“The Passat is a fantastic car for an affordable price and provides a reliable and fun mode of transportation”
2021 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is the loss of the SEL trim, which leaves S, SE, and R-Line models and moves the R-Line to the top of the lineup. This is otherwise a light update focused on trim-specific equipment.
About the 2021 Volkswagen Passat
U.S.-market Passat generation introduced for 2012; 2021 is the second year of the 2020 styling and feature update, and the next-to-last U.S. model year before the Passat ended after 2022.
Volkswagen positioned the Passat as a roomy, straightforward midsize sedan with a comfortable ride, simple controls, and a strong list of standard safety features. VW’s messaging around the updated Passat emphasized more interior space, upgraded technology, and easy everyday comfort, while reviewers consistently pointed to the big back seat, quiet highway manners, and user-friendly cabin. In 2021, its identity was less about flash and more about space, comfort, and standard driver-assistance features.
The S is the straightforward entry trim, with adaptive cruise control and smartphone integration among its standard features. The SE adds everyday comforts such as a sunroof, heated seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and remote start, while the sport-styled R-Line tops the range with navigation, premium audio, and upgraded headlights. Every trim uses the same 174-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
Styling
The SEL trim was dropped, making the sport-styled R-Line the top model. The SE also gained standard 18-inch wheels and a standard sunroof.
Safety
The S gained standard adaptive cruise control. The R-Line added headlights that turn with the road, plus automatic high beams.
Tech
The R-Line gained built-in navigation and a Fender premium audio system with a subwoofer.
2021 Volkswagen Passat specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 174 hp | 174 hp |
| Torque | 206 lb-ft | 206 lb-ft | 206 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| 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 | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
The biggest change is that Volkswagen dropped the SEL trim, leaving a three-trim lineup of S, SE, and R-Line. The R-Line became the top model and gained several features previously associated with a more fully equipped Passat.
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Passat redesigned?
No, the 2021 Passat was not redesigned. It was the second model year of the styling and feature update introduced for 2020, so its changes were limited mainly to the trim lineup and equipment.
Which trims does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?
The 2021 Passat comes in S, SE, and R-Line trims. The previous SEL was dropped, and the R-Line took over as the top trim.
Did the 2021 Volkswagen Passat get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Passat kept the same 174-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive across all three trims.
Is the 2021 Passat R-Line more powerful than the S or SE?
No, the R-Line uses the same 174-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the S and SE. Its differences are sportier exterior details and added features such as navigation, premium audio, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams.
2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.
4.1
2021 Volkswagen Passat
(95 reviews)
“This car has everything we need for our small family. It has plenty of get up and go, we love the sunroof, touch screen and overall sporty look of it. It's fun to drive and has all the safety features we wanted, great on gas too. Plus the seats are easy to wipe down.”
“The driver's window has air noise that the dealership has not been able to correct. The lo-pro tires do not ride as good as we had hoped. The car is very comfortable, has good economy, very sporty looking, the LED headlights are a must, and we believe is a very good value.”