“One more power adjustment for the driver's seat would be welcome, front of seat up-down. A longer front armrest, or a sliding front armrest that comes farther forward.”
2015 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2015 Volkswagen Passat is the late-year arrival of the value-focused Limited Edition trim. It is otherwise a light-update year, though TDI models receive a stronger 150-hp diesel engine.
About the 2015 Volkswagen Passat
1st-generation U.S.-market Passat (2012-2015), final year before the 2016 refresh.
Volkswagen positions the 2015 Passat as a roomy, American-sized midsize sedan with a more European driving feel than many rivals. Its core appeal is simple: lots of rear-seat space, a quiet highway ride, a large trunk, and a choice of powertrains that range from efficient turbo four-cylinder to very efficient diesel to a strong V6. For many shoppers, it is the practical family sedan that still feels a little more buttoned-down and long-distance friendly than the class norm.
The 2015 lineup spans the straightforward 1.8T S, the sharper-looking Sport with 19-inch wheels, and SEL Premium models with leather-trimmed seating, navigation, and premium audio. TDI trims emphasize highway efficiency, while the V6 SEL Premium pairs the strongest gas engine with the most upscale equipment.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
TDI models get a new 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine producing 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, up from 140 horsepower. Their published highway fuel economy also rises from 40 to 42 mpg. The former 2.5L S, SE, and Wolfsburg Edition variants are dropped, as is the V6 SE; the V6 continues in SEL Premium form.
Tech and equipment
A Technology Package is offered on S and Wolfsburg Edition trims. A new 1.8T Limited Edition joins late in the model year with 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and push-button start, heated synthetic-leather seats, a rearview camera, fog lights, and touchscreen audio. SEL Premium models add standard rain-sensing wipers.
2015 Volkswagen Passat specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 42 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 28 mpg | 42 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 280 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 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 | |||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Passat a redesigned model?
No. The 2015 Passat is the final model year before the 2016 refresh, so it keeps the same basic design and receives only limited powertrain and equipment updates.
What is the biggest change to the 2015 Volkswagen Passat lineup?
The biggest lineup change is the late-year addition of the 1.8T Limited Edition. It bundles popular comfort and convenience features such as heated seats, keyless entry, push-button start, a rearview camera, and touchscreen audio.
How is the 2015 Passat TDI different from the 2014 TDI?
The 2015 Passat TDI has a new 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine with 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That is 10 more horsepower than in 2014, and its published highway fuel economy increases from 40 to 42 mpg.
Which Volkswagen Passat versions were dropped for 2015?
The 2.5L S, 2.5L SE, 2.5L Wolfsburg Edition, and V6 SE were dropped for 2015. The 1.8-liter turbo engine serves the main gas lineup, while the V6 remains in the SEL Premium.
Is the 2015 Passat Limited Edition a performance model?
No. The 2015 Passat Limited Edition is a comfort-focused value trim, not a performance version. It uses the 1.8-liter turbo engine and emphasizes features such as heated seats, keyless access, a rearview camera, and 17-inch wheels.
2015 Volkswagen Passat Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Volkswagen Passat.
4.1
2015 Volkswagen Passat
(244 reviews)
“The Passat is a nice vehicle that is comfortable, safe and gets good gas mileage for a reasonable price.”
“The vehicle has all the necessary equipment that an automobile should have. It has great space for the fuel economy it delivers.”