2018 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T

What It Is: Volkswagen’s entrant in the fiercely competitive mid-size-sedan segment. A 174-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and comes standard in the S, R-Line, SE, and SEL Premium trim levels of the 2018 Passat. Those in search of more power can opt for the available 280-hp 3.6-liter V-6 in the SEL Premium trim or check the box for the V-6-only Passat GT, which is new for 2018.

For this review, we drove a pair of new Passat 2.0T models: a $25,845 R-Line and a $27,145 SE. Separating the R-Line from its more mundane siblings are features including steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, racier bodywork, and 19-inch wheels. What the pricier Passat SE lacked in style it made up for in feature content, as the SE model comes standard with niceties such as a sunroof and a proximity key with push-button start, neither of which is available on the R-Line. Otherwise, the Passat R-Line and SE both have adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and dual-zone automatic climate control as standard.

Why We Tested It and How It Performed: The 2018 Passat trades last year’s turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four for a larger turbocharged 2.0-liter that is capable of running on a modified version of the more efficient Miller cycle. The additional displacement affords the engine a total of 174 horsepower—four more than the old 1.8T. Torque holds steady at 184 lb-ft, which comes on at a low 1500 rpm.

The Passat 2.0T proved no quicker than the prior 1.8T—it actually was slower in almost every acceleration measurement we perform. The newer car needed 8.1 seconds to get to 60 mph and 16.1 seconds to cross the quarter-mile, 0.3 and 0.1 second behind the last Passat 1.8T we tested. Acceleration on the move was no better, with the 2.0T’s 30-to-50-mph and 50-to-70- mph times of 4.1 and 6.3 seconds trailing the 1.8T’s 4.0- and 5.9-second performance.

This engine also proved no more efficient than its sprightlier predecessor. In our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Passat 2.0T returned 36 mpg to the 1.8T’s 39 mpg. The EPA, however, rates the 2.0T at 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway—each 2 mpg better than the 2017 model with the 1.8T.

Against expectation, the Passat 2.0T SE outgripped the racier-looking Passat 2.0T R-Line despite the latter’s larger tires. Riding on 215/55R-17 Hankook Kinergy GT rubber, the Passat 2.0T SE generated 0.87 g of grip on our skidpad and braked from 70 mph to a stop in a fade-free 168 feet. The R-Line, on Continental ContiProContact tires sized 235/40R-19, ran out of grip after 0.85 g and needed 174 feet to stop from 70 mph. The R-Line’s brakes also exhibited moderate fade after repeated stops.

What We Like: A large and comfortable rear seating area continues to be the calling card of the Volkswagen Passat. With 39.1 inches of legroom, the Passat’s rear seat offers more space for stretching out than the full-size Genesis G90 luxury sedan. Meanwhile, those seated up front are greeted with a well-built and ergonomically friendly dashboard design. Refined road manners and an innately unshakable character make the Passat satisfying for day-to-day duties.

What We Don’t Like: No matter the trim level, the Passat is rather bland-looking—even by family sedan standards. As well executed as the interior is, it is equally unexciting, and it is marred by a steering wheel slightly off-center of the driver’s seat and a seating position perched too high for some tastes. Sadly, the Passat no longer offers the high levels of driving engagement it once did, and those in search of additional behind-the-wheel enjoyment will be better served by competitors such as the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6.

Verdict: Engine revisions do not elevate this sedan above the mundane middle.

Specifications >

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED: $27,145 (base price: $23,845)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve Miller-cycle inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 121 cu in, 1984 cc
Power: 174 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 110.4 in
Length: 191.9 in
Width: 72.2 in Height: 58.5 in
Passenger volume: 102 cu ft
Trunk volume: 16 cu ft
Curb weight: 3362 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 8.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 21.2 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 26.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 6.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.1 sec @ 88 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 168 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY:
Observed: 28 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 36 mpg
Highway range: 660 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined/city/highway: 29/25/36 mpg