2012 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is an all-new, North America-focused sedan, making this a major redesign year. Its biggest change is a longer-wheelbase body that creates a much roomier cabin, especially in the back seat.
About the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
North American Passat generation introduced for 2012, first year; all-new Chattanooga-built sedan.
Volkswagen marketed the 2012 Passat as a roomy midsize family sedan with German road manners, straightforward controls, and more rear-seat space than most rivals. The core pitch was simple: get a mainstream sedan that feels a little more upscale inside, with standard climate control, a quiet highway ride, and three distinct personalities depending on engine choice—plain 2.5L gas, long-range TDI diesel, or stronger V6 power.
Volkswagen positioned the redesigned Passat as a roomy, easy-to-use family sedan, with the S covering the basics and the TDI trims aimed at long highway trips. The V6 models emphasize stronger acceleration, while upper SEL trims add features such as navigation, Fender audio, keyless start, and memory seating.
What changed, by category
2012 Volkswagen Passat specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0L | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd DSG Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd DSG Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd DSG Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd DSG Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 30 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 31–32 mpg | 40 mpg | 31–32 mpg | 31 mpg | 28 mpg | 40 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 170 hp | 140 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 280 hp | 140 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Chrome Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Volkswagen Passat redesigned?
Yes. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is an all-new North America-focused sedan with a longer wheelbase, a larger cabin, new styling, and a new trim structure.
How is the 2012 Volkswagen Passat different from the 2011 model?
The 2012 Passat has a redesigned body and cabin, much more rear-seat room, a new S, SE, and SEL-based trim ladder, and a broader engine lineup that includes five-cylinder, diesel, and V6 choices.
What engines are in the 2012 Volkswagen Passat lineup?
The 2012 Passat lineup has three engines: a 2.5-liter five-cylinder, a 2.0-liter TDI diesel, and a 3.6-liter V6. The TDI focuses on long-distance driving, while the V6 provides the strongest acceleration.
Which 2012 Volkswagen Passat is aimed at long highway trips?
The 2012 Passat TDI trims are the long-distance versions. They pair the roomy redesigned sedan with a 2.0-liter diesel engine, while TDI SEL Premium adds navigation, Fender audio, keyless start, and memory seating.
Which 2012 Volkswagen Passat trims have the most cabin features?
The 2012 Passat SEL Premium trims have the fullest feature sets. They include navigation, Fender audio, keyless start, power front seats with driver memory, remote start, and upgraded seat trim.