Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Volkswagen Passat
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.2/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.6/10, while Value at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.0/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.7/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.4/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.6/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $23,197–$29,949, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Passat sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2018 Volkswagen Passat sits in the middle of the field. Until its value scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $23,197 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 16%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Passat Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Volkswagen Passat scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.2 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Few standout weaknesses — review individual sub-scores for nuance
Some competing models offer a higher overall score at a similar price
Common Questions — 2018 Volkswagen Passat
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
We rate the 2018 Volkswagen Passat's reliability 8.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #896 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 32% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat cost?
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat starts at $23,197 and ranges up to $29,949 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Passat years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Passat years we've rated are 2014 (6.9/10), 2013 (6.9/10), 2012 (6.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Passat
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More Volkswagen Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year