🔥 Write a review and Earn Upto $50 on PayPal

2016 Volkswagen Passat

header-image
Rating7.8

Ranked #11 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$22,440 - $60,000
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Powerful engine and fuel-efficient base engine.

Laggy DCT with the stronger engine.

Mildly refreshed exterior.

Refined and smooth engines.

Small touchscreen compared to rivals.

Leather upholstery in the higher trims.

Excellent safety scores.

Standard rearview camera.

Quiet and comfortable cabin.

Host of newly available safety features.

USB port replaces VW proprietary media plug point.

Specs & Features

$22,440

price

170 hp @ 4800 rpm

horsepower

184 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan offered in 5 trims, starting off at a base MSRP of $22,440. For that price, it mainly competes with the Toyota Camry, the Chevrolet Malibu, and the Subaru Legacy. Between 5 trims, the Passat offers 2 powertrains. The base engine is a 1.8L Turbocharged Inline-4 mated to a 6-Speed Automatic transmission capable of making 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. If more power is required, there is also a 280 horsepower-making 3.6L V6 that comes paired with a 6-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic transmission.

The Passat reaches 60 MPH from zero in 8.0 seconds on its base engine, which gets pumped up to 5.8 seconds with the 3.6L V6. Depending on the powertrain, the Passat can manage a combined fuel economy between 23 and 29 MPG. While we're on the topic of choices, the 7 striking colors the Passat comes in really pull you towards itself.

Buying Advice

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is a sporty and safer option among sedans of its class. Among the trims offered, we recommend the SEL trim that offers a truckload of luxury and convenience features while being cheaper than the top-end trim. 

Trims

    S
    $22,440 onwards
    • 16-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone climatronic automatic front AC
    R-Line
    $23,975 onwards
    • 10.1-inch infotainment display
    • Adaptive cruise control with traffic assist
    • Dynamic exterior LED lighting
    • Matrix-design LED headlights with high beam assist
    • Ventilated front and heated rear seats
    SE
    $26,280 onwards
    • 17-inch silver painted aluminum wheels
    • V-Tex leatherette Seat trim
    SE Technology
    $28,410 onwards
    • Engine: 1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 170 hp @ 4800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 184 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.8 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 29 mpg
    SEL
    $30,495 onwards
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Navigation system
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
    SEL Premium
    $34,270 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl FWD 6AM
    • Horsepower: 280 hp @ 6200 rpm hp
    • Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.8 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg
    DSG S
    $50,000 Est. onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 150 hp @ 4000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 34 mpg
    DSG SE
    $50,000 Est. onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 150 hp @ 4000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 34 mpg
    DSG SEL
    $50,000 Est. onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 150 hp @ 4000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 34 mpg
    DSG SEL Premium
    $50,000 Est. onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 150 hp @ 4000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 34 mpg

Compare to similar cars

7.8
2016 Volkswagen Passat

Price

$22,440- $60,000

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.83

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque

258 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

8.0
2016 Acura TLX

$31,695- $44,800

Gasoline

8

206 hp @ 6800 rpm

182 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

8.2
2016 Acura RLX

$50,950- $60,450

Gasoline

8.19

310 hp @ 6500 rpm

272 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

8.2
2016 Audi A4

$35,900- $40,100

Gasoline

8.17

220 hp @ 4450 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

7.8
2016 Buick LaCrosse

$31,065- $40,675

Gasoline

7.75

304 hp @ 6800 rpm

264 lb.-ft. @ 5300 rpm

5

Read Review

8.4
2016 Chevrolet Malibu

$21,625- $30,920

Gasoline

8.43

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

7.8
2016 Chrysler 200

$21,995- $31,785

Gasoline

7.85

184 hp @ 6250 rpm

173 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

5

Read Review

8.6
2016 Ford Fusion

$22,750- $33,270

Gasoline

8.64

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

8.5
2016 Honda Accord

$22,205- $34,680

Gasoline

8.49

185 hp @ 6400 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

8.1
2016 Hyundai Sonata

$21,300- $34,075

Gasoline

8.12

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

2016 Volkswagen Passat vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		5.9 sec--
    		6.1 sec14.5 sec-
    		6.2 sec14.7 sec-
    		6.2 sec14.7 sec154 mph
    		6.3 sec--
    2016 Audi A4

    Ranked #5

    		6.6 sec15.5 sec130 mph
    Read More

    2016 Volkswagen Passat vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		27 mpg39 mpg31 mpg18 gal.486/702 mi.
      		27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg13 gal.351/481 mi.
      		26 mpg36 mpg30 mpg18.5 gal.481/666 mi.
      		25 mpg38 mpg30 mpg18.5 gal.462.50/703 mi.
      2016 Mazda 6

      Ranked #3

      		25 mpg37 mpg29 mpg16.4 gal.410/606.8 mi.
      		24 mpg35 mpg28 mpg18.5 gal.444/647.5 mi.

