What's New in the 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
The Passat is heavily updated, but not fully redesigned for the 2016 model year. Changes include slightly revised styling, new technology and safety features, a sporty new R-Line model, and the deletion of last year's popular turbodiesel powertrain -- at least for now.
Which Passat is the Best?
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat makes a lot of crucial changes for the latest model year in order to remain highly competitive with a very accomplished crop of rivals. If we were buying a 2016 Passat, we'd pick the SE model, which offers affordable pricing and an impressive array of gadgets and safety features. We might even be convinced to go for the $2,200 Technology package, which adds luxury carlike features and still keeps the Passat's price under $30,000. Find a Volkswagen Passat for sale
How Much Does a 2016 Volkswagen Passat Cost?
The Passat lineup is offered with six trim levels: a base-level 1.8T S, a sporty 1.8T R-Line, a midlevel 1.8T SE and SEL, and upscale trims dubbed 1.8T SEL Premium and V6 Premium.
The base-level 1.8T S ($23,400) includes dual-zone climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, an automatic post-collision braking system, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a backup camera, automatic headlights, and a 5-in center screen with an auxiliary port, Bluetooth, a USB port for music and a CD player.
Next up is the sporty 1.8T R-Line ($24,900), which primarily adds performance-themed styling touches, such as 19-in alloy wheels, unique R-Line bumpers, a rear diffuser and leather-wrapped interior items like a steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle.
The midlevel 1.8T SE ($27,200) builds on the base-level S trim, adding 17-in alloy wheels, a power sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped shift level and parking brake handle, SiriusXM radio, a 6.3-in touchscreen and new technology features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning and automatic forward-collision braking.
Drivers interested in adding more technology to the SE can get that model's Technology package, which adds about $2,200 to the SE's base price. Features include a HomeLink garage door opener, a hands-free trunk opener, passive entry with push-button starting, automatic wipers, a navigation system, heated rear seats, a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.
Next up is the 1.8T SEL ($31,500), which includes all the features in the SE's Technology package, plus 18-in alloy wheels, a Fender audio system, leather upholstery, dual power front seats, driver-side memory settings and a rear-seat trunk pass-through.
Topping that is the 1.8T SEL Premium ($35,300), which boasts LED headlights and LED taillights, power-folding mirrors, a remote starter, a full-color driver information display in the gauge cluster, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors and an automatic parallel parking system.
Finally, at the top of the Passat's range is the V6 SEL Premium ($37,800), which adds the 280-hp V6, the dual-clutch automatic transmission and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Although the Passat isn't offered with many options, drivers can choose from a few additional features. Among them are the aforementioned Technology package for SE models, along with a Comfort package for the R-Line that offers leatherette upholstery, heated front seats and more. Several models also offer an available Lighting package that includes the LED headlights and taillights standard in the SEL Premium trim.
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