2018 Volkswagen Passat review

What We Like

Smooth ride: If you're like a lot of buyers looking for a midsize sedan, the Passat's standard soft suspension tuning should appeal to you. It delivers a very smooth ride over rough roads and shrugs off potholes with ease. It may not be as sporty as the new GT or some other sedans, but it corners with confidence and poise.

Plenty of passenger and cargo space: The Passat's rear seats offer a bit more room than some rivals and more easily accommodate taller passengers. There's enough headroom and legroom that 6-foot-tall people won't feel cramped. Behind those seats, the trunk can hold a class-average 15.9 cubic feet of cargo, but the wide and deep space is better at holding big and bulky objects.

Fender audio upgrade: We're fans of the available Fender premium audio system as it delivers powerful bass and clarity throughout the dynamic range. Cranking up the volume doesn't result in distortion either. We recommend tracking down a Passat with this system if you're an audiophile, but even if you're not, we're confident you'll appreciate what it has to offer.

What Needs Improvement

Small infotainment touchscreen: The Passat's 6.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is small compared to its competitor systems. Additionally, the placement of the display lower in the dash is not ideal since it requires taking your eyes off the road to operate it. It is also surprising that there is no larger screen available even if you upgrade to higher trim levels and opt for navigation.