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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 25 / 36 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,350 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 302 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $24,046–$30,401 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2019 Volkswagen Passat earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Value at 7.1/10 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. We rate the Volkswagen Passat's reliability at 8.9/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.4/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.3/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $24,046–$30,401, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Passat sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 →
The 2019 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 $24,046 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 13%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Volkswagen Passat scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2019'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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $26,592 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $25,743 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $24,895 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $24,046 | |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $23,197 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $22,349 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $21,500 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $20,651 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 6.9/10 | $18,200 | Read review → |
| 2013 | 6.9/10 | $17,420 | Read review → |
| 2012 | 6.9/10 | $16,640 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Exterior lighting / Headlights 22/05/2019 · 19V389000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles… |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2019 Volkswagen Passat's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat starts at $24,046 and ranges up to $30,401 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.