2022 Volkswagen Passat Pros vs Cons

The Volkswagen Passat has never been a top-seller like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Nevertheless, it remains an extremely rewarding midsize sedan. Drivers will appreciate the Passat’s comfortable accommodations. Affordable pricing also makes this car a good alternative to a high-end European sedan. Here are the biggest reasons why you should consider becoming the owner of a new 2022 Volkswagen Passat.

What’s New for 2022?

A special Limited Edition model has been introduced. Distinctive wheels and a Racing Green paint color help separate it from the rest of the lineup. Last year’s base S trim has also been discontinued, which means a greater number of premium amenities now come standard.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2022 Volkswagen Passat – The Pros

1. Efficient Powertrain With Respectable Power

There is only a single powertrain available for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat. Fortunately, it’s peppy enough to please most drivers. VW rates the sedan’s turbo four-cylinder engine to squeeze out an impressive amount of low-end torque. Drivers can expect the Passat to feel quite responsive during normal driving conditions. This powertrain also returns solid gas mileage. According to the EPA’s fuel economy estimates, owners can anticipate getting around 24 mpg town/36 mpg freeway.

2. A Good Value for the Money

With last year’s base trim no longer being offered, prices have increased for the 2022 model year. Nevertheless, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat is still a good value for the money. VW lists the new Passat with a starting MSRP of roughly $27,300. Most of the sedan’s competitors don’t provide as many standard creature comforts. Highlights include front-seat heating, two-zone automatic temperature control, and tilt/sliding sunroof. Synthetic leather upholstery gives the cabin another premium touch.

3. Smooth Driving Machine

The new VW Passat isn’t designed to perform like a race-bred sports car. It’s engineered to deliver a smooth and effortless driving experience throughout the day. A European-tuned suspension helps promote predictable handling. Even when taking sharp curves, the Passat feels stable. Car reviewers especially rave about the Passat’s supreme ride comfort. Passengers will certainly appreciate how well the Passat responds to bumps in the road. This car feels more upscale than the typical family sedan.

4. Sporty-Looking R-Line Trim

While the Passat R-Line may offer the same performance as the other trims, it does have a more formidable presence. VW decks out the Passat R-Line a few more sporty exterior treatments. An exclusive R-Line front bumper gives the front fascia a racier look. You’ll also notice the sedan’s gloss black accents. A black spoiler and a rear sport valence further enhance the car’s curb appeal. To give the R-Line trim a mean stance, VW equips it with a more aggressive-looking set of 19-inch alloy wheels.

5. Spacious Car with a Big Trunk

The new 2022 Volkswagen Passat definitely caters to the needs of families. Everyone will appreciate the sedan’s spacious seating. It provides 39.1 inches of legroom in the rear, which trumps most of the competition. A standard eight-way power seat with height adjustments helps the driver to obtain a relaxing position. This car is a great pick for families who enjoy traveling. The Passat’s 15.9 cubic-foot trunk allows road trippers to easily toss in suitcases and backpacks.

6. Adaptive LED Headlights

It’s no secret that driving at night requires more concentration. Drivers who live in rural areas will especially benefit from the Passat’s available adaptive LED headlights. When turning the steering wheel, these headlights swivel to provide better visibility around corners. The enhanced illumination helps drivers to recognize obstacles that have become hidden in the dark. Whether a tree branch has fallen or a deer is crossing the street, you will have more time to react to the hazard.

7. User-Friendly MIB Infotainment System

Drivers who hate complicated technology will appreciate Volkswagen’s MIB infotainment system. It’s easier to use than many of today’s other high-tech interfaces. Although the system’s 6.3-inch touchscreen is a tad smaller than normal, users will enjoy its responsive nature and straightforward operation. Physical buttons enable you to perform certain functions. Meanwhile, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make smartphone integration a simple task. Mobile apps, song playlists, and phone contacts can all be quickly located without any extra work.

