2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8 L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Review

The GOOD: Massive and Classy Interior, Strong 6-Cylinder engine, Only Affordable German Midsize Sedan
The BAD: Styling is very conservative, Underwhelming Fuel Economy, No Fuel Efficient Model (Hybrid/Electric)
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Camerons Car Reviews Score: 4/5
Powertrain Options: 1.8 L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder with a 6-Speed Automatic or a 3.6 L 6-Cylinder

Type
1.8L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/ intercooled,DI
Bore
3.25 in
Stroke
3.31 in
Displacement
110 cu in

Compression Ratio
9.6:1
Horsepower (SAE) @ rpm
170 @ 6200rpm (horsepower achieved with premium fuel)
Maximum torque, lb-ft @ rpm
184 lb-ft @ 1500rpm
Fuel Requirement
Regular unleaded (horsepower achieved with premium fuel)
Competitors: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion

[bradleymeyer]

I like the simplicity of the VW Passat.

[crinixx]

This car is way better looking than all of the other ones you listed off lol

[shwnc]

You should've reviewed the R-Line considering it's one of their newer trims. I just bought a 2017 Passat R-Line and I absolutely love it. I considered the SE because of push to start and a sunroof but I honestly preferred the styling of the R-Line. And just driving a Passat, it's really comfortable and it has a European feel to me. The 1.8t feels underpowered when you aren't pushing it of course but when you want to have some fun with it, the turbo kicks in quickly and gets you going. For the price range of $25, 000, this is the best midsize sedan out there with all the features and options. You can get an Accord for the same price of this Passat SE and be stuck with a bland interior. Honestly, don't call this car boring until you actually go look at it in person. You'd be surprised.

[briang]

I just bought a 2017 SE with the Technology and Lighting packages and 98K miles. I am really, really happy with it so far. I would take this car any day over what Ford, Chevy, Kia and Hyundai have to offer from 2017.

[strad]

I must say, you are very effective at discouraging viewers from considering this vehicle.

[KMan]

SEL Trim Discontinued, Not So. I Actually Have A 2018 Passat SEL Premium.

[ksorsomeplace]

This is one of the first reviews that I can recall where you recommend the more powerful engine. Interesting. I will say that I don't think fuel economy is underwhelming. I think that is a bit strong. I get very good fuel economy in the 33 - 36 mpg range on my 72 mile commute in mixed traffic, biased toward the freeway. I find the engine to very adequate and even a touch enjoyable. It sounds good when under throttle and it is very smooth. It also has good response and the transmission downshifts readily. It also is a bit more entertaining to drive vs. the Accord and Altima because it has a 6 speed transmission vs. the CVT of the Honda and Nissan. With hybrid sales being low at the moment, I can't blame VW for not bringing one to market at the present, but I do think that variant is coming soon. The Passat does offer good bang for the buck, though. I think the styling of the car is consistent from front to rear. The interior follows through and is a pleasant place for long drives. The trunk is much more useful than the Camry's trunk.

[kevinkenny]

This is the car I hope to buy! Would anyone recommend it?

[ronaldboykin]

I have a 2017 Passat SE with tech. Bought it pre owned certified with 26k miles. It’s almost as powerful as my 2008 Passat!

[anthonyk]

The Passat is a really nice car for the money. But the one I got was around $22, 000 before TTL.

[yoshiakik.]

Damn, the Passat! I've been wanting VW reviewers for a while, I'll watch this. Please review the CC too, if you do thanks.

[sideskraft]

I'm getting 37-38 mpg at 75-80 mph with my '18 Passat SE. Comfortable ride at speed.

[joye]

Purchased a 17 VW Passat R-Line with Lighting Package and the R-Line is a much more sportier stance, the SE was quite boring to me and I wanted a little bit sport but have a classy look. If you are looking to get a Passat I highly suggest the R-Line it has a sportier look while remaining classy. Very pleased Ive been with VW for sometime now and they always have me coming back!

[keithmackall]

Just purchase my wife one Thursday From our dealership and we love it!!

[baldheadlogic]

Great Review Cameron. My co-worker just purchased a 16 model Passat just like this one. The styling just comes across as "MEH" for me.

[bdoleza]

I love the cream color interior. It seems like manufacturers are slowly moving away from having so much black in their interiors, and are moving towards more stylish colors. A redesign isn't absolutely necessary for this car IMHO, but at the same time you wonder what Volkswagen could do with the styling of this car if they had a clean slate, ya know? I have never driven one but the 1.8 power train doesn't sound like it's all that great, that's probably the car's biggest drawback right now.

[almondao]

The SEL Premium does have TFT MFD. not the entire dash though. The 1.8T has more torque than most others as well. Try the car out on the actual twisties. :P. The chassis is surprisingly composed.

[sideskraft]

We normally get 38 mpg in freeway driving with our '18 Passat -- I wouldn't call theat "underwhelming".

[Samura_Man]

So correct me if I’m wrong from what I’ve read, but isn’t the SE trim better than the R-Line trim when it comes to features, etc. The R-Line just has the R-Line badges and sportier look, no extra features? And the SE is more expensive than the R-Line?

[crifix.]

but is it 4cyl or 6cyl? the viceo is 4 turbo bu then youtalk about 6 cyl?