“Very happy with my Passat. It has much better gas mileage than I expected and I'm still shocked at how much space it has. Very happy with it's power and speed as well. I've only experienced minor issues with the trunk light and vent controls, no major systems.”
2017 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is that forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking is standard on every trim. This is otherwise a light equipment and trim update, not a redesign.
About the 2017 Volkswagen Passat
2012-2019 U.S.-market Passat generation, second year after the 2016 refresh.
Volkswagen sells the Passat as a roomy midsize sedan for families who still want a car that feels a little more driver-focused than many mainstream rivals. The brochure leans on “Midsize car. Family-size fun,” rear-seat space, touchscreen tech, and available driver aids, while reviewers point to the quiet cabin and balanced ride/handling. Its core appeal is simple: big back-seat comfort, straightforward controls, and a more European-flavored feel than the usual family-sedan choices.
The 2017 Passat ranges from the simple, practical 1.8T S to the sport-styled R-Line, which has heated synthetic-leather seats and smartphone integration. The new 280-hp V6 SE pairs stronger acceleration with navigation, LED lighting and heated front and rear seats. SEL Premium models are the luxury-leaning versions, with leather, premium audio, lane-keeping assistance and parking assistance.
What changed, by category
Safety
Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking became standard on every trim. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard on the R-Line and higher trims, including the 1.8T SE; adaptive cruise control changed from standard to optional on the 1.8T SE.
Tech and convenience
The R-Line gained a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, heated front seats and a power driver's seat as standard equipment. The 1.8T SE gained standard smartphone integration, keyless entry with push-button start and heated side mirrors.
Trims
The 280-hp V6 SE joined the lineup as a less lavish alternative to the V6 SEL Premium. The 1.8T SEL was dropped.
2017 Volkswagen Passat specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Triptronic 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 | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 28 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 280 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 258 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 | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking 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 Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Volkswagen Passat redesigned?
No. The 2017 Volkswagen Passat carries over the basic design introduced for 2012 and updated for 2016; its changes center on safety equipment, convenience features and trim selection.
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?
The biggest change is standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking on every 2017 Passat trim. In earlier models, this safety technology was not standard across the full lineup.
Which 2017 Volkswagen Passat trims have blind-spot monitoring?
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on the 2017 Passat R-Line and every higher trim. The base 1.8T S does not have it.
What trim changes did Volkswagen make to the Passat for 2017?
Volkswagen added the V6 SE and dropped the 1.8T SEL for 2017. The V6 SE combines the 280-hp V6 with navigation, LED lighting, adaptive cruise control and heated front and rear seats, while sitting below the more lavish V6 SEL Premium in the lineup.
How does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat differ from the 2016 model?
The 2017 Passat mainly adds broader standard safety and convenience equipment rather than a new design. Every trim has automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring reaches more trims, the R-Line and 1.8T SE gain equipment, and the V6 SE joins the range.
2017 Volkswagen Passat Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Volkswagen Passat.
4.2
2017 Volkswagen Passat
(466 reviews)
“The Passat's safety features and structural integrity ensured the safety of son and passenger in a rear collision which resulted in the trunk pushed all the way in to the rear seat.”
“The Volkswagon Passat is the perfect vehicle for business professionals with kids who want to look great at an adult evening out and perform well when hauling kids or groceries around town.”