Volkswagen Passat

Name: 2015 Volkswagen Passat
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Introduced for 2012, Volkswagen's midsized sedan was redesigned and optimized for the American market. In other words, it grew larger than most of its competitors, lost some of that crisp European driving feel and became less expensive.

2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Volkswagen Passat

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2004

2005

2006

2007

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2009

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2015

2016

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2020

2021

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2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2015 Midsized cars Ratings

2015 Volkswagen Passat

$5,475 - $7,725

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Chevrolet Malibu

$5,875 - $7,625

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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2015 Chrysler 200

$5,325 - $7,225

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2015 Ford Fusion

$5,175 - $8,300

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2015 Honda Accord

$9,575 - $11,700

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2015 Honda Accord Hybrid

$9,575 - $11,700

EPA MPG 47 mpg

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2015 Hyundai Sonata

$5,950 - $7,750

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$5,950 - $7,750

EPA MPG NA

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2015 Kia Optima

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2015 Mazda 6

$7,075 - $9,150

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2015 Nissan Altima

$5,375 - $7,125

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$7,075 - $9,800

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2015 Toyota Camry

$9,800 - $11,300

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$9,800 - $11,300

EPA MPG 39 mpg

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2015 Volkswagen CC

$5,400 - $8,800

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized cars Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.8-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)
2-liter 4 turbodiesel (150 hp)
3.6-liter V6 (280 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed sequential
5-speed manual
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2020-2022

2020 Redesign Year

The changes to the updated 2020 Passat help the midsized sedan keep pace with the competition in terms of infotainment and a full complement of standard advanced safety features. The Passat also retains its generous interior space and responsive handling. The ride is on the firm side but absorbs bumps decently. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission deliver power effortlessly, but initial acceleration from a stop feels a bit abrupt and fuel economy trails the competition. The front seats are comfortable and rear-seat occupants benefit from limousine-like spaciousness. The trunk is large. Controls are very easy to use, and so is the infotainment system. 2022 is the final year for the Passat.

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

Optimized for the American market, the 2012 redesign brought lots of room front and rear, but it was a step backward in terms of fit and finish. It also lost some of its crisp European driving feel, though it became less expensive. We'd look for this generation of the Passat with at least a power driver's seat, the touchscreen infotainment system, and a backup camera. The top-line SEL V6 offers plenty of power and plusher accommodations than lower-trim Passats. Keep in mind though, VW's cheating on EPA emissions tests. Be sure any used diesel you consider received the fixes and passes smog before buying it.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

The Passat has long been known for a quiet and comfortable ride, capable handling and a quality interior treatment. A mid-2001 freshening improved it even more. For 2006, the Passat was completely redesigned and grew larger. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder got 24 mpg while the quicker, stronger 3.6-liter V6 got 22 mpg in our tests. However, the ride wasn't as isolated as it was previously. Fit and finish remained excellent; while crash test results are similarly outstanding. This version of the Passat ranks near the top of the family sedan category. The V6 and AWD were dropped in 2009. There was no 2011 model.

1998-2005

1998 Redesign Year

The Passat long had a comfortable, quiet ride, capable handling, and an interior that exuded quality. A mid-2001 freshening improved it. The turbo four-cylinder delivers lively performance and the V6 is quiet and strong. AWD is available but makes the car slower and thirstier. The turbodiesel that debuted in 2004 averaged 28 mpg in our tests. Fit and finish remained excellent.