Used 2015 Volkswagen Passat

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware that this vehicle’s diesel engine is involved in a Notice of Violation of the Clean Air Act issued by the EPA to Volkswagen for producing and selling 4-cylinder diesel cars that include a software device that circumvents EPA emissions standards for certain air pollutants. The EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) determined that these diesel cars emit up to 40 times more pollution than emission standards allow. Recalls, investigations and litigation are currently ongoing.

The 2015 Volkswagen Passat resides in one of the fiercest automotive segments – that of the midsize family sedan. Here heavyweights such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion battle for king-of-the-hill status. And each year the stakes are raised as new sedans increase in sophistication. While rivals have brought hybrid powertrains, premium amenities and ever-more transmission speeds to the table, the Passat has a few aces up its own sleeve. The 2015 Passat remains the only sedan in its segment to offer a high-mileage diesel engine, boasts limousine-like rear-seat legroom, and has handling manners that are proudly German. The Passat lacks the latest tech features, but its positive attributes and European design help it remain a contender.

Some midsize family sedans strive to be sporty while others go for comfort. As with premium German-engineered cars costing thousands more, the VW Passat deftly splits the difference. On the highway it’s smooth, solid and quiet. Point it in the direction of a twisty road, and you’ll find a surprisingly entertaining driver. The latter is especially true when the Passat is paired with its new base engine, a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that replaces the old 2.5-liter 5-cylinder. Despite its small size, this engine has enough oomph to capably power the Passat. There is a bit of turbo lag, but putting the car in Sport mode helps alleviate the initial hesitation. Drivers seeking the most potency can step up to the Passat V6, which boasts 280 horsepower. Yet our pick for the Passat remains the TDI diesel, which offers loads of power and excellent efficiency (see below).

The 2015 Passat’s 5-passenger interior is roomy for sure (see above), but is otherwise tastefully understated. Base versions of VW’s midsize sedan are rather plain with cloth seats and – gasp! – an audio system that doesn’t boast a touch screen. Both of those facets are rectified as one climbs trim levels. Midrange models receive Volkswagen’s V-Tex faux-leather seating surfaces, while high-end trims get the real thing along with wood-grain trim. At nearly 15.9 cubic feet the Passat’s trunk space is copious, and 60/40-split folding rear seats add to this sedan’s versatility.

This newest-generation Passat bucks the flavor-of-the-month style contest that’s going on in much of the midsize-sedan segment. VW’s largest sedan instead plays it conservative but classy with a sleek and subtly angular appearance. Its prominent, 3-bar horizontally slatted grille makes the Passat look like a more expensive car from the front. Wheel sizes vary from 16 to 19 inches, with variants such as the Luxor alloys on the Sport Edition adding visual pop.

PASSAT TDI DIESEL
If you still equate the word "diesel" with those slow, sooty, puttering vehicles of decades past, it’s time for a mental update. Modern turbodiesels like the 2015 VW Passat TDI are quick, have loads of torque and return eye-popping fuel economy. We’ve cracked 50 mpg in our long-term test Passat.

REAR-SEAT LEGROOM
You don’t have to be an NBA player to appreciate the Passat’s rear seat, but if you are this is the midsize sedan for you. Technically there are 39.1 inches of legroom back there, but beyond the numbers it feels like there’s even more. So go ahead, give that athlete a lift.

If you go the least expensive route on your new Passat sedan, spending just under $22,000 for a base model, you’ll get the basics like air conditioning, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input (but no USB port), 6-way manual adjust front seats and 5-speed manual transmission, plus Bluetooth wireless connectivity with audio streaming, and automatic on/off headlights. All new 2015 Passats also come with one year or 10,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.

Except for a 6-speed automatic transmission on lower models, major options are bundled on the Passat and are gained by climbing trims. A Wolfsburg Edition, for instance, adds a power driver’s seat, VW’s subscription-based Car-Net system that pairs with your iPhone or Android device to relay vehicle information, and an iPod connector. SE trims bring the V-Tex Leatherette seating surfaces, touch-screen audio interface, rearview camera, rear-seat air vents and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Top-line SEL models have navigation, a Fender premium audio system, wood-grain interior trim and automatic climate control.

Three engines are available for the 2015 Passat. Base models use a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine, while top-line variants employ a powerful V6. With an EPA rating of up to 36 mpg and the ability to run on regular unleaded, the turbocharged-4 is a tempting option. But the real star is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel. Now attaining up to 44 mpg in a manual-transmission model (42 in an automatic), this engine is efficient yet powerful. Diesel Passats do require a liquid additive called AdBlue that reduces harmful emissions. While VW recommends its dealers do the refills, owners can also perform the procedure. If you’re wondering if diesel fuel is hard to find, know that it’s available at roughly half of all gas stations.

1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4
170 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 mpg (manual), 24/36 mpg (automatic)

3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
150 horsepower @ 3,500 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 30/44 mpg (manual), 30/42 mpg (automatic)