Competent, But Not Compelling

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat offers a fresher face, a cleaner, more upscale interior, and (in addition to safety features such as adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and automatic braking, automated parking, and lane keeping assistance) enhanced technology to keep drivers entertained and in touch. Unfortunately, the comfortable car is saddled with a merely adequate four-cylinder engine and a V6 option that (thanks to a near-$40K price tag) few will ever order. The absence of the Passat TDI is felt almost as strongly as the build-up of can’t-sell-it diesel-powered inventory at VW dealerships across the country, and without this signature drivetrain it’s hard to recommend the Volkswagen over competitive fare like the Ford Fusion, the Toyota Camry, or the Hyundai Sonata. By all means test drive the Passat, but make sure it’s one of, not the only, member of your mid-size sedan short list.

Pricing: 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Trendline: $23,295
Options: Automatic – $1,400
Trendline: $25,695
Comfortline: $29,295
Options: Technology Package – $1,390, R-Line Package – $3,290
Highline: $33,795
Options: R-Line Package – $2,590
Execline: $38,295

Fuel Consumption:
1.8L turbo: 9.4 L/100 km city / 6.3 L/100 km hwy / 8.0 L/100 km combined
3.6L V6: 11.9 L/100 km city / 8.5 L/100 km hwy / 10.4 L/100 km combined

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