      2016 Volkswagen Passat vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        		196.9 in.73.1 in.59.2 in.7 in.111.7 in.
        		196.5 in.74.4 in.58.3 in.5.3 in.118.5 in.
        		196.1 in.74.4 in.57.7 in.3.8 in.112.2 in.
        		195.7 in.72.8 in.58.1 in.5.4 in.112 in.
        		193.8 in.73 in.57.6 in.7 in.111.4 in.
        		193.7 in.73.2 in.57.9 in.5.4 in.112 in.

        2016 Volkswagen Passat vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          		16 cu.ft.101.4 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.
          		27.4 cu.ft.106.1 cu.ft.135.7 cu.ft.
          2016 Mazda 6

          Ranked #3

          		14.8 cu.ft.99.7 cu.ft.120.8 cu.ft.
          		13.3 cu.ft.142.7 cu.ft.83.2 cu.ft.
          		16 cu.ft.102.8 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.
          		15.4 cu.ft.102.7 cu.ft.82 cu.ft.

          2016 Volkswagen Passat vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		4.4 cu.ft.16.3 cu.ft.4.4 cu.ft.-
            		323.1 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.-
            2016 Mazda 6

            Ranked #3

            		120.8 cu.ft.14.8 cu.ft.120.8 cu.ft.-
            		83.2 cu.ft.13.3 cu.ft.83.2 cu.ft.-
            		6.8 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.6.8 cu.ft.-
            2016 Audi A4

            Ranked #6

            		33.5 cu.ft.12.4 cu.ft.34 cu.ft.73 ft.

            2016 Volkswagen Passat vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		1000 lbs.-3431 lbs.
              		1000 lbs.-3895 lbs.
              		-1303 lbs.3170 lbs.
              		--4138 lbs.
              2016 Audi A4

              Ranked #2

              		-1058 lbs.3583 lbs.
              		-1116 lbs.3197 lbs.

              2016 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              5

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              104

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

              Top Volkswagen Cars

              2016 Volkswagen Touareg

              Horsepower : 280 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 19 mpg

              0-60 : 7.8 sec

              #1

              2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

              Horsepower : 200 hp @ 5100 rpm

              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 7.8 sec

              #2

              2016 Volkswagen Eos

              Horsepower : 200 hp @ 5100 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 8.3 sec

              #3

              2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Sedan

              Horsepower : 170 hp @ 5000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 45 mpg

              0-60 : 8.4 sec

              #4

              2016 Volkswagen Beetle

              Horsepower : 170 hp @ 4800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 7.4 sec

              #5

              2016 Volkswagen Golf

              Horsepower : 170 hp @ 4500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 30 mpg

              0-60 : 6.8 sec

              #6

              2016 Volkswagen Jetta

              Horsepower : 150 hp @ 5000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 30 mpg

              0-60 : 8.6 sec

              #7

              2016 Volkswagen E-Golf Electric

              Horsepower : 115 hp

              MPG Combined : 116 mpg

              0-60 : 9.4 sec

              #8

              2016 Volkswagen Passat User Reviews

              0.0

              [3 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              problem
              moisture
              MR

              Michael Ricker

              2017 Volkswagen Passat

              R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 23, 2024

              Good looking car but too many defects

              Pros - ["Roomy spacious seating", "Good looking interior"]

              Cons - ["Too many defects", "Radio interface always malfunctions"]

              Good looking car but too many defects. Early on, I had problems with the coils getting moisture in them due to a leaky seal. This is allegedly a pretty common issue according to my searches online. There's also a problem with a moldy smell with the sunroof. I really liked the way it looked and drove outside of these issues but they're pretty big problems.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              Ms

              M schneider

              2015 Volkswagen Passat

              Limited Edition 4dr Sedan PZEV (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 10, 2024

              It's a VW Sporty Sedan German Quality

              Pros - ["Great style", "Roomy interior", "Awesome gas mileage"]

              Cons - ["Push button start. Needs replaced", "Needs LED Headlights", "Carvan sold it with 6yr old tires"]

              Car rides awesome stereo is great. Heated seats a plus. But Carvana sold it to me with dry rotted tires. AC compressor Shot. $1700 repair bill . Timing belt cover leaks oil. Needs new brakes and rotors

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              SE

              Sabrina Elson

              2015 Volkswagen Passat

              Limited Edition 4dr Sedan PZEV (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 25, 2024

              Volkswagen Pssat

              Pros - ["It gets me to where I need to be", "I like the turbo in it", "And very low maintenance"]

              Cons - ["Someone else working on it", "All the dings", "And I need more room"]

              Pretty good car for what it has been through. I know a few dings here and there. But we made it work. Safety overall is good. Interior is good as well, not much breaking down on that. Overall a pretty good car.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              1. Home
              2. Volkswagen
              3. 2016 Passat

              Other Midsize Sedan

              2016 Buick Regal
              2016 Chevrolet Malibu
              2016 Chrysler 200
              2016 Ford Fusion
              2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan
              2016 Honda Accord
              2016 Hyundai Sonata
              2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Sedan
              2016 Hyundai Genesis
              2016 Kia Optima