2019 Volkswagen Passat Review, Trims, Specs & Pics

2019 VW Passat Review

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is the last model year of Volkswagen’s seventh-generation midsize sedan.  And, that’s a model year that I like to buy for a couple of reasons.

First, they’ve been doing it for a while so they’ve definitely got it ‘right’.  Second, the all-new next generation coming out.  So, deals are ripe for the making!

And, my friends at Ontario VW recently gave me a 2019 Volkswagen Passat for a day of test-driving around Southern California’s Inland Empire.

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2019 Volkswagen Passat Prices & Trim Configurations

For 2019, VW keeps the Passat trim configurations pretty simple.  So, there are two of them.  First, the entry-level Wolfsburg.  Second, it’s more feature-rich SE R-Line.

So, what’s up with the ‘Wolfsburg‘ moniker attached to so many Volkswagen models through the years?  Funny you should ask because I’ve been wondering too!

Because Wolfsburg, Germany is ranked as the richest city in Germany and happens to be the location of Volkswagen AG’s headquarters.

And Volkswagen AG is known internationally as Volkswagen Group.

VW Group has been the largest carmaker in the world since overtaking Toyota in 2016.

So… now we both know. ;0)

Engine, Transmission, And MPG

And, with either 2019 VW Passat trim configuration, you receive the same engine.  Plus that’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter4-cylinder.  It delivers 174-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

Additionally, with either trim config, you receive the same 6-speed automatic transmission.  And that trans comes with Tiptronic, paddle shifters, and sport mode.

Since the 2019 Passat felt way-way more powerful than a midsize sedan with less than 200-horses.  But, how is that possible?  I’m guessing got to be some brilliant engineering in the transmission.

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is rated to deliver 25-MPG in the city and up to 36-MPG cruising the highway!

Because here’s the kicker.  The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is rated to deliver 25-MPG in the city and up to 36-MPG cruising the highway!

Exterior Of The ’19 VW Passat

Indeed, the ’19 Passat exterior styling is unmistakably Volkswagen.

For example, the blend of straight lines and curves instantly communicates the European value that Volkswagen is known for.

Additionally, the SE R-Line, LED headlights and taillights help take the exterior look to a borderline luxury level – especially at night.

Of course, they illuminate better than standard lights as well.

And while the above pictured 17″ 10-spoke alloy wheels look great.  Another available exterior upgrade is a set of 19″ twin 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside The 2019 Volkswagen Passat

The interior of the 2019 Volkwagen Passat is spacious and also characteristically European.  It delivers a fit and finish that I wish more non-luxury automakers tried to emulate.

However, if you’re new to European cars then Passat’s interior will have you feeling you are, in fact, driving a luxury brand.

Because if you’re not looking at a badge, it takes an educated driver or passenger to know they’re not inside an Audi.

And in the cooler months, heated front seats will keep your butt guessing too! :0)

As always the Passat’s backseats are super comfortable with ample legroom.

And that’s another feature I wish more carmakers copied.  Case in point, notice the contours on the front-seatbacks for even more backseat comfort.

…another feature I wish more carmakers copied… contours on the front-seatbacks for even more backseat comfort.

That’s a highly appreciated staple of Volkswagen design.  And, it goes a very long way for those of us with bad knees or just a bit taller.

Plus, speaking of the backseats the 2019 Passat helps keep your passengers connected with USB charging ports easily accessed.

Plus, you have 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.  Another nod to VW’s tight fit and finish is the clean, snag-free walls and ceiling of the cargo space.

I like pointing out the little things.  Because they can make a big difference. :0)

2019 VW Passat Infotainment And Technology

And through Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect you can link to Apple’s CarPlay or Android’s Auto applications.

So, my prediction is that Apple and Android connectivity is soon added to every new vehicle on the road in the near future.

Hands-free Trunk AccessAnd standard on the SE R-Line you receive Volkswagen’s hands-free easy-open trunk.  Translation; an air-kick underneath the bumper pops the trunk.

One item of note that’s not on the 2019 Passat is Volkwagen’s new digital cockpit.  However, my bet is that the all-new Passat in 2020 will have it – perhaps standard.

2019 VW Passat Driver Assistance Tech And Safety

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat was awarded a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Which safety-conscious parents such as myself always appreciate.

Plus the ’19 Passat delivers a solid suite of driver assistance safety technology.

People First Warranty

And a nod must be given to Volkswagen’s People First Warranty.

That includes 6-years or 72,000-miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage.

VW’s People First Warranty – 6-years or 72,000-miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Additionally, that industry-leading warranty is also transferable.

Ontario VW

My thanks, as always, to our friends at Ontario Volkswagen.  They provided the 2019 Passat for this review.

And Ontario VW should be every Southern California Volkswagen buyer’s first stop to shop and owner’s service destination.

 

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