2023 Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0L TDI FWD (122 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen introduced the ninth generation of the Passat in station wagon shape in 2023, continuing the legacy of one of this automaker’s best-selling nameplates. In half-of-century, the mid-size contender of the German automaker from Wolfsburg sold more than 34 million units, and it was available over time in several shapes, including a fastback coupe. The station wagon, also known as Variant in Volkswagen’s terminology, was deemed one of the most effective vehicles in its class thanks to its fuel efficiency, interior volume, and wide range of options.

For the ninth generation, the automaker continued to follow its policy of form-follow-function and improved the vehicle while keeping customers in mind. As a result, the exterior sizes increased compared to its predecessor, and the wheelbase grew as well. The front of the vehicle has shown a distinct departure from the eight-generation of the Passat, with the center of the hood lower than its sides. In addition, the front fascia showed a styling inspired by Volkswagen’s electric vehicles, such as the ID.3 and ID.4. The narrow LED headlights were visually connected by a chromed stirp that ran across the upper grille, interrupted only by the carmaker’s badge in the middle. The lower bumper featured a broad grille flanked by slim and tall air intakes made to reduce drag, which reached a Cd of 0.25 instead of 0.31 like its predecessor. From its profile, the car looked sporty thanks to its ascending beltline, and the slightly sloped-down roof line ended with a raked-forward tailgate. At the back, the automaker installed wide taillights connected by an LED strip that crossed the tailgate, while the lower bumper completely concealed the tailpipe. It looked mostly like an EV, not a vehicle fitted with an internal combustion engine.

Inside, thanks to the longer wheelbase, Volkswagen installed a comfortable interior fit for five adults. The dashboard’s design followed the minimalist trend of the automaker already seen on the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.Buzz. In front of the driver, the automaker installed a 10.25″ digital dashboard, while atop the center stack, it placed the 12.9″ infotainment touchscreen. Volkswagen made the front bucket seats available in a few variations, including a set of high-bolstered ones, depending on the engine version, trims, and options. In the back, the Passat Variant offered a split-folding bench seat for three adults.

Under the hood, Volkswagen installed a wide choice of seven gasoline or turbodiesel engines, of which two were plug-in hybrid versions. The entire range benefited from automatic (dual-clutch) gearboxes. Power went to the front or in all corners, depending on the engine version. The PHEV variants came with a large battery pack that allowed them to run up to 100 km (62 miles) on electricity alone.