Test Drive 2017 VW Passat by Concord NC

In terms of interior space, the four-door VW Passat is a step above the Jetta, and it's also larger that the Accord or Camry. The comfortable rear seats have ample leg room to ensure that your passengers won't feel cramped, even on long trips. With 15.9 cubic feet of space in the trunk, there's plenty of room for cargo, and the rear seat pass-through feature makes it easy to store longer items. The Passat's cabin has a simple and intuitive layout that drivers will enjoy. Heated front and rear seats are available, and dual-zone climate control comes standard. The high-quality cloth interior gives the Passat a more sophisticated feel when compared to other models in the class. It comes with three different interior color options. The 2017 model is also equipped with two LATCH systems that allows you to secure child car seats. For 2017, VW has introduced a Car-Net App-Connect program that allows drivers to integrate their smartphone with the touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. The touchscreen has proximity sensors that automatically change the screen's layout when someone is close by, making it easier to access the controls. Add on a tech package and get Discover Media touchscreen navigation. SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a three-month trial subscription is also available when buyers purchase a new Passat. A 5-inch touchscreen is standard, but buyers can upgrade to a 6.3-inch.

The VW Passat's exterior design is somewhat conservative compared to the compact Jetta or the sporty Golf, but it looks fairly similar to past versions of the model. 2017's model has a larger four-bar front grille and a more domed hood. The R-Line trim comes with a sportier looking front fender, 19-inch wheels, and black accents. The LED headlights and LED daytime running lights add a little extra style to the Passat's front end. New for this year is a hands-free trunk opening feature. If you stand behind the Passat's trunk with the key fob in your pocket and put your foot under the back bumper, the door will pop open automatically. This is a great feature to have when you're carrying shopping bags or other items and don't want to put them down in order to open up the trunk.

Regardless of the trim level you choose, a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged engine with a six-speed automatic transmission comes standard. This engine delivers a smooth ride and plenty of power for most drivers. Buy the SE or SEL Premium, and you can upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 engine with six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The V6 creates 280 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque. It's certainly fun to drive and provides better acceleration than the standard engine.

The VW Passat comes standard with a long list of safety features, such as six airbags, anti-lock brakes, a rearview camera, and electronic stability control. The SE and higher trims come with a Car-Net Security Service. This feature can check to see if you locked your doors and call for help in the event of an emergency. Buy the SEL Premium trim, and you'll get an automated parallel parking assistant that that takes away the stress of parking on city streets. A lane departure warning system and blind spot monitoring system are an option on higher trim levels. When it comes to crash testing, the Passat has done very well. It has been awarded a five-star overall score by the NHTSA and earned four-stars in frontal crash and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Passat a top safety pick of 2017.