2014 VW Passat Test Drive and Video Review

Although the Passat looks good, offers a fun and engaging driving experience, boasts a comfortable interior, is built in the United States, and is solidly practical, this midsize sedan isn’t a particularly competitive seller. Chris Wardlaw, Road Test Editor for Autobytel, took a 2014 Passat for a spin to see if the latest version of VW’s midsize sedan offers any improvements over the previous year. The base trim level of the 2014 Passat is powered by a brand new turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower, and it’s paired to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. This engine replaces the outgoing 2.5-liter 5-cylinder, which Volkswagen may have kept around a bit too long. The Passat can also be purchased with a TDI or a V6, but Volkswagen expects most of its sales to come from the new powerplant. Fuel economy is modest but solid, coming in at 24 miles per gallon city, 34 highway, and 28 combined. One of the biggest benefits of the 2014 Passat is the roomy cabin, especially the generous space allocated to the backseat passengers. The 2014 Passat also earns high safety rankings, and comes with two years of free scheduled maintenance from VW.