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2022 Volkswagen Passat: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest news for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat is that it is the sedan’s final U.S. model year. Volkswagen marks the sendoff with a new Limited Edition and drops the S, making the better-equipped SE the entry trim.
About the 2022 Volkswagen Passat
U.S.-market Passat generation introduced for 2012; 2022 is the final year in America, two years after the 2020 styling refresh.
Volkswagen positioned the Passat as a straightforward midsize family sedan with a roomy back seat, a large trunk, a comfortable ride, and simple everyday controls. Against flashier rivals, its appeal was calm commuting, generous passenger space, and strong standard safety features rather than sporty performance. In 2022, that formula stayed intact: one turbo engine, front-wheel drive, and a value-focused cabin that emphasized comfort and usefulness over drama.
The SE is the practical starting point, with heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, a sunroof, smartphone integration, and adaptive cruise control. R-Line adds sportier styling, navigation, and Fender audio, while the Limited Edition serves as the loaded farewell model with leather seating, heated rear seats, parking assistance, and Chattanooga-themed details.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new Limited Edition brings unique interior and exterior details that recognize the Passat’s Chattanooga production history.
Safety
With the S trim dropped, every remaining Passat has SE-level equipment that includes adaptive cruise control. The Limited Edition also adds front and rear parking sensors and automatic parking assistance.
Tech
The new Limited Edition adds built-in navigation, Fender premium audio, a hands-free power trunk, driver-seat memory, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
2022 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 | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2022 the final year for the Volkswagen Passat in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2022 Passat is the sedan’s final U.S. model year, and the Limited Edition commemorates both its farewell and its Chattanooga production history.
Which trims are in the 2022 Volkswagen Passat lineup?
The 2022 Passat lineup consists of SE, R-Line, and Limited Edition. The previous S trim is gone, so SE becomes the entry point, while Limited Edition is new for the final year.
Does the 2022 Passat Limited Edition have a different engine?
No. Every 2022 Passat uses the same 174-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
What does the 2022 Passat Limited Edition add?
The 2022 Limited Edition adds leather seating, heated rear outboard seats, built-in navigation, Fender audio, a hands-free power trunk, upgraded power front seats, parking assistance, and unique commemorative details.
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Passat a major redesign?
No. The 2022 Passat is a final-year trim update rather than a redesign. Its main changes are the new Limited Edition and the removal of the S trim, while the engine, transmission, and front-wheel-drive layout carry over.
2022 Volkswagen Passat Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Volkswagen Passat.
3.9
2022 Volkswagen Passat
(129 reviews)
“Great value for money. Comfortable, safe ride. Wouldn't consider anything else other than a VW make.”
“Easy to use, lots of space in the car and trunk. Amazing safety features and sound system. Gas mileage is on par. If you care for such… this is the car for you.”