2020 Volkswagen Passat Review

After eight years on the market, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat finally brings significant updates to VW's midsize sedan.

Eight years ago, Volkswagen gambled that it could broaden the appeal of its Passat sedan to American buyers if it were cheaper and designed for more mainstream tastes. Up to that point, the Passat was a funky, upscale sedan with niche charm. European car enthusiasts appreciated its premium touches that felt richer than a Honda or Toyota for less than the cost of entry to an Audi or BMW.

VW tossed aside that luxury pretense with the current-generation Volkswagen Passat, stripping it down to fewer features and lower-quality materials but still providing a comfortable and exceptionally roomy cabin. That decision doesn't seem to have had real staying power since Passat sales have been declining steadily from the peak when the 2012 model launched.

While VW claims otherwise, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat has not been redesigned. Nothing changes under the sheet metal, and the new car rides on the same chassis as before. However, there are a few key differences between it and previous models that aim to extend the lifespan of this aging four-door. Outside, the Passat assumes a bolder look with LED lighting, a larger and more expressive grille, and the coupe-style roofline de rigueur among four-doors. Much of the Passat's boxy side profile remains, and while it's not exactly a cutting-edge design, it should continue to age well.

The refreshed Passat will go on using a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. But upgraded transmission hardware and new software tuning unlock more low-end torque, now up to 206 lb-ft of torque compared to 184 lb-ft in the outgoing model. The V6 is no longer offered, unfortunately — it was strong and sounded really good. But the extra sauce from the four-cylinder should make that an easier pill to swallow. As before, power reaches the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Volkswagen may have taken some criticism of its interior cost-cutting to heart. The new Passat will feature upgraded interior materials, an updated instrument panel and touchscreen display, new color schemes, and a range of upholstery choices, including cloth, synthetic leather and genuine premium leather.

Other options include 18- and 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive headlights, proximity key entry, push-button ignition, a hands-free-opening trunk, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated rear seats, and a Fender Premium audio system. These features will filter throughout the Passat's four available trim levels.

Like last year's model, the 2020 Passat's driving experience is defined by its comfortable ride and sprightly turbocharged engine. We drove the R-Line and SEL models, and both displayed an aptitude for gliding on highways with minimal undue body motions or tire patter. We consider the 2020 R-Line a significant improvement over the previous model since the ride is no longer bumpy and brittle with the 19-inch wheels.

The turbocharged engine gains 22 lb-ft of torque, and it feels noticeably stronger than rivals equipped with their base engines. We also like that Volkswagen has chosen to stick with the six-speed automatic. Although a little sluggish, it doesn't suffer from the exceptionally delayed responses the eight-speed auto in other VW vehicles can exhibit. Unfortunately, braking feel hasn't improved. The pedal remains squishy and devoid of feedback, making it easy to under- or overestimate the amount of pressure required to slow the car.

Driving dynamics similarly remain a bit of a mess. Though the R-Line's tires offer good grip, ample body roll in tight mountain corners reveals this is not the Passat's forte. The light, lifeless steering further drives home the impression that the Passat is for worry-free cruising and not spirited backroad adventures.

Owners of the current Passat will enter to find a familiar cabin, though there are a few key differences. The front air vents now extend across the full width of the dashboard, à la the Tesla Model 3. The center touchscreen housing is redesigned to look similar to those in the Atlas and Tiguan. Unlike those SUVs, the Passat does not feature VW's attractive all-digital instrument panel, though its driver information screen does have updated graphics.

There are a few additions for rear passengers as well. Most models have two charging ports located behind the center console, while the top SEL model is equipped with heated rear seats — a rare feature in this class. Paired with the Passat's vast amount of cabin space, these enhancements ensure passengers in all outboard seats are comfortable for the duration of their ride.

Volkswagen vehicles have been hit-or-miss recently, with the three-row Atlas SUV falling into the former camp and the compact Tiguan into the latter. VW's other sedans, the Jetta and Arteon, are competitive but not leaders in their respective classes. But with American automakers abandoning sedans, the time is right to try to attract buyers who aren't interested in switching to SUVs.

The design and technology updates and new features should make the Passat a much more compelling value as a family-friendly car.