Toyota not in a Camaro. That way i think there going to stop production on the Camaro on 2023 . Thats my opinion. I could be wrong. Ok joe have nice . Thanks for the video. Be Bless

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts William!

[@iLikeTigerz101]

I prefer the Wolfsburg edition

[@RaitisRides]

I can totally understand!

[@deacondavis5098]

I had a 2014 Wolfsburg edition. It’s a blast.

[@miguelircontar]

Honda seems a little bit more premium but this is much more sportier

[@ibrahimhasanovic1708]

Miguel Ircontar how is it more sporty if the accord is way way faster lol

[@Mano_on_Point]

Miguel Ircontar please search Honda Accord sport 2.0t 2018-2019. I am sure when you watch it you will change your mind.

[@ksorsomeplace]

@@ibrahimhasanovic1708 Faster doesn't equate to sportier automatically.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that input!

[@jaiizwaii89]

Wish I got a white one now 😭😭😭😭😭😭😤😤😤😤😤

[@the_jokr]

A corolla has almost the same hp without being turbo charged

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true!

[@patcurrie9888]

@@RaitisRides and no lag!

[@ederantunes1908]

In this case, torque is the difference, how both get the max torque. Passat 184/1500 rpm and Corolla 151/4400. But I agree, the passat numbers could be better.

[@gabep1281]

Classic conservative look with some aggressive styling. SERVELY DISAPPOINTED with power output. R-line you think performance yadda yadda and all for 30K+ no thanks. 30k is going towards a jetta gli or gti/R. I would compare this to Ford calling a new Focus ST only to give you a base fiesta. On second thought FORD is kind of doing that in Europe with the "ST-LINE" nice review keep up the good work.

[@ksorsomeplace]

R-Line is not the same as Type R. The R-Line is an appearance package. It was never intended to upgrade the performance of the car.

[@gabep1281]

@@ksorsomeplace I know and understand the concept. Simply stating it wasn't my cup of tee. Also type R is honda (which I assume you knew) and should have used the GLI or GTI variance to support your argument.

[@ksorsomeplace]

@@gabep1281 VW refers to their performance minded vehicles as an "R" or I've heard in general use "R Type." So, I apologize for my transposition. It really all comes down to components and turning of chassis/body and engine/transmission. You did say you were severely disappointed with the power figure which would seem to indicate that you believe "R-Line" to be/should be something relating to increased performance capability.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Gabe for the compliment and I really appreciate you sharing your input and perspective!

[@RaitisRides]

This is very true.

[@brussell328]

Motor/trans are living in the past. What a letdown.

[@RaitisRides]

I feel your pain Ben!

[@lifeofcoby]

Maybe those buttons do something but not on this vehicle boss lol gotta pay extra for it to work probably 😄

[@RaitisRides]

This is true!

[@monaharp783]

Sergeant Coby yes in Europe the buttons work

[@shopwithaaron]

Maybe VW has forgotten that some people still love sedans...they are sure letting this one get very long in the tooth...Thx Joe.

[@whatevernevermind5960]

Euro spec Passat is better in every single aspect besides price

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true!

[@thetruthshallsetyoufree4297]

Doing that review must have been very painful to try so hard to make it sound like a good deal car!! 30,000 plus US dollars for not even 180 hp?!?!?! Give me a break .

[@RaitisRides]

I feel your pain!

[@davewilson7602]

We got one new for 23k they were almost giving them away the last year of these ones (I think we got it in December 2018)

[@gabrielslatten5077]

I can’t believe they dropped the v6. Smh

[@luv2bottom]

I’ve always loved VW but the interior is just blah very very boring.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@greekzzz]

I bought my 2019 Passat R (lol) line, brand new. shifts into 4 gear before 30mph, transmission is jerky. Dealership and VW both said tough\too bad. at highway speeds, it does hug the road and is bouncy and doesn't like the wind. I have to keep it in Sports mode just so it shifts smoothly. this is a car I will never recommend.

[@BoldBrandFlakes]

This car is so pitiful 31K for a 174 Turbo 4Cyl? Even the base Camry and Accord produces more horsepower. Hell you can get a EX trim Civic and have the same 174 horsepower and save 500 pounds compared to this vehicle.

[@chriswilliams3110]

Gotta be a fool to choose this over the accord sport 2.0t or the camry xse

[@basja1323]

Now look at this lil engine and explain SCHADENFREUDE

[@BrooklynsFinestOG]

I can't understand how you have the 2020 passat R-Line having the same HP this is why I think VW is weak its almost as if they are afraid to go a little bit over the edge lol.... except for the GTI and GOLF R.

[@swiizzie5220]

why refresh a car no one is buying sadly

[@BrooklynsFinestOG]

@@swiizzie5220 GOOD POINT LOL

[@raylang339]

Too much time is wasted on small insignificant details. Review could be cut in half easily.

[@ksorsomeplace]

Much of either liking a car of not liking a car is in the details. :)

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input! To each their own.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree!

[@alish5555]

Very biased review. Wrong title of the video. I don’t see Accord and Camry mentions here.

[@brianwarner44]

Wow...what a ripoff..i just bought the new 2019 Honda Accord (Base Model)..and it has a 1.5 liter with 192 horse power and was only 23 thousand. 31 grand for 174 horse power...and my honda has all safety features included. What a rip off..i also hear Passats depreciate like crazy..go Honda!!

[@ksorsomeplace]

You're comparing the topline VW Passat to the Honda Accord LX. Not apples to apples. Not a rip off at all. Different, yes.

[@goofball1_134]

Yeah this is way over priced, my dad bought the 2018accord 2.0t sport I wanna say for 35 and it it's 10x better in every way, they should get rid of this and have the arteon battle vs the Accord/Camry, this feels like a slighty improved Jetta which alrdy competes with the Civic and corrolla this feels out of place on top of the high price tag

[@ksorsomeplace]

@@goofball1_134 The Arteon is more expensive that either Accord/Camry. I don't think it would do well positioned against them.

[@goofball1_134]

@@ksorsomeplace ik the arteon is more expensive but godamn this Passat looks so old I would never choose this over an accord or camry, it's quite insulting if they expect this to compete with those imo

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input and perspective! I appreciate you watching!

[@issavibez394]

In reliability no not even a close chance and resale value

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.

[@dirkcurritzki9585]

if i can get a new one for 17k, i will

[@RaitisRides]

That would be interesting!

[@LS1007]

First

[@RaitisRides]

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

[@liudizzle]

Never never a Volkswagen.

[@RaitisRides]

That bad, huh?

[@infidel24]

The passat is dead! Still using the old platform, underpowered, cheap interior materials and poor ergonomics!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very true! We will se what 2020 brings!