2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is available in three trim levels: the S, SE, and R-Line. The sedan rolls on 17-inch, 10-spoke wheels as standard equipment, but bump up to the R-Line trim level and you can ride on larger 19-inch wheels. The sleek lines and curved hood give the sedan a sporty, yet elegant design style. The LED headlights are integrated into the front grille, giving it a clean and modern appearance.

The Passat is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and sport mode. The electromechanical power steering with variable assistance makes handling corners a breeze. The independent front MacPherson struts and independent rear four-link suspension create a smooth ride.

The Passat gets an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The sedan features electronic brake-pressure distribution, which helps the vehicle maintain the proper amount of stopping power in a hard-braking situation. Electronic stability control automatically adjusts the engine throttle and applies corrective forces to the wheels if necessary.

Inside the spacious cabin of the 2021 Passat, you'll find seating for up to five passengers. Cloth seats are standard, but V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces are available. Climatronic dual-zone climate control is an option. The Passat is also available with a leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel with track-inspired paddle shifters. The driver has excellent visibility, thanks to thin door pillars and the open cabin design. Additionally, the available self-dimming rearview mirror helps ease glare from the headlights of other vehicles. A 6.3-inch touch screen is standard on the S and SE trim levels, but bump up to the R-Line and you'll get a larger 8.0-inch display. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, you can easily access your favorite playlists, navigation, and apps. The R-Line includes navigation and a premium sound system. Keep your devices charged and ready to use by plugging them into the front USB port. Sign up for the available VW Car-Net service and you'll have access to roadside assistance and remote locking and unlocking of your doors from your smartphone. Load up your luggage, sports gear, or groceries in the trunk, which has 15.9 cubic feet of space available.

The 2021 Passat comes with many driver-assistance features as standard equipment, such as forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional standard safety equipment includes an intelligent crash response system, side curtain protection head air bags in the front and rear, and hydraulic brake assist. Adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing wipers are also options.