“I would tell them the price of my vehicle and the amenities. I would explain to them the ease of driving, as well as how well the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle.”
2016 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat’s biggest change is a substantial mid-cycle refresh, not a full redesign. It brings reshaped bodywork and a revised dashboard, along with updated technology and safety features across the range.
About the 2016 Volkswagen Passat
First-generation North American Passat (NMS), introduced for 2012; major mid-cycle refresh for 2016.
Volkswagen positioned the Passat as a roomy, American-built midsize sedan with unusually generous rear-seat space, a large trunk, a quiet highway ride, and simple German-style controls. Its core role is comfortable family and commuting transportation, with the 1.8-liter turbo balancing everyday power and fuel economy while the V6 supplies stronger acceleration. Compared with many rivals, the Passat emphasizes cabin space, solid road manners, and an uncluttered interior.
Volkswagen presented the 2016 Passat lineup as well equipped from the base S trim, while the new R-Line added a sportier look with unique body details and 19-inch wheels but no extra engine power. The SE paired heated seats and a sunroof with smartphone integration and added driver aids. At the top, SEL Premium models featured leather, navigation, premium audio and LED lighting, while the V6 version added a 280-hp engine.
What changed, by category
Styling
Volkswagen reshaped the hood and front fenders, widened the look of the grille, redesigned the front and rear bumpers and trunk lid, and revised the dashboard. The new R-Line added sport-styled body details, 19-inch wheels and leather-wrapped controls.
Tech
Every trim gained touchscreen infotainment with USB and Bluetooth, along with dual-zone automatic climate control. SE and higher trims received a 6.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while upper trims added navigation and Fender premium audio.
Safety
A rear camera and automatic post-collision braking became standard across the lineup. Higher trims added features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, while upper trims also brought blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane assistance and automated parking.
Powertrain
The TDI SE and TDI SEL Premium diesel models were dropped, leaving the 2016 lineup with the 170-hp 1.8-liter turbo gas engine or the 280-hp V6.
Trim lineup
The 1.8T R-Line and 1.8T SEL joined the range. The 1.8T Limited Edition, Sport and Wolfsburg Edition trims were dropped.
2016 Volkswagen Passat specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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 | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 28 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 280 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 258 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 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 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Volkswagen Passat fully redesigned?
No. The 2016 Passat received a major mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. It remained part of the North American generation introduced for 2012 but gained new front and rear bodywork, a revised dashboard and updated technology.
Which Volkswagen Passat trims were new for 2016?
The 1.8T R-Line and 1.8T SEL were new for 2016. The R-Line emphasized sporty styling without adding engine power, while the SEL added a luxury-focused step with leather, navigation, premium audio and expanded driver aids.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on the 2016 Passat SE, SEL and SEL Premium trims through their 6.3-inch touchscreen. The S and base R-Line use a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB instead.
What safety features changed on the 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
A rear camera and automatic post-collision braking became standard on every 2016 Passat. Higher trims also gained driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional assistance features on upper trims.
Was a TDI diesel Volkswagen Passat offered for 2016?
No. The TDI SE and TDI SEL Premium diesel models were dropped for 2016, leaving the Passat lineup with the 1.8-liter turbo gas engine and the 3.6-liter V6.
2016 Volkswagen Passat Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volkswagen Passat.
4.2
2016 Volkswagen Passat
(300 reviews)
“If you like comfort, roominess, and if safety and fuel mileage are important to you; you will definitely be amazed by this car!”
“A practical purchase for daily driving or commuting, with decent gas mileage, comfortable, and capable. Fits and connects child car seats easily.”