The 2020 Volkswagen Passat Struggles to Compete
Рет қаралды 15,456
Күн бұрынI review the 2nd refresh of this generation of the Volkswagen Passat, which is new for 2020. While the exterior is nicely updated (even if it is conservative), and the driving dynamics are still mostly solid, the lack of features and lack of horsepower you get in this car with an as-tested price of $32,015 makes it a hard sell to anyone outside of the VW faithful. With the midsize sedan segment getting very competitive and competitors becoming more and more impressive as they continue to make big improvements, the 2020 Passat just gets left behind in my opinion. What do you think of the 2020 VW Passat?
Time Stamps:
0:00 Exterior
3:00 Initial driving impressions
4:57 Acceleration
6:48 Handling
9:32 Handling comparison to competitors
11:06 Fuel economy
12:06 Safety tech
12:36 Pricing compared to competitors
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@christopherd6399 3 жыл бұрын
I got my 2020 SE for $20k. Trumped everything else. Dealers can't get rid of them.
@youngmaraschino 3 жыл бұрын
2020 SE $29k I’m sick every time I get in my car hahahaha
@FLJAMESFL 4 жыл бұрын
Car still looks handsome tho.
@christopherd6399 3 жыл бұрын
Also I've never gotten under 40 mpg highway driving in my 2020 Passat.
@giangvu7902 3 жыл бұрын
Yes this car is very efficient! Love it!
@kirkm3354 4 жыл бұрын
I wish they still offered it in manual. I have one of the rare 2014 Passats with a 1.8t in manual and it's quite good!
@alfredneuman1179 4 жыл бұрын
The only car youtuber that notices subtle, but important things like the tire brand! Keep it up mate
@Ryan2588 4 жыл бұрын
Best 2020 Passat review on KZfaq right now.
@bh2155 3 жыл бұрын
Nice review!
@Fitness_M7 4 жыл бұрын
I’ve always loved your content 💯
@MattMaranMotoring 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@XZAKLY99 4 жыл бұрын
they killed it when they took away the V6.
@kilpel2 2 жыл бұрын
Good review
@AnsonReviewsThing 4 жыл бұрын
great review! I honestly think they been improving the Jetta much more than the Passat ! I was always interested in the Passat great that you reviewed!
@BobThe9534 4 жыл бұрын
maybe it's b/c the Jetta is selling better
@DMCarReviews 4 жыл бұрын
It's a great car. I don't get your complaints. I have driven a 2016 model, and it was very peppy and fun to drive. Left the line quickly, and had great driving dynamics. Solid, and authentic. If you care about a bigger screen, and that's your main concern, get the Sonata 1.6T. This screen is perfectly fine, functional, and has all the features anyone would need. The materials in the Passat are high quality and solid. The 2.0T is very efficient and tunable, and offers plenty of acceleration for daily driving. Does 60 in the lower 7 seconds all day long. If you want the Euro Passat with the 1.4T or 2.0 TDI, go ahead an import one. This one looks better and does the job really well, at a great value.
@garfylunds7301 3 жыл бұрын
New 2021 Passat 2.0T SE and I am "soft footing" the gas pedal and the on board computer giving me close to 34 mpg on my mostly city driving commute. So it does have a lot to do with driving style. A spirited drive with quick starts from a light on same commute and down to 28.5 mpg.
@davisflyer 4 жыл бұрын
Why on earth VW continues to hurt their own car sales I will never understand. 174 hp is not competitive in this segment. At the very least the drive-train should have consisted of the 2.0 from the GTI/GLI as well as their 7 speed DSG transmissions. While they still wouldn't be at the head of the class at least they would be competitive!
@markmd9 4 жыл бұрын
Maybe that motor is too dirty
@marconiki6302 4 жыл бұрын
174 is more then enough...what do you need, 500??
