The same underpinnings providing superb ride and handling but the 23/34 mpg city/highway rating remains uncompetitive. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 12, 2019 2020 VW Passat VW just released pricing for its refreshed 2020 Passat starting at $22,995 + $920 D&H. Going all the way back to the 2011 MY introduction, the Passat continues to provide a large and comfortable interior plus VWs best in class fun-to-drive nature. Instead of the award winning and then controversial 2.0L TDI however, VWs 174 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque (+22 lb-ft) 2.0L TSI I4 is mostly a carryover along with the 6-speed AT transmitting power to the wheels. On the outside, standard slim LED headlamps and taillamps, more prominent Passat badging, new standard 17” alloys, and a more pronounced grille moves the bar a bit. Inside, the Passat received a new dash with air vents that flow across the dash and a new glass-covered infotainment touchscreen. 2020 VW Passat Trims The S trim features standard 17” alloys, LED headlamps, DRLs, and taillamps, auto headlights, really comfortable cloth seats, a 6.3” glass covered touchscreen, 2 USB-A ports, and BT, rearview camera, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Moving up to the SE, it starts at $25,845 and adds standard chrome window surrounds, proximity key with push-button start, remote start, leather-wrapped wheel, power driver’s seat, leatherette seats, heated front seats, Dual auto climate, rain-sensing wipers; auto-dimming rearview, two additional USB-A ports in the rear (charge only), next-gen VW Car-Net with WiFi, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keep System (Lane Assist). A sunroof is available for $995. The R starts at $28,645 adds a std. sunroof, alarm system, ambient lighting, stainless-steel pedal caps, 19” alloys, vertical chrome grille stripes, rear spoiler, rear diffusor, chrome exhaust pipes, stainless-steel door sills, and steering-wheel paddle shifters. The SEL starts at $31,095 and includes 18” alloys, Advanced Front-lighting System, stainless door sills, leather seats, driver’s seat and exterior mirror memory, power passenger seat, heated rear seat and a 6.3-inch glass-covered touchscreen w/ navigation, Fender Premium Audio, Easy Open trunk and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist) with Park Distance Control. Destination charge is $920 for all 2020 Passat models. 2020 VW Passat Interior Remember the CleanMPG First Drive Review of the All-New 2012 VW Passat TDI some 8+ years ago? It was impressive for all the right reasons and continues to this day. If you own one with the 2.0L TDI that is. The new Passat continues to excel with drive qualities as good as many sedans offered anywhere in the world. Beyond that however, the 6.3” central display is archaic compared to competitors running std. 7 or 8” displays, the 23/34 mpg city/highway rating with a 174 hp and 206 lb-ft. of torque I4 is not competitive, and its 102 and 15.9 cu. ft. or passenger/cargo volume respectively has been surpassed by the midsize stalwarts from Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai long ago. I am not sure when VW will begin to electrify the Passat but it needs Full Hybridization in the worst way to come close to the standard bearers in terms of efficiency. The 2020 VW Passat will be available at U.S. VW dealerships by the end of 2019.
