“The Passat has been a reliable, comfortable, and efficient vehicle for us. We do some city driving and some cross-country travel. The car performs well in any weather and conditions we've experienced. It has get up and go for merging and passing. There is lots of legroom for backseat riders and space for lots of cargo in the trunk. Safety and comfort make this car a great choice for me.”
2019 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat is that automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on every model. Volkswagen also simplifies the range to two better-equipped trims and drops the V6 models.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Passat
Fourth North American Passat generation introduced for 2012; 2019 is the final year before the heavily restyled 2020 update.
Volkswagen positions the Passat as a roomy midsize family sedan with easy tech, a very large back seat, and a more composed, European-flavored driving feel than many rivals. The 2019 brochure calls it a "Midsize car. Family-size fun," focusing on daily commuting, weekend family use, touchscreen smartphone integration, comfort, and confidence features rather than flashy luxury. For most shoppers, the Passat's core appeal is simple: big rear-seat space, straightforward controls, and a solid highway ride.
The Wolfsburg Edition is the practical, well-equipped version, with heated synthetic leather seats, smartphone integration, and keyless entry. The SE R-Line adds a sportier exterior, 19-inch wheels, LED lighting, navigation, premium audio, a sunroof, and more driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The V6 GT and V6 SEL Premium are dropped. Both remaining trims use a 174-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Styling
The new Wolfsburg Edition gets 17-inch alloy wheels and unique badging. The renamed SE R-Line keeps the sport-themed R-Line appearance and adds LED headlights and taillights.
Safety
Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert become standard across the lineup. The SE R-Line also gains adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and parking sensors.
Tech
The Wolfsburg Edition adds a 6.3-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration and voice control, along with keyless entry and push-button start. The SE R-Line gains navigation, Fender premium audio, ambient lighting, and a hands-free trunk.
2019 Volkswagen Passat specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 174 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| LED Tail Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Passat redesigned?
No. The 2019 Passat is the final model year before the heavily restyled 2020 version. Its main updates are a simpler trim lineup, more standard safety equipment, and added features.
What trims does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have?
The 2019 Passat comes in two trims: Wolfsburg Edition and SE R-Line. The Wolfsburg Edition is new, while the former R-Line continues under the SE R-Line name; the S, SE, SEL Premium, V6 GT, and V6 SEL Premium are dropped.
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have a V6?
No. Volkswagen drops the V6-powered GT and SEL Premium for 2019. Both remaining Passat trims use a 174-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.
What safety features became standard on the 2019 Volkswagen Passat?
Every 2019 Passat has forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE R-Line also has adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and parking sensors.
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat worth considering over the 2018 model?
Yes, if standard safety equipment and a better-equipped lower trim matter to you. The 2019 model makes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert standard, but its lineup is narrower and no longer includes a V6.
2019 Volkswagen Passat Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Passat.
4.0
2019 Volkswagen Passat
(83 reviews)
“A very smart looking car, clean lines, great gas mileage and lots of interior room, especially in the back seat!”
“poor headlights-no fog lights, great seats & interior. great exterior design. has wind and engine noise. good gas mileage.”