@christopherd6399 3 жыл бұрын
Money money money. Whatever they do with the Passat, their SUVs would kill it in sales. They're just keeping it going with cheapest updates until it goes away for good in 2 years. Drive it in sport mode and you'll rarely be lacking in enough torque to get you going when you need to.
@tinhinnh 4 жыл бұрын
Has it ever competed in the US...?
@theconfused_fisherman 4 жыл бұрын
No matt. You can't make a minute long argument about how much more powerful the other options in the class are and act like that all important and then just say "oh but that doesn't matter, let's just throw it out there window" that's the same as saying to someone "you are really ugly but I would never say that to you because it's rude" The fact of the matter is nobody buying these cars cares about power so don't even make the argument. People shopping in this class care about interior quality, ride quality, interior sound level, fuel economy and styling. This is the least offensive vehicle in its class in terms of appearance, especially compared to the new Sonata which is why it's still relevant at all
@MattMaranMotoring 4 жыл бұрын
I agree, for those that want something subdued and conservative, the Passat is great. And yes the masses don't care about power. But the masses also like technology and toys, and the Passat has none. The people that will appreciate the Passat (those that enjoy good handling) are likely to be enthusiasts, and enthusiasts also appreciate power, which is why I thought it was an important point to bring up. Those enthusiasts can now get much more power and better handling from the Accord for the same money, while also getting a nicer interior, etc.
@Cocophone 4 жыл бұрын
I recently bought a Passat SEL in the same exterior color but with the black leather interior. I'm happy with my purchase. I looked at the Arteon, but decided against buying it because of the hatch back. The fiberboard cover that's dangling by strings from the hatchback looks cheap will fall apart in no time.
@BobThe9534 4 жыл бұрын
hi Matt. nice vid. liked b4 watching b/c i knew it was going to be good
@GypsieSeeker 4 жыл бұрын
Given Matt’s usual upbeat take on even boring cars, this title feels like savagery 😂 appreciate the candidness tho
@MattMaranMotoring 4 жыл бұрын
Haha I've always been honest but since people said I was too positive in past reviews, I'm now making my criticisms much bolder when I have them.
@braxtonvice322 3 жыл бұрын
Please do an 08-09 GLI review!❤
@ebmotorsport2006 4 жыл бұрын
The r line is the way to go if you do go with a Passat
@arthurguillaume5977 4 жыл бұрын
I know it's difficult for you to say this as a reviewer, but I'll help you on this one. The Passat WAS a great car in the past. In 1998, I test drove a newly designed Passat and was amazed. Silky smooth manual shifter, drove like nothing I had ever experienced, great looks, great interior. Leased one for 3 years, leased another for 3 years. Loved those cars. Fast forward to 2010. When my lease on a BMW 335 ended, I leased a VW CC. Great car again. These machines (passat and CC) were all built in Germany, and drove like German cars. They were truly "a poor man's Audi". The Passat they are building today can't hold a candle to any of those cars. They even sell a different Passat in Europe because European drivers wouldn't buy this car. VW is hurting their reputation by offering "junk" like this Passat you tested. They should just kill it. If they went back to their roots, I would look at them again, but not the current version.
@stephenhendricks103 4 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, VW found that Americans weren't willing to pay what Europeans routinely pay for the Euro-spec Passat. When the current "Americanized" (i.e. bigger, cheaper) version of the Passat was introduced in the US sales increased several fold. Sadly, VW doesn't give a s**t about the American Passat. It exists simply as a place holder for VW faithful who want a relatively inexpensive faux European midsize sedan. The news isn't entirely bad, though. The top trim Arteon, a vehicle close to the Euro-spec version, has an MSRP around $45K. But dealers in the Pacific Northwest are offering them at about $7000 less than MSRP and negotiating even lower prices. So if one is looking seriously at an Accord 2.0L Touring or Camry XSE V6, the Arteon is a viable competitor.
@tenzinsmith7991 4 жыл бұрын
No way I’d ever get a Passat. I’d just rather take a slightly used A6.
