2009 Volkswagen Passat: Road Test
2009 Volkswagen Passat ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $28,300 - $29,690
- Invoice: $26,436 - $27,727
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Volkswagen Passat/ CC
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat help you decide if a 2009 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.4 |
The turbocharged 4-cylinder is sprightly from a stop and is impressive in midrange and highway passing. It depends on a blend of turbo boost and transmission downshifts for best response, however. VW pegs 2.0-liter Passats at 7.4 seconds 0-60 mph. No wagons have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 19.6 mpg overall and 26.9 in mostly highway use. VW recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
The ride is firm in the European tradition, with the entire car reacting as a unit to bumps. Around town, sharp imperfections register with a jolt felt through the seats. Passats are reassuringly stable at highway speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.9 |
The steering is firm, accurate, and nicely weighted. Straight-line tracking is confident at highway speed. Cornering grip and balance are also good. The brakes deliver solid stopping control, though some testers cited overly long brake-pedal travel on some test cars.
QUIETNESS
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
Passat is well isolated from wind rush, though road noise is evident on coarse surfaces. Rapid acceleration has the 4-cylinder growling, though it doesn't sound unrefined.
CONTROLS
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.3 |
The angle and location of the speedometer and tachometer render them difficult to read for some testers. Climate controls are too low for best access. The navigation system thankfully incorporates few audio or climate functions, but some programming steps seem illogical, and the screen is illegible in direct sunlight.
DETAILS
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Passat's interior is a puzzling mix of high-quality materials offset by budget-grade plastics and some dashboard panels that ring hollow instead of solid to the touch. One test car suffered instrument-panel buzzing and rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.7 |
Generous room. A manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, but not all testers are able to find a comfortable driving position. Some cite the shape and support of the seat cushions as detractors to comfort. Outward visibility is good in all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.1 |
Plenty of knee clearance, but foot space is tight beneath the front seats. Taller passengers may want more head clearance. Wide-opening doors make for fine entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.1 |
Passat sedan's shielded trunklid hinges eat into cargo space. The trunk is otherwise deep, wide, and easy to load, and is enhanced by a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback. Plentiful and clever cabin storage includes small dashboard drawers, liter-bottle holders in front doors, a cooled glovebox, and even an umbrella slot with drain in the driver-side door.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.3 |
Passat is a pleasant enough midsize car. It's not cheap, however, and adding options quickly inflates sticker prices into premium-midsize-car territory. The best entries in that class have unassailable interior materials and something more than a 4-cylinder as the base engine--two things Passat lacks.
Total Score
| Komfort sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 61 | 62.9 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Midsize Cars
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
