The sedan market is shrinking right before our eyes, which is bad news for four-door car lovers. If you’re one of them, we’re happy to report that there is a silver lining: the short list of remaining options is not only high quality and refined but also loaded with tech features and the latest safety innovations. Most automakers have announced plans to eliminate sedans from their lineups altogether, but not German automaker Volkswagen. Need proof? The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is evidence of the company’s enduring commitment to sedan buyers.
It may seem like SUVs have completely overtaken the American new vehicle market, but sedans like the Passat offer respite for buyers who don’t want the bulk. Sedans are affordable, sleek, and easy to drive. They’re also dynamic and come with a whole host of features, from advanced safety technology to creature comforts. It’s no wonder cutting-edge automakers like Tesla and luxury brands like BMW prominently feature sedans in their core vehicle lineups.
The VW Passat represents the intersection of affordability and performance. It’s the antidote to a humdrum selection of aging midsize sedan models offered by automakers with a segment exit strategy. Volkswagen refined the Passat with a sporty exterior and an elegant interior for 2021, adding several connected services for smart device integration – like Amazon Alexa – and added on-the-go convenience.
Volkswagen’s comprehensive new vehicle warranty surpasses most other manufacturer’s coverage plans, adding to the Passat’s appeal and helping buyers keep ownership costs low. With a starting MSRP of $23,995, the midsize (and turbocharged) Passat is a classic and familiar nameplate that continues to deliver German engineering and design quality in an affordable and elegant package.
Trims, Performance, and Handling
Slide behind the wheel of the affordable 2021 Volkswagen Passat, and you might be prepared for a dull driving experience. But thanks to a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s mated with a smooth-shifting Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission, the Passat disavows drivers of that notion fairly quickly. In fact, a responsive ride and good handling is Passat’s calling card.
The Passat’s turbocharged powertrain delivers a healthy 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, plenty of power for performance-oriented buyers. We love the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and available Sport mode setting that gives buyers track-inspired shift control. And it doesn’t hurt that this understated family sedan accelerates from 0-60 in just 7.8 seconds. Everyday driving might not necessitate that much acceleration, but it’s nice to have as you head up the freeway on-ramp.
The Passat also boasts fuel economy ratings of 24 MPG city and 36 MPG highway, which is solid for similarly-sized vehicles in its category. Available in a simplified trim range for 2021, buyers can choose from the value-priced S, the mid-range SE, or the fully-equipped R-Line. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the trim range, as are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Buyers of the entry-level S trim will be especially pleased with the generous list of standard driver-assist systems.
The editors at Car and Driver rated the 2021 Passat’s engine as “smooth and refined,” and U.S. News & World Report liked the Passat for its “comfortable ride” and “plenty of space.” Overall, the Passat is a great choice for families needing a fuel-efficient daily commuter with sporty overtones. Its practical four-cylinder powertrain manages to provide power when necessary without sacrificing fuel economy.
Infotainment and Technology
Available connected services and technology are where the 2021 Volkswagen Passat shines. The control hub is conveniently accessed via a dash-mounted 6.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system runs on Volkswagen’s MIB operating system and features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. All new Passat buyers also receive a complimentary three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.
Choose the high-end R-Line, and you’ll get a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen and a premium 400-watt Fender audio system with a subwoofer. The R-Line also comes standard with built-in navigation with accurate turn-by-turn directions conveniently displayed on the touchscreen. Also standard on the R-Line is keyless access with a handy push-button start. Both touch screens offer capacitive-touch sensors, so no pressure is required when touching an app or feature.
A suite of driver-assist technologies is also available on the 2021 Passat. All trims receive standard Front Assist, which warns the driver of a potential frontal collision with vehicles or pedestrians. Blind Spot Monitor is also standard across the Passat lineup, along with Rear Traffic Alert. For 2021, Volkswagen has also added Adaptive Cruise Control as a standard feature on all Passats.
Adaptive Cruise Control relies on radar to keep the vehicle traveling at a safe distance from the car ahead when the cruise control system is set. The system is designed to automatically slow down to speeds of as little as 12 mph (a nice feature in stop-and-go traffic) before requiring the driver to take over. The driver can also set default spacing parameters and adjust as necessary. All controls are accessible via the vehicle’s touchscreen system.
Car-Net Connected Services
Car-Net is Volkswagen connected services gateway. It’s an app-based system designed to turn your smartphone into a remote key and a data center. There are three categories of services outlined by Volkswagen: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot. Systems like the Hotspot are data-dependent, and Volkswagen lets buyers choose from either Verizon or T-Mobile, making it convenient to add Car-Net to an existing data plan.
Car-Net also expands in-vehicle navigation capabilities by adding a feature that searches for available parking spaces via the service Parkopedia. The system can also locate points of interest along a designated route, a fun feature for road trippers. There’s even a DriveView program that monitors and records driving habits, connecting with national insurance companies to match you with a discounted rate.
Safe & Secure is a subscription-based service that includes emergency assistance services and anti-theft capability. A call center of specially-trained Car-Net agents is available 24/7 via the Passat’s “i-call” button. They’re trained to provide navigation assistance and emergency services in the event of a crash either via the SOS button or through Automatic Crash Notification, which dispatches emergency first responders to your location if you cannot be reached.
The available Family Guardian program includes a speed alert to inform owners when the driver exceeds posted speed limits and a boundary alert designed to notify you when the car travels out of a pre-set area. These features, along with curfew alert, are perfect for families with teenage drivers. The notifications can be set for delivery via text message or email, and when you enable push notifications, you’ll see them immediately.
Who Needs an SUV?
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offers a generous selection of standard features and safety technology. Built in America and designed for families seeking an SUV alternative, the Passat is generously sized, with 15.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity and one of the roomiest back seats in its class. Advanced standard equipment like LED headlights and Adaptive Cruise Control gives buyers access to the latest and greatest safety features.
If you’re just not feeling an SUV, the 2021 Passat offers a competitive alternative. Volkswagen also offers one of the best and most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Buyers receive a 24-month/20,000-mile maintenance warranty, a 48-month/50,000-mile basic warranty, and 36 months/36,000 miles of roadside assistance. The 24-month maintenance warranty represents big cost savings for Passat owners because it includes an annual oil and filter change, a brake wear inspection, and a more in-depth inspection during year two. Volkswagen calls this warranty program Care-free Coverage, an apt descriptor for a program that entices buyers with a virtually stress-free early ownership experience.
Bottom line: the 2021 Volkswagen Passat capably delivers sedan buyers a vehicle that is every bit as well-equipped as the SUVs that tend to steal the spotlight on showroom floors. The sedan body style may be dwindling in popularity, but if you’re one of the holdouts, the Passat is definitely worth a test drive.