@kevs2good133 2 жыл бұрын
@@tenzinsmith7991 any used Audi is well on its way to electrical issues.
@crittendon1000 4 жыл бұрын
Good vid as usual. Still love your content, but I just haven't got onboard with the two separate videos on each car. I'd like to see the full review in one video again, keeping Beth on the interior section of course. Just my 2 cents. I watched because I like your reviews, but honestly not into VW. Reliability issues.
@digitaldoc100 4 жыл бұрын
Would not buy a VW either with their constant reliability issues, and no fixes.
@lrob5657 4 жыл бұрын
I have a 2018 fully loaded Passat and I love it. It really is a joy to drive. I’ve had Acura’s & Audi’s and VW is very similar in terms of driving dynamics and an overall premium feel. It’s smooth & quiet with plenty of passing power. It’s basically a full size sedan, the back seat and trunk is massive. Classy, elegant looking car. Accords and all are great but the Passat is definitely a little more premium in my opinion. There’s just something about German cars that gives the driver a very neutral, planted feel on the road and the VW Passat delivers that feel.
@Natethegreat200c 4 жыл бұрын
I want to lend you my 200C if it had every option. I want your opinion on with with real wood AWD and safety tech to see how if stacks to the new competition. Obviously the base models wouldn’t because they don’t have enough standard equipment. Only thing I could knock it for is space in the interior
@MattMaranMotoring 4 жыл бұрын
I reviewed a Chrysler 200 about 5 years ago and I thought it was so nice. Not as sporty as the other competitors, but for a cruiser, it was really nice and had great styling too. Very underrated car in my opinion, it's a shame it didn't live longer. Here's the video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/abKZpK17kpmxfJ8.html
@Natethegreat200c 4 жыл бұрын
Matt Maran Motoring oh yes I loveeeeddd your video. I watched it as soon as it was released and watched it multiple times over the years. I wish chrysler would have sent you over a fully loaded one with the real wood interior trim and V6 with AWD and safety features.
@giangvu7902 3 жыл бұрын
I love my 2020 Passat, but I do agree with you regarding the brake pedal. It has weird feedback when depressing, almost a slapping motion.
@alexanderkrasnov2833 4 жыл бұрын
It's become bigger. But no VR6. No 4Motion. I swear, my first Passat was 2006 SEL, and it was assembled in Germany. That was the best car I had. Now I have 2016 Passat. It's much cheaper in overall. No 4Motion. No lumbar support. No rear shades. Even cover of battery niche made from carpet. In 2006 model it was solid door with locks! And this freaking DSG!
@alexalexis5304 4 жыл бұрын
2.0T is better.
@basithph8958 4 жыл бұрын
The Passat is a good car but at the same time when there is the Jetta GLI or the Arteon available then what’s the point of getting this car Plus VW needs to bring the Arteon R to the States (yes the full on performance R model not the R-Line body kit)
@IReahpZz 4 жыл бұрын
They have the R motor and adaptive suspension. Put a tune on it and bam you have an arteon r with 382hp and 380tq.
@MackDolo 4 жыл бұрын
@@IReahpZz if you don't mind filling me in, what specific Volkswagen are you speaking of
@IReahpZz 4 жыл бұрын
@@MackDolo this arteon and all arteons in USA or euro spec. This has the golf r motor not the gtis motor meaning if you were to do a warranties apr plus flash you'll make high 300s for hp and 370-384tq from just software. Some have seen with just this flash 0-60 in 4 seconds flat with some spin/wheel hop off the line. Obv that 0-60 is the awd model but still. You'll roast a stock R and audi s3
@gregholman2930 4 жыл бұрын
I think I would like to see the R-Line, but it reminds me of the Arteon in the front a little. The interior except for the seats looks (haven't seen you & your wife's review), very dated! I'd buy one in 3-4 years when they will be selling in the teens like all the other older models.
