2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8: Test Drive

We test the 2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T for a full week to see what it's like to live with. Full review with driving impressions, ratings of major features and real world mpg.

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[briang]

I found the LED headlights to be top notch. I traded in my 2008 Mazda 3 S Sport with the smoke tinted lens covers for the 2017 SE with Technology and almost feel sorry for oncoming cars at night. My 2007 Tacoma 4X4 has halogen lights. Even lifted a good foot above the Passat, the Passat's lights illuminate the road better than the Tacoma.

[nikhilkalra]

Love the way this guy speaks looks he's so relaxed n calm while speaking!

[aguy]

I just bought one yesterday, with the same color and trim level. I feel really happy with no regrets. Camry, Malibu, Fusion, Mazda6, Altima, and the rest don't come even close, especially when he Passat comes even cheaper than most of those vehicles. I love it.

[ronaldboykin]

I have the SE version with tech! It was certified pre owned with 26k miles. I love it but I couldn’t find a used SEL Premium in my area!

[chingching]

Wonderful car with gorgeous styling. I prefer the R-Line version since it is more sporty. Awesome firm feel to it.

[markrakov]

I owned this car since 2016 and it is a blast to drive. very fuel efficient too

[jimwilkins]

Just discovered this presenter (TestDrivenTV). Very nice, calm, professional presentation. I will be looking for more reports from this presenter. If I could be permitted one piece of advice: Near the end of your video, you have a graph which lists the fuel being "regular unleaded." There hasn't been leaded gasoline in this country in decades. It is sufficient to merely say "regular gasoline". It reminds me of someone saying
"round tires." Hey--They're ALL round.

[seankadar]

I purchased one on Friday. SE w/tech. I was comparing with the new Honda Accord for 2018. The 2018 Accord sport 1.5t. I hate CVT, s. I enjoy sporty driving characteristics and well the Honda just didn't have it. Yes I could have had the Honda with a manual which would have been fantastic, however I live in Ohio and there is snow. A lot of it. I was shocked when I read that the Honda Sport 1.5t didn't come standard or even offered with heated exterior mirrors. That little option is a deal breaker for me. If you live in cold weather climates then you will totally understand. To address the power concerns as Sam pointed out, that's simple. APR has a stage I flash that really peps everything up. As a family man and needing a family car that is some what sporty and safe I feel I made a great choice. Thanks for the review. It definitely helped when shopping. Keep up the good work.

[hersheykiss]

Great review. I bought this model and love it. It is my 3rd Passat:). Drove a Honda Accord (boring) and Nissan Altima SR model. The Altima was nice and very comfortable driving position, but a little too bumpy for me. Preferred the Altima over the Accord, but my heart belongs to VW.

[DLKL]

Enjoyed the review but wanted to mention a few things:  You state that is has no memory seats but it actually does - you can also associate it with the key fobs so it auto adjusts depending on which key you use.  I'm also able to fit my iPhone 7 Plus inside the front cubby plugged in for CarPlay and close the lid - granted you have to do it at an angle plug side in first.  there's a large cubby to the left of the steering wheel and the door pocket fit water bottles - I'm surprised you only gave it 3 out of 5 stars for interior storage.  Other than that I agree with most points - I have a 2016 version and love it.

[ReesesHistoryPieces]

Another good one Sam. Always enjoy your VW reviews. When will you review the R or GTI? Would like to hear your comparison to the WRX you reviewed. Great review.

[Kwaminho]

Thanks for reviewing the Passat. Hope you will review the 3.6 VR6 version next time around though. 😄

[williamkreppner]

The TDI with the 6 speed dual clutch transmission was perfect in this car. It had plenty of get up and go plus great milage. The Passat is built as a great highway cruiser and I think it has a lot more to offer overall compared to the competition with back seat room, trunk space, very quiet riding and decent handling. I was sad to give up my 2015 Passat TDI. This engine is too small for this car.

[synysterdemon]

I had this car but in the base trim for 2 days as rental when my car was getting repainted. I really enjoyed the powertrain. It's way faster than my Honda Civic, but I enjoy my car more because it has a manual transmission. Other than that, the infotainment system (for what I could do with it) seemed good. I would've liked to have more time to explorer Android Auto.

[cc-iqbs]

vw passat tdi, s are super reliable confirmed i should know i, ve had 3

[elliottmanning]

This is the forgotten vehicle in the segment. Hardly see any in the Detroit area. Still has a handsome design, but it's showing a little age.

[ckloh]

Test Driven please do the review on the Volkswagen Passat 2017 2.0 TSI HighLine

[dantheman]

27 mpg is pretty good. What kind of range will it get? That to me is the real story

[fastfridaysfacts]

Can you get up to 500, 000 miles on the engine like the toyotas?

[jasonsmith]

always wanted a Passat
but reliability stop me