VOLKSWAGEN Passat Alltrack Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

With over 30 million Passat models manufactured over the span of 7 generations, the mid-cycle facelift of the eighth iteration of the nameplate in station wagon Alltrack guise was unveiled in 2019, alongside the other members of the Passat family. Just like its platform brothers, the revamped Passat Alltrack has received a cornucopia of technology, most of it having trickled down from some of the more expensive car brands under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.

In other words the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Passat has received one of the most technologically advanced mid-cycle facelifts in its history. Thanks to new hardware and software, the new Digital Cockpit has been massively improved compared to the previous Active Info Display. With much enhanced graphics and improved features, the system now offers three various display configurations can be customized using the redesigned multifunction steering wheel. Still with the Passat Variant used as the base model, the Alltrack is now a lot more up to date compared to its rivals.

All gasoline engines now feature particulate filters as standard, while on the diesel front there is a new 2.- TDI Evo engine choice. With an output of 150 horsepower, the powerplants emits 10 g/100 km less CO2 compared to its predecessor. The gasoline engine lineup has been completed with three new engines with 150 horsepower, 190 horsepower and 272 horsepower, respectively.

The crossover mania forced most of the car-makers to offer regular cars with a raised suspension. Thus, the customers received vehicles with bigger ground clearance, but with the same running costs.

The Volkswagen Passat was one of the best-selling cars in Europe. It was like a baseball cap with one size fits all. It was the choice of blue and white collars as well. In 2015, the German car-maker dared to offer the Alltrack version, which was based on the same MQB platform. It already had the background to built the crossover Passat, so it did it.

The Alltrack version featured a 27.5 mm (1.1”) higher ground clearance and new bumper design, which included custom fog lights and a new grille. The headlights and radiator grille were designed to look like a single unit and it looked even better with the optional LED headlights. The Alltrack featured new underbody protection fitted as standard. It was made out of plastic. The black plastic moldings around the wheel-arches were specific for the Alltrack.

Inside, the Passat Alltrack was almost identical to the non-lifted version. The front seats featured the “Alltrack” emblem on the backrests. For the rear occupants, a split 50/50 bench was installed with a center armrest. The Active Info display, offered as an option for the Alltrack, featured a 12.3” TFT screen instead of the regular dials. A special feature was the head-up display, but it was not fitted as standard.

Under the hood, the Passat Alltrack was offered with a choice of diesel and gasoline units, with power ranged between 150 hp and 240 hp. The only manual option was for the base engine version, while the rest were fitted with a 6- or 7-speed automatic transmission. All versions featured all-wheel-drive systems.

The Passat nameplate has been around since 1973 when the first generation was launched. The model was continuously improved and offered in different body styles over the years, Volkswagen selling more than 15 million vehicles.

With the desire of satisfying a wider range of customers, the Volkswagen Alltrack came to life in 2012. Offered in a single estate body style, the Alltrack was a combination between the regular Passat and the capabilities of a Tiguan.

Featuring SUV-style bumpers and side sill flares, a greater approach and departure angle, and a higher ground clearance, the Alltrack was a versatile vehicle that provided lots of room for the passengers, a big trunk and off-road capabilities.

Besides the body cladding, the Alltrack was equipped with a 4-wheel-drive system and a jacked suspension.

A choice of 4 engines was available, with 2 gasoline and 2 diesel options. For gasoline engines, power ranged between 160 hp and 210 hp, while the diesel units were a 140 hp or a 170 hp powerplant.

The 2 most powerful engines had standard 4-wheel-drive and were mated with a dual-clutch transmission, as well es an electronic differential lock system (XDS).

Practicality wise, the Alltrack was better than the standard Passat, with a towing capacity of 2,000 kgs, which was 200 kg more. The trunk size was at 603 liters, while with the rear seats folded it would have increased to 1,641 liters, which made the Alltrack a winner in its class.