The 2020 Volkswagen Passat is offered in four trim levels: S, SE, R-Line and SEL. The only engine choice is a turbocharged 2.0L TSI (2.0T) 4-cylinder engine makes 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, while providing an EPA estimated 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Base S trim comes standard with a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring App-connect and SiriusXM satellite radio and 1 USB port. The Base trim also comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, fully automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, cloth seating surfaces, and heated side mirrors.
The SE trim adds leatherette seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a total of 3 USB ports, HD Radio, automatic climate control with dual zone front controls, KESSY keyless access with push button start, adaptive cruise control, a Lane Keeping System, rain-sensing wipers and a 6-way power driver's seat with 2-way power lumbar. The SE trim is available with an optional power sunroof.
The R-Line trim looks even more aggressive with a rear lip spoiler and aggressive-styled 19-inch wheels. Other standard features on the R-Line trim include ambient lighting, a power sunroof, black side window trim and black front bumper inserts with R-Line badging in the grille.
The top-of-the-line SEL trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, a hands-free Easy Open trunk, power-folding exterior mirrors, leather seating surfaces, a 9-speaker Fender 400-watt audio system, a standard navigation system and park distance control.
All Passat models include six standard airbags, including side-curtain airbags that cover front and rear occupants, plus standard electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and hydraulic brake assist, frontal collision warning with emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor and a pedestrian detection system. A Lane Keeping System is standard on SE trims and higher.
Efficient Engine
Roomy Interior
Comfortable Ride
Crisp Handling
Fuel Efficient
Plentiful Standard Features, Advanced Safety Systems
Volkswagen's 2020 Passat heads into the new year with refreshed exterior styling and an updated interior design that's arranged to impress. Volkswagen has added more torque to its turbocharged four-cylinder engine while also seeing that more advanced safety features are added this year, something German car enthusiasts should be used to at this point.
The Passat continues to be well-known in the mid-size sedan market, fully competitive in price and features with other high-value mid-size models such as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. The Passat is also a clear leader in the interior comfort, with ample amounts of legroom and trunk space. With its upscale interior appointments and comfortable ride, the 2020 Passat is a midsize sedan not to overlook.