@emmanuelrodriguez1043 4 жыл бұрын
Always great content, VW isn’t even trying with the passat that’s it! The aerton is nice, and if they make an AWD version like altima, camry and prob accord will soon, they can keep up with the rest of companies, even tho “regular” sedan’s sales have losen strength
@IReahpZz 4 жыл бұрын
Arteon has awd. And it's only 34k VS this 32k with fwd and far less power
@brianmiller1077 4 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty certain the US Passat doesn't support AWD. They saved quite a bit of weight making it FWD only.
@jeffmorse645 3 жыл бұрын
I'm test driving a brand new leftover 2020 Passat SEL Premium at a Bay Area dealer this weekend. They're asking $25,000. That's a really good price for the equipment it has. Sub-compact crossovers are going for that that aren't nearly as nice. I keep my cars about 8-10 years so it being a model year old isn't a concern.
@direfranchement 3 жыл бұрын
I really miss my 2016 Passat. I traded it for a 2019 Camry and have regretted it ever since.
@mfkhometheater7742 3 жыл бұрын
The one feature you don't get in the competition is the 18.5 gallon gas tank. Personally I like a car with a lot of range. The Legacy has about the same size tank but I doubt it will match any of the other competitors for mpg. As for the simple conservative look both inside and out, personally I like that way better than any of the competition.
@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947 4 жыл бұрын
The new Passat may break any new ground, but it is an exercise in good market strategy. Take a platform that most agree has good bones and smart packaging, give it a cosmetic update for minimal cost, and let it rise on in an otherwise dying mid-size sedan segment with the aim of scooping up all the buyers that Ford and GM are going to lose after they discontinue their mid-size sedans sooner on, in a world where everyone becomes obsessed over Crossovers and SUVs. I mean, why mess with a sedan that was a winner from the start? The Passat has nearly full-size Toyota Avalon levels of back seat, trunk space, and overall interior space in a mid-size car at mid-size prices, and it’s very class-competitive in ride and handling balance, refinement, and smooth quietness. Now the package looks a hair less conservative. Yes, the updated dash display still is too small and too low on the dash and some updates from the new Jetta and Arteon would have been welcome, but if you still want a car and an overall competent midsize family sedan, I recommend the new Passat on a general standpoint.
@THEsoulquarian 4 жыл бұрын
I know these are going to be heavily discounted but I don’t know why anyone would spend $32K on this new Passat. If you’re afraid to go the CPO route and get an A6 (or A4) or 5 series (or 3 series) for the same money, you have way too many legit and more appealing options. It’s a shame, because the B5 Passat was an amazing car with a 6 cylinder and awd. This current Passat would be a fine rental car for the weekend away.
@marcnobel3938 4 жыл бұрын
I was wondering why they still sell the old Passat in North-America. It seems that the EU Version would be too expensive for the US and that`s why they cheap out there. Other reason: They will focus more on rolling out EV Models now and so they just keep the model for now and switch to the ID4 (and other models later). When it would sell in Golf Numbers they would still update it to the new model, but it isn`t. - Great Review by the way! Stay healthy everybody out there!
@MattMaranMotoring 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yeah it sounds like the Passat will die here anyway and just be replaced by the electric ID5 sedan in a few years.
@marcnobel3938 4 жыл бұрын
@@MattMaranMotoring Yea - the Passat will be replaced by an EV in the US. They don`t make the afford to bring the Eu Model overseas for the few cars they sell. Here in Europe it`s a different thing. It`s still one of the best selling cars in the segment. Just the end of last year caught up by the C-Class.
@neil9658 4 жыл бұрын
What's better overall the 2020 Passat or a new Camry?
@tinhinnh 4 жыл бұрын
Neil depends what your priorities is...?
@neil9658 4 жыл бұрын
@@tinhinnh Best overall driving performance.
