2016 Volkswagen Passat Review

2016 Volkswagen Passat - Volkswagen's midsize sedan fills the bill for most shoppers.

By: Mark Bilek

The Volkswagen Passat is a 4-door midsize sedan. Available only with front-wheel drive, Passat competitors include the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry. For 2016, Passat gets an interior and exterior freshening, sporty new R-Line trim level and additional safety features.

Passat prices start $22,440 and rise to $36,835. Four basic trim levels are offered, S, SE, SEL and the new R-Line. All models come standard with a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine that makes 170 horsepower. Available on the SEL is a 3.6-liter V6 with 280 horsepower. Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

New safety features for 2016 include lane-departure warning system, blind-spot monitor and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. Also for 2016, Volkswagen replaced the proprietary audio plug with a standard USB port.

R-Line gets 19-inch wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and unique exterior and interior styling elements. Passat is built in Chattanooga, Tennessee and comes with an $820 destination charge.

Passat's 1.8-liter engine provides adequate acceleration and is an easy match to the base engine in most competitors. With it, Passat will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. That's faster than many competitors. Smooth and quiet, the engine feels a little sleepy off the line, but quickly builds power.

Those wanting a more pickup can opt for the powerful and torquey 3.6-liter V6. It drops 0 to 60 mph time to less than 6.5 seconds. More importantly, it's a jack rabbit off the line and provides impressive passing punch on the highway.

Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic that's not as smooth as it could be -- a problem more pronounced with the 4-cylinder engine than the V6. However, what the transmission lacks in smoothness it makes up for with crisp full-throttle gear changes and prompt downshifts.

EPA ratings with the 4-cylinder are 25 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. V6 models net out at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Both engines use regular-grade gasoline. Real-world fuel economy with the 4-cylinder will certainly impress. It's easy to net 30 mpg in an even mix of suburban commuting. That's about average for the class. Straight highway driving at reasonable speeds yields about 40 mpg overall.

Dynamically, it is hard to fault Passat's combination of roadworthiness and overall ride comfort. The supple suspension does an excellent job of soaking up pavement imperfections and softening hard impacts. At the same time, there's enough body control to limit secondary motions and lean in quick maneuvers. If there's a fault, the suspension just isn't taut enough to provide an athletic feel on twisty roads.

The steering has good feel and provides a nice on-center position for highway driving. Brakes offer plenty of stopping power and have an easy-to-modulate pedal. With little wind rush or road rumble, Interior noise levels are among the lowest in the class.

Passat offers one of the roomiest interiors in the class. Front-seat riders are treated to nicely bolstered buckets with ample head and leg room. Rear-seat passengers get similar treatment with ample leg and knee room. While at a comfortable angle, the rear seatback does not recline, so taller passengers might find their head touching the roof. Outward visibility is great in every direction.

Given a freshening for 2016, Passat sports a handsome interior that places function over form. Materials are top notch, as is assembly quality. Gauges are straight forward and easy to read and the center stack features a nice touch screen and traditional buttons and knobs for the audio and climate control systems. Android Auto and Apple Car play integration are a nice touch as well.

With nearly 16 cubic feet of cargo space, the trunk is positively cavernous. Rear seatbacks fold to increase cargo space. One downside is trunk hinges that intrude on cargo space. Interior storage is adequate with a few open and covered bins throughout. A few competitors provide nice cell-phone storage bins and Passat could use one.

On its own merits, Passat is one of the best overall midsize cars. Positives include a roomy interior, lots of cargo space, efficient and powerful base engine and top-notch interior. With a nicely equipped SE coming in at trifle over $26K, the Passat is priced competitively. Because the class is very competitive, expect steep discounts on any midsize car -- Passat included.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2016 Volkswagen Passat Review

2016 Volkswagen Passat - Volkswagen's midsize sedan fills the bill for most shoppers.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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