With the arrival of the 2022 Volkswagen Passat, we are reminded of the relentless advance of electric vehicles (EVs) and the swan song of passenger cars.
Volkswagen’s decision to snuff out the Passat at the end of its 2022 production reflects waning sedan sales in the face of crossovers and VW’s commitment to EVs.
The Passat nameplate first landed in U.S. showrooms to much fanfare in 1989. The first Passat rolled off the assembly line in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2011.
Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant will concentrate on EVs when the final Passat drives out the plant’s door sometime next year.
Despite the sales of passenger cars falling, the midsize-sedan segment continues to be a cage match. The Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, and Chevy Malibu are still achieving credible sales numbers.
Although a solid car, Passat is an also-ran within the segment. Unremarkable styling, no AWD, and offering just one engine, the Passat has been no threat to segment leaders.
Not a surprise, Volkswagen didn’t bake any real changes into the Passat for its last year. However, it is offering a special Passat Limited Edition trim level to celebrate its association with Chattanooga.
For 2022, Volkswagen offers Passat in SE, R-Line, and Limited Edition grades.
No matter the grade, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers it. A 6-speed automatic transmission spurs the front wheels.
The government estimates the fuel economy at 24 miles per gallon in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg in combined driving.
There is so little sunlight between the cost of the trim levels, we’d try to score one of the Limited Edition versions. Plus, those versions come with leather seating and a hands-free power trunk lid.
2022 Volkswagen Passat SE (Starting at $27,295)
Last year’s mid-level trim, the SE comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, and LED exterior lighting (auto on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights).
Other standard fare includes heated power outboard mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, dual-zone auto climate control, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Among the other features are keyless entry with pushbutton and remote start.
The infotainment system includes 6.3-in. touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, three USB ports, satellite-radio capability, and Bluetooth.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
Among the driver aids are forward-collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Adding the $995 destination fee to the SE base price equals $28,290. With no money down, financing that amount for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $508 per month. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T SE for sale near you
2022 Volkswagen Passat SE includes:
- LED exterior lighting – This includes projector headlights with auto on/off, taillights, daytime running lights (DRLs), and foglights. LEDs illuminate a wider and longer area than regular incandescent lights, which means they’re also easier for other drivers to see.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – This set-it-and-forget-it system divides the vehicle into left and right regions and provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
- Suite of driver aids – Included are forward-collision warning with emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
2022 Volkswagen Passat R-Line (Starting at $29,295)
To the SE, the R-Line adds 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive front lighting system, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, and R-Line trim and badging.
Also included are navigation system with touchscreen proximity sensing, upgraded Fender audio system, and high-beam assist.
Adding the $995 destination fee to the R-Line base price brings the total to $30,290. Financing that amount with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of $544. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T R-Line for sale near you
2022 Volkswagen Passat R-Line includes:
- Adaptive front lighting – An automatic technology, it can turn the headlights up to 15 degrees in conjunction with turning the steering wheel. It helps illuminate around corners.
- Touchscreen with proximity sensing – Responds as your hand approaches the screen to show hidden icons.
- High-beam assist – If the high-beam default is engaged, it automatically disengages the high beams when it senses headlights or taillights in front of it.
2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition (Starting at $30,295)
This short-run special edition will sport styling cues meant to honor Passat’s history.
Limited to 1,973 (the year VW launched Passat in Europe.) units, Volkswagen is offering it in Aurora Red, Racing Green, Pure White, and Grey.
Volkswagen will produce set numbers of Passats in each color. For example, 411 was Passat’s original production code. Consequently, VW will produce 411 red-metallic special edition units.
The Limited Edition loses the R-Line’s steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and rear spoiler.
To the R-Line, Limited Edition adds 18-inch alloy wheels, hands-free power trunklid, and memory for the driver’s seat and outboard mirrors.
Leather seating and heated rear outboard seats are also included.
Adding the $995 destination fee to the Limited Edition’s base price brings the total to $31,290. With no money down, financing that amount for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $562 per month. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition for sale near you
2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition Includes:
- Limited Edition – Volkswagen is only producing 1,973 units of its top-end trim level.
- Hands-free power trunk lid – With the fob on your person, you can prompt the trunk to automatically open with a swipe of your foot under the rear bumper.
- Leather seating – This brings a touch of luxury to the experience.
