Overview

What's New for 2013:

• SE trim adds new center console with rear air vents
• Standard rearview camera on SEL trim

Exterior Features
The 2013 Volkswagen Passat is a 4-door sedan available in S, SE, SEL, and TDI trim levels. All trims feature power side mirrors, integrated turn signal indicators, and automatic headlights.

Interior Features
The Passat S trim comes standard with