“The 2018 Passat is the best decision of my life. I get the fun sporty look and feel, with the reliable warranty and great gas mileage.”
2018 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat is its new 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine, which replaces the previous 1.8T in four-cylinder models. This is an update year rather than a full redesign.
About the 2018 Volkswagen Passat
U.S.-market Passat generation sold from 2012-2019, third model year after the 2016 update; 2018 sits before the 2019 lineup simplification and the 2020 refresh.
Volkswagen positions the Passat as a roomy midsize family sedan that makes daily driving and longer trips easy. The brochure headline is essentially “family-size fun,” and that fits the car’s big rear seat, large trunk, straightforward controls, and calm highway ride. Compared with midsize rivals that chase bold styling first, the Passat leans toward space, comfort, simple usability, and a solid, composed feel on the road.
The S is the straightforward, roomy family sedan, while the SE adds comforts such as heated seats, a sunroof, and smartphone integration. The SEL Premium focuses on leather, navigation, premium audio, and parking assistance, while the midyear GT pairs a 280-hp V6 with a lower sport suspension and black-and-red styling.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Four-cylinder Passats replace the previous 1.8-liter turbo engine with a 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo. Its EPA rating is 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
Styling
The new midyear GT adds a black roof, black mirror caps, a rear spoiler, a red grille accent, and unique interior trim.
Safety
Driver-assistance coverage expands. Adaptive cruise control becomes standard on the R-Line and SE, and the base S gains an optional driver-assistance package.
Structural
The new GT receives a sport suspension with a slightly lower ride height.
2018 Volkswagen Passat specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd DSG Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd DSG Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 28 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 280 hp | 184 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 | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
The biggest change is the new 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. It replaces the previous 1.8-liter turbo in four-cylinder Passats and is rated at 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat a redesigned model?
No, the 2018 Passat is not a full redesign. It is an update within the generation sold for the 2012 through 2019 model years, with a new four-cylinder engine, revised trim lineup, and broader driver-assistance coverage.
What is different about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat GT?
The 2018 Passat GT is a new midyear sport-oriented trim. It combines a 280-hp V6 with a lower sport suspension, LED lighting, black-and-red exterior details, and two-tone sport seats.
Did the 2018 Volkswagen Passat add more driver-assistance features?
Yes, driver-assistance coverage expands for 2018. Adaptive cruise control becomes standard on the R-Line and SE, while the S receives an optional package with added driver-assistance features.
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
Yes, but it is an update rather than a redesign. The main reasons to favor the 2018 model are its newer 2.0-liter turbo engine, the added GT trim, and broader access to driver-assistance equipment.
2018 Volkswagen Passat Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat.
4.0
2018 Volkswagen Passat
(218 reviews)
“We have had Passats before and were happy with them. We have owned this car now about 5 months and are very happy with our purchase. The ride is smooth and quiet. The performance and handling are excellent.”
“Over 25 years I have owned and enjoyed VWs. Some things never change: they're a pleasure to drive, and they'll always have pesky electrical problems.”