@tinhinnh 4 жыл бұрын
Neil Passat has always been known but the new Camry aint bad, i’d would get the Toy for peace of mind, personally
@cornerofthemoon 4 жыл бұрын
The new Camry is newer and probably technically superior. But it's far more expensive by the time one upgrades to Leather/Leatherette trim and hi tech comforts. The Passat is a far better bang for the buck and VW is offering some fantastic "corona" deals right now.
@patcurrie9888 4 жыл бұрын
T4 lag at 300 feet. 2018 was last time considered because V6.
@mikes589 4 жыл бұрын
It has 26 less horsepower than my 2006 passat, that's why I haven't updated yet. Theres so many cars that are less money with a lot more horsepower
@Blaze_556 3 жыл бұрын
Do you mean new or used?
@MrKaspariokas 4 жыл бұрын
EU has new Passat. Its strange that US just keeps updating the old one...
@BobThe9534 4 жыл бұрын
maybe they feel like Americans won't buy the new version
@SimonTob11 4 жыл бұрын
Maybe because VW will focuse on SUV in Amerika?
@BUNKERPT 4 жыл бұрын
@@Brian-jv8iy No it does not ! In the EU all Passat are MQB based ... total difetent beasts from the US version,
@arthurguillaume5977 4 жыл бұрын
I never heard of GITI tires either but here is a link to their webstie gitiusa.com/ . The spent mucho $$ to build a huge facility in SC and have partnered with Walmart to sell tires. They are also in bed with some US car makers so we should begin to see more tires from them on new cars.
@cornerofthemoon 4 жыл бұрын
I think car reviewers would have been more kind to the 2020 Passat if VW could have upgraded the existing platform to an 8 speed transmission.
@youngmaraschino 3 жыл бұрын
I agree
@cchung745 4 жыл бұрын
appreciate the honest review. the car, unfort, falls behind 2020 standards :/
@digitaldoc100 4 жыл бұрын
Quite underpowered as the 2.0T is detuned. There are 2.0's without a turbo that have similar power which is pretty embarrassing for VW.
@Vizenz121_OR 4 жыл бұрын
Vw at one point was a real premium brand with the W8 Passat, Phaeton. I get there trying to cut costs but this has gone way too far. I had a Atlas loaner 1 day and what a cumbersome to drive cheap feeling vehicle. They got this horrible rubber smell to them. Going from that to my V90 rd it felt like I had gotten into a 6x more expensive vehicle. I think it was like 40 something grand which just seems outrageous for what you get unless you just want mass quantity. It was really big FOR SURE! But cmon VW
@colla555 4 жыл бұрын
VW's prices are still premium, at least in Germany.
@alexalexis5304 4 жыл бұрын
Atlas SEL is literally made with Q5 materials and engine. Don't know what you talking about😂
@Vizenz121_OR 4 жыл бұрын
Alex Alexis if that’s what an Audi is now than they have gone downmarket too. How can you possibly get into one these cars and think they’re good? There mass market cars that are built to do one single thing and that’s too just make money. I mean they don’t feel nice at all. There’s nothing really stand out or good about them. They don’t have any of the driving attributes of a German car. There just cheap
@gladdy02 4 жыл бұрын
VW has definitely stopped trying with the Passat. I'm ok with the Arteon taking the Passats place in the market If VW get more realistic with the price and lowers it.
@danger450 4 жыл бұрын
It's not. The Passat and Arteon are in two different price points ... on purpose. Want a reliable mid-size sedan, go with the Passat. Need to look new and swoopy, get the Arteon.
@WSOJ3 3 жыл бұрын
Considering how many years Chrysler could stretch its 300 sedan and Jeep Grand Cherokee I’d say Passat is total fine.
@kevs2good133 2 жыл бұрын
Still riding on the same platform as late 90s/early 2000s Mercedes!!
@WSOJ3 2 жыл бұрын
@@kevs2good133 yeah. The entire Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee family.
@ssunkite1 4 жыл бұрын
Amazing car. It's classy, roomy and handles like a champ in comparison to Japanese cars.
