The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is roomy and has a luxurious ride, but rivals have eclipsed it in almost every other way. The 2019 VW Passat has let itself go. It鈥檚 surrounded in the VW showroom by crossover SUVs with room for the whole family and a rugged image. The 2019 Passat has its virtues, but a pared lineup this year suggests that its maker has given up, at least until a redesigned model arrives, possibly as soon as next year. We rate the Passat at 6.0 out of 10 points. It鈥檚 roomy, has a good ride, and a lot of standard gear, but it shows its age in its subpar crash-test scores and its limited lineup. For 2019, the Passat line shrinks to just two trims: Wolfsburg and the SE R-Line, both powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 174 hp that sends power to the front wheels. Last year鈥檚 V-6 engine and sporty GT trim level are gone. The Passat鈥檚 turbo-4 gives it good manners.
It鈥檚 smooth and responsive, if hardly thrilling. The same could be said about its handling, which is safe but short of entertaining. The Passat rides best on its standard 17-inch alloy wheels, but the optional 18s don鈥檛 firm things up too much. It鈥檚 inside where the Passat earns its keep. Its front seats are firm and supportive and its rear seat has LeBron levels of legroom. Outward vision is among the mid-size sedan segment鈥檚 best. Its interior is an exercise in Teutonic restraint, with little flair but a clean, cohesive look. Good infotainment systems with big, crisp displays and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility up its tech game. The Passat comes standard with a slew of active safety features, but its crash-test scores don鈥檛 impress. Both the IIHS and the NHTSA have mixed things to say about its crashworthiness. Looking to blend in? Pick up a 2019 VW Passat. The 2019 VW Passat is the J. Crew of cars.
It鈥檚 crisp, well-tailored, and will blend into any crowd. Eschewing the 鈥渇loating鈥?rooflines, coupe-like silhouettes, and deep contours seen on most of its rivals, the 2019 Passat aims for mainstream. Its three-box shape is simple and unadorned aside from some hints of chrome scattered about. Up front, the Passat wears a wide grille with a prominent VW badge. Sharp creases on its sides give way to a tall greenhouse for excellent outward vision. At the rear, the Passat repeats the big VW logo and hints of chrome. The SE R-Line trim has a zippier-looking body kit and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Passat is an exercise in restraint. Its low dash affords terrific outward vision, but controls are low and out of the driver鈥檚 immediate sight line. Aside from an analog clock, an analogous touch, the Passat鈥檚 interior is even more conservative than its exterior. The 2019 VW Passat has a cosseting ride, but it鈥檚 no speed demon.
With just one powertrain on offer, the 2019 VW Passat has a simple performance story to tell. Its 2.0-liter turbo-4 provides adequate go, but it鈥檚 the smooth ride that elevates this sedan above average. We rate the 2019 Passat at 6 out of 10 points. Last year鈥檚 optional V-6 is gone, leaving a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 170 hp as the sole engine under the Passat鈥檚 hood this year. The smooth 4-cylinder pairs well to its standard 6-speed automatic transmission and shuttles power to the front wheels. It can be slow to build power immediately from a stop, but the turbo-4鈥檚 184 pound-feet of torque gives it good passing grunt on two-lane roads and when merging onto a highway. Base Passat Wolfsburgs ride on 17-inch wheels that give it a luxury-grade ride. The optional 18-inchers firm things up, but not unduly so. A sporty three-spoke steering wheel suggests that the Passat should be a corner carver. It鈥檚 confident and composed, but not entertaining.
