Segment: Medium
Production years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Review: 2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SEL Premium
Volkswagen did an excellent job when it decided to build an American-special Passat for the 2012 model year, resulting in a lower price than on its predecessor.
The German carmaker tried to get a bigger market share in the U.S. mid-size sedan segment with the Passat. For that, it opened a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Another major decision was to make a different vehicle than its European sibling. Thus, it resulted in the U.S.-spec Passat, which shared only the nameplate and the badge with the German-made mid-size cousin.
Once it crossed the Atlantic, the Passat became longer, wider, taller, and, most importantly, cheaper. It was around 30% less expensive than its predecessor. Its design resembled its smaller sibling, the Jetta. The three-slat grille with chromed accents and the broad lower air-intake flanked by fog lights with angular shapes confirmed it as a member of the Volkswagen stable. The angular-shaped taillights crossed the rear quarter fenders onto the trunk lid at the back, thus creating a classy look.
Thanks to the longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the U.S. Passat provided a more extensive interior for the rear passengers. At the front, the bucket seats offered good side support for both occupants. On the tilted center stack, the carmaker installed a touch-screen infotainment system. The instrument cluster was typical Volkswagen with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, plus a TFT display between them.
Under the skin, the Passat received a revised suspension with McPherson type at the front and a four-link independent rear axle. Strangely, the carmaker didn't make the Passat with an all-wheel-drive system, even though it could. Under the hood, Volkswagen offered a choice of three engines: a 2.5-liter inline-five base model, a 3.6-liter V-6, and a 2.0-liter TDI unit. Later on, the carmaker added a 1.8-liter turbocharged version.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L TSI 5MT FWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1798 cm3 |
Power: | 127 KW @ 4800-6200 RPM 173 HP @ 4800-6200 RPM 170 BHP @ 4800-6200 RPM |
Torque: | 184 lb-ft @ 1500-2750 RPM 249 Nm @ 1500-2750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged direct injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 137 mph (220 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | 12.3 x 1.0-in Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | 10.7 x 0.4-in Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.6 in (4867 mm) |
Width: | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
Height: | 58.5 in (1486 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.1/61 in (1,577/1,549 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3230 lbs (1465 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4453 lbs (2020 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 35 mpg US (6.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 134 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L TSI 6AT FWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1798 cm3 |
Power: | 127 KW @ 4800-6200 RPM 173 HP @ 4800-6200 RPM 170 BHP @ 4800-6200 RPM |
Torque: | 184 lb-ft @ 1500-2750 RPM 249 Nm @ 1500-2750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged direct injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 137 mph (220 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | 12.3 x 1.0-in Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | 10.7 x 0.4-in Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.6 in (4867 mm) |
Width: | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
Height: | 58.5 in (1486 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.1/61 in (1,577/1,549 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3230 lbs (1465 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4453 lbs (2020 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 35 mpg US (6.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 134 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.5L 5MT FWD (170 H | |
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Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2475 cm3 |
Power: | 127 KW @ 5700 RPM 173 HP @ 5700 RPM 170 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 177 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM 240 Nm @ 4250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | 12.3 x 1.0-in Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | 10.7 x 0.4-in Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 191.6 in (4867 mm) |
Width: | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
Height: | 58.5 in (1486 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.1/61 in (1,577/1,549 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3166 lbs (1436 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4431 lbs (2010 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 134 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.5L 6AT FWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2475 cm3 |
Power: | 127 KW @ 5700 RPM 170 HP @ 5700 RPM 170 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 177 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM 240 Nm @ 4250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic ( TIPTONIC) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | 12.3 x 1.0-in vented front discs |
Rear: | 10.7 x 0.4-in solid rear discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 191.6 in (4867 mm) |
Width: | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
Height: | 58.5 in (1486 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.1/61 in (1,577/1,549 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3221 lbs (1461 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4475 lbs (2030 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25.7 mpg US (9.2 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.6L V6 6AT FWD (280 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | v6 |
Displacement: | 3597 cm3 |
Power: | 206 KW @ 6200 RPM 280 HP @ 6200 RPM 276 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 258 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 350 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Disks |
Rear: | Disks |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/45 R18 94H |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.6 in (4867 mm) |
Width: | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
Height: | 58.5 in (1486 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.1/61 in (1,577/1,549 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3446 lbs (1563 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4629 lbs (2100 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 20 mpg US (11.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 23 mpg US (10.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 215 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L TDI 6AT FWD (140 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1968 cm3 |
Power: | 103 KW @ 4000 RPM 140 HP @ 4000 RPM 138 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 236 lb-ft @ 1750 RPM 320 Nm @ 1750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged common rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 131 mph (211 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (DSG) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Dscs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 191.6 in (4867 mm) |
Width: | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
Height: | 58.5 in (1486 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.1/61 in (1,577/1,549 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3459 lbs (1569 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4652 lbs (2110 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 30 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 40 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 45.2 mpg US (5.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 134 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L TDI 6MT FWD (140 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1968 cm3 |
Power: | 103 KW @ 4000 RPM 140 HP @ 4000 RPM 138 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 236 lb-ft @ 1750 RPM 320 Nm @ 1750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged common rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | 12.3 x 1.0-in Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | 10.7 x 0.4-in Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 215/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 191.6 in (4867 mm) |
Width: | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
Height: | 58.5 in (1486 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.1/61 in (1,577/1,549 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3393 lbs (1539 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4630 lbs (2100 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 31 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 43 mpg US (5.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 45.2 mpg US (5.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 134 g/km |