2017 Volkswagen Passat Overview
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat offers a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and German engineering, making it a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment. Known for its spacious interior, refined ride, and user-friendly technology, the Passat aims to provide a comfortable and efficient commuting experience for families and professionals alike.
Highlights
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Powertrain Options: The 2017 Passat provided two distinct engine choices to cater to different driver preferences.
- 2.0L TSI Turbocharged 4-Cylinder: This gasoline engine delivers a balanced mix of performance and fuel efficiency, producing 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic with Sport Mode), offering smooth and responsive shifts.
- 3.6L VR6 4Motion AWD: For those seeking more power and all-weather capability, the optional VR6 engine offered a robust 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine came exclusively with a 6-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission and Volkswagen's signature 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability.
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Advanced Safety Features: Volkswagen prioritized occupant safety with a suite of available and standard safety technologies.
- Blind Spot Monitor: Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, reducing the risk of lane-change collisions.
- Rear Traffic Alert: Detects vehicles approaching from the side when reversing out of a parking space, providing an audible and visual warning.
- Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist): Monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting speed in traffic.
- Park Pilot (Parking Steering Assistant): Assists with parallel and perpendicular parking by automatically steering the vehicle into parking spaces.
- Rearview Camera: Standard on all trims, providing a view of the area behind the vehicle for easier and safer reversing.
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Trim Level Summary: The 2017 Passat was available in several well-equipped trims, each offering a progressive increase in features and luxury.
- S: The entry-level trim provided essential features like a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
- Wolfsburg Edition: Building upon the S, this trim added features like a 6.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, heated front seats, and unique Wolfsburg badging.
- Sport: As the name suggests, this trim focused on a slightly sportier feel with sport-tuned suspension, unique interior accents, and larger wheels.
- SE: The SE trim offered a more premium experience with features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, push-button start, a panoramic sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- SEL: The top-tier SEL trim further enhanced luxury with features like leather-appointed seating, LED headlights, a premium Fender audio system, and navigation.
- GT (New for 2017): A special edition that offered a distinctive sporty appearance with a honeycomb grille, aggressive front bumper, unique interior trim, and red accents, along with the standard 2.0L TSI engine.
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Spacious and Comfortable Interior: One of the Passat's defining characteristics is its exceptionally roomy cabin, particularly its generous rear-seat legroom, making it an excellent choice for passengers. The seating is supportive and comfortable for long journeys, and the overall interior design is clean and functional.
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User-Friendly Infotainment: Volkswagen's MIB infotainment system was generally well-received for its intuitive interface and responsiveness. Higher trims offered larger touchscreens with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), enhancing connectivity and entertainment options.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Volkswagen Passat generally translates to a comfortable and predictable ownership experience. The German engineering is evident in its solid build quality and composed ride. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, is typically in line with other vehicles in its class. However, as with most European vehicles, some specialized repairs or parts might be more expensive than those for Japanese or American counterparts.
Insurance costs for the Passat will vary based on your location, driving history, and chosen coverage. However, it's generally competitive within the midsize sedan segment. The Passat's strong safety ratings and available driver-assistance features might contribute to slightly lower insurance premiums for some drivers.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Passat excels in many areas, there are a few potential considerations buyers should be aware of:
- Base Engine Performance: While the 2.0L TSI is perfectly adequate for daily driving, some drivers might find its acceleration less spirited compared to some competitors, especially when fully loaded. The VR6 engine addresses this, but at the cost of fuel economy and availability.
- Infotainment System Updates: While generally user-friendly, some early infotainment systems in the 2017 model year might have received software updates that improved functionality and responsiveness.
- DSG Transmission Behavior (VR6 models): The DSG transmission in the VR6 models, while offering quick shifts, can sometimes exhibit a slight hesitation or jerkiness at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic, which is a characteristic of this type of transmission.
- Interior Material Choices: While the interior is spacious and well-designed, some critics have noted that certain interior plastics might not feel as premium as those found in some rivals.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is a well-rounded and highly competent midsize sedan that prioritizes passenger comfort, interior space, and a refined driving experience. With its strong emphasis on safety, user-friendly technology, and the availability of a powerful VR6 engine with all-wheel drive, it offers a compelling package for a variety of buyers. While it might not be the most exciting in its class, its practicality, comfort, and solid build quality make it a sensible and dependable choice for everyday commuting and family transport.