@BobThe9534 4 жыл бұрын
review a Toyota Sienna
@Hans_Moleman925 4 жыл бұрын
Great review as always, Matt. This car is a total yawn though. My old girlfriends 2000 Jetta used that same exact key 20 years ago.
@MattMaranMotoring 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching it still Cameron!
@Hans_Moleman925 4 жыл бұрын
Matt Maran Motoring thanks for still putting out great content!
@danger450 4 жыл бұрын
If it's not broken, don't fix it.
@BUNKERPT 4 жыл бұрын
That Passat is NOT the latest mode !! That model is not even build on the MQB platform ... that is the 6 year old model.. The Passat sold in Europe is a total different beast, not the same car at all. In terms of technology the Passat puts all the other to shame !! In fact the actual Passat now does have 3 AUTONOMOUS DRIVING !!! Check this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qZ14dqxkmLG6eHU.html The Passat 2,0l TSI OPF 4MOTION with 272 PS takes 5.5 seconds to 0-100 km/h and a top speed of 250 km/h
@christopherd6399 3 жыл бұрын
Guarantee you can get the model in this video for $25k after haggling a little.
@gladdy02 4 жыл бұрын
This video looked painful to make, and GITI tires...wtf!? Hahahaha
@drunkpolack7612 4 жыл бұрын
big oof on that title
@MattMaranMotoring 4 жыл бұрын
Why?
@Krezo200 4 жыл бұрын
Matt Maran Motoring youtube is a place where the uploader just ignores the other guys profile pic, which is adolf hitler 😂
@rakhsiprayogo82 3 жыл бұрын
VW Passat Against Toyota Avalon
@Rali272 4 жыл бұрын
I need something with a little more horses for the upcoming zombie apocalypse. I have 18 months till the vaccine comes out so I have a little time.
@Rockport1911 4 жыл бұрын
Volkswagen wants to push their customers into an Audi if they want something attractive and newer. This car lacks alot of tech, especially compared to its EU- model and the strong competition...
@BobThe9534 4 жыл бұрын
like he said, this is an old car
@JJustinXu 4 жыл бұрын
I forgot this car even existed. I have not seen this car in over a year , it’s really not popular.
@danger450 4 жыл бұрын
It's popular among the people who like basic German ergonomics and build quality, who know how to drive and don't need 400 sensors, or who already have one from 2012 or newer, and don't need two. Passat buyers aren't trying to impress Camry owners with newer but gaudy "looks", and radios you cant upgrade through Crutchfield in 6 years. Passat buyers don't need an easily scratched key fob ... just a compact one that fits in your pocket, and isn't weirdly large.
@arevo8702 4 жыл бұрын
First
@ak2112 4 жыл бұрын
Wtf are Giti tires?! Jesus VW. Embarrassing.
@heyitsme939 4 жыл бұрын
Something is wrong with this guy.
@ahbenjamin2889 4 жыл бұрын
bring the Passat they sell in Europe, that is a far better model. They also have a Passat wagon. We get all the cheap VW models here in North America.
@danger450 4 жыл бұрын
America get the Passat made in America. Want fancy, buy a Mercedes.
@Hercegovac.1 4 жыл бұрын
danger450 or Audi 😀
@driveshift 4 жыл бұрын
Wow. Hyundai taillights.
@charliewilson3528 4 жыл бұрын
Decent looking for a sedan. But has lost some of its German DNA. Big tall bulky Germans fit well in the old passats. The new one not so much. Deal breaker for this German.
@HellsJerome87 4 жыл бұрын
I hope you know the time now is not appropriate to buy cars...
@MattMaranMotoring 4 жыл бұрын
Of course, but people can still do research for the car they'll buy after this time has passed. These videos continue to be viewed years after I post them.
@macpherson162 4 жыл бұрын
HellsJerome87 it's good with all the incentives going on at dealerships. But besides that, it's a terrible time.
@danger450 4 жыл бұрын
Of course it is. The deals are better now.
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