The current Volkswagen Passat, introduced in 2012, is far different from previous models. Now in its fourth generation, this midsize five-passenger front-wheel drive sedan was designed for the American market exclusively. Built at Volkswagen’s manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., the 2014 Volkswagen Passat offers a variety of engine choices including gasoline and diesel motors.
Volkswagen Passat Models
Volkswagen serves up 12 trim levels for the 2014 Passat. The base Volkswagen Passat S is priced from $20,845. The most expensive model is the V6 SEL Premium, retailing from $33,895. The Passat offers S, SE and SEL Premium trim levels with sunroof and navigation packages sold separately or together.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, a theft deterrent system, cruise control, three 12-volt outlets, automatic door locks, Bluetooth connectivity, six airbags and a telescoping steering column.
Choose the SE and this package offers 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces, power adjusted front seats with a heating element, a touchscreen sound system, XM radio and a rear view camera. Choose the SEL Premium and your sedan is upgraded to include leather seating surfaces, a touchscreen navigation system, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with push button start, and remote start.
Engines and Transmissions
Most midsize sedans offer no more than two engine choices with a few fielding three different engines. The Volkswagen Passat gives buyers four engine choices including four, five and six cylinder gasoline-powered models and one diesel engine.
The standard engine is a five cylinder 2.5-liter engine that makes 170 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 177 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
A 1.8-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine making 170 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 184 foot-pounds of torque at 1,500 rpm is also available. It is paired with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.
For optimum performance, a 3.6-liter V-6 engine rated at 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 258 foot-pounds of torque at 2,500 rpm can be had. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The turbo-diesel engine with the 2014 Volkswagen Passat displaces at 2.0 liters. It makes 140 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 236 foot-pounds of torque at 1,750 rpm. The diesel Passat is paired with your choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.
Volkswagen Passat Dimensions
The 2014 Volkswagen Passat sits on a 110.4-inch wheelbase and measures 191.6 inches in length. It is 72.2 inches wide and 58.5 inches tall. With a ground clearance of 5.4 inches, the Passat has a front track of 62.1 inches and a rear track that measures 61 inches.
Curb weight ranges from 3,166 to 3,481 pounds. Passenger volume is 102 cubic feet; the trunk size is 15.9 cubic feet.
Front head room measures 38.3 inches to 37.8 inches in the rear. Front should room measures 56.9 inches to 57 inches in the rear. Leg room comes in at 42.4 inches up front and 39.1 inches in the back.
Model Fuel Economy
Fuel economy numbers vary. The information supplied here is based on the best fuel economy for engine-transmission pairing.
The five cylinder is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The four cylinder gasoline engine is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Both models use regular grade gasoline.
Requiring premium grade gasoline is the V-6 engine, with a fuel rating of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Choose the diesel model and it is rated as high as 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. All models are equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
Volkswagen Passat Considerations
Volkswagen’s brand-wide warranties include a three-year or 36,000-mile new vehicle warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 12-year corrosion perforation warranty. Purchased parts are covered for one year or 12,000 miles.
In an updated Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test, the Volkswagen Passat achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating. This is the highest score possible from the IIHS.
See Also — Surprise Midsize Value: 2017 Volkswagen Passat
Photo courtesy of the Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.