2013 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat is the new Wolfsburg Edition, a value-focused trim positioned between the S and SE. This is otherwise a light-update year, with equipment changes on several trims but no redesign or major mechanical change.
About the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
North America Passat (NMS) generation, introduced for 2012; 2013 is the second model year with no redesign or major refresh.
Volkswagen positions the Passat as a roomy family sedan with a more upscale feel than many mainstream rivals. The core appeal is simple: a huge back seat, a large trunk, a quiet highway ride, and straightforward controls, wrapped in clean, conservative styling. What sets it apart is the blend of American-sized interior space with Volkswagen’s tighter road manners, plus the unusual choice of either a long-range TDI diesel or a stronger V6.
The 2013 lineup ranges from the straightforward 2.5L S to the efficiency-focused TDI diesel and stronger V6 models. The new Wolfsburg Edition adds heated front seats, leatherette upholstery and a power driver seat, while upper SEL models emphasize navigation, Fender audio and a rearview camera.
What changed, by category
2013 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, 2.0 Liter | 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 | 5-Cyl, 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 | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 30 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 31–32 mpg | 40 mpg | 31–32 mpg | 31 mpg | 28 mpg | 40 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 170 hp | 140 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 280 hp | 140 hp | 170 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 | 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 | 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 | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| Power Windows | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
The biggest change is the addition of the Wolfsburg Edition. It sits between the S and SE and combines the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and automatic transmission with heated front seats, leatherette upholstery and a power driver seat.
Was the 2013 Volkswagen Passat redesigned?
No, the 2013 Passat was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the North American Passat generation introduced for 2012, and its body, chassis and overall design carry over.
What is included on the 2013 Passat Wolfsburg Edition?
The 2013 Passat Wolfsburg Edition has a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a power driver seat, Bluetooth audio streaming and USB/iPod integration.
Which 2013 Volkswagen Passat trims have a rearview camera?
A rearview camera is included on the 2.5L SEL, 2.5L SEL Premium, TDI SEL Premium and V6 SEL Premium. It is not a lineup-wide feature for 2013.
Did the 2013 Volkswagen Passat get new engines?
No, the 2013 Passat did not receive a lineup-wide engine or transmission change. The range continues with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine, a 2.0-liter TDI diesel and a 3.6-liter V6.