8. Fender Premium Sound System

The Passat’s standard audio system delivers an average music-listening experience. Luckily, a premium Fender stereo system is found on the higher trim levels. This 10-speaker unit will make your drive a bit more entertaining. Listeners can look forward to enjoying live-quality sound with no distortion. To help every speaker to offer the best possible clarity, Fender uses a 400-watt amplifier. An enclosed subwoofer is located in the rear, which produces stronger bass.

9. Advanced Safety Technologies Come Standard

Unlike some of its key competitors, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat now comes standard with a blind-spot monitor. By notifying drivers of unseen vehicles, this system greatly improves safety on the highway. Front Assist is another feature that comes equipped on every new Passat. When suddenly encountering unexpected vehicles and pedestrians, this system reacts by automatically activating the brakes. Rain-sensing wipers and active lane control are also on the sedan’s list of standard equipment.

10. Luxury Car-Like Interior Quality

The VW Passat’s high-quality interior makes it feel more like a European luxury sedan. While even the Passat’s standard upholstery is attractive, Vienna leather upholstery is found inside the range-topping Limited Edition trim. This car’s cabin is also delightfully quiet. Passengers can expect to experience a hushed ride at all times.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2022 Volkswagen Passat – The Cons

1. May Not Be Sporty Enough For Some Drivers

Car shoppers who’re seeking a sportier sedan may need to look elsewhere. The VW Passat is known for its smooth driving character. It’s more focused on comfort as opposed to driving excitement. A sports-tuned suspension isn’t available on any trim. While the Passat’s 174-horsepower engine proves to be responsive, some drivers will ultimately desire more muscle. Most of the other models in the class offer an engine upgrade, which promotes quicker acceleration.

2. All-Wheel Drive Is Not Available

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat is a front-wheel-drive sedan. VW does not offer an optional AWD system. This could be an issue for folks who reside in America’s Snowbelt. AWD-equipped sedans, such as the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry, will be more suitable.

3. Shorter Powertrain Warranty

A few years ago, Volkswagen covered its vehicles with a six-year/72,000-mile powertrain warranty. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. The Passat now receives a 50,000-mile powertrain. Many of the sedan’s competitors provide at least an additional 10,000 miles of protection. Some models even come with a 100,000-mile warranty, including the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia K5.

4. Small Infotainment Display

While Volkswagen’s MIB infotainment system performs well, there’s no overlooking its smaller 6.3-inch touchscreen. This shouldn’t be a big problem for most Passat buyers. Nonetheless, others will still want a larger display.

5. Has a Higher Starting MSRP

Because VW no longer offers last year’s base model, prices have increased for the 2022 model year. The entry-level SE trim has a starting MSRP of around $27,300, which is over $3,000 higher than before. It’s important to note that buyers will now receive a greater number of premium luxury features.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The Altima is a good pick for car shoppers who need all-wheel drive. However, this sedan does lose to the Passat in a few areas. For starters, there’s not as much legroom in the Altima’s backseat. A higher-quality interior gives the 2022 Volkswagen Passat another advantage over the Altima.

2022 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Subaru Legacy

A full-time AWD system makes the Subaru Legacy a good choice for facing wintry road conditions. More premium features come standard on the 2022 Volkswagen Passat, including heated front seats and synthetic leather upholstery. Furthermore, only the Passat comes standard with a blind-spot monitor.

2022 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The Camry is currently the segment’s best-selling model. While the Camry scores well in several categories, it does not provide quite as much overall passenger room as the new Passat. There’s also a bit more space in the Passat’s trunk. To get blind-spot monitoring on the Camry, buyers must skip past the lower trim levels.

Conclusion

Drivers who put comfort as a top priority will appreciate what the 2022 Volkswagen Passat brings to the table. A relaxing cabin and fine ride quality make the Passat a great choice for families. Active safety features come standard, which help drivers to avoid a crash. Its turbo four-cylinder engine also returns up to 36 mpg on regular gas. Drivers seeking a more powerful look will favor the sportier R-Line trim.

While the VW Passat is a highly recommended family car, there are a few weaknesses to consider. The lack of an engine upgrade limits the car’s performance capabilities. Volkswagen also does not offer the Passat with all-wheel drive. Another potential downside is the sedan's lower 50,000-mile powertrain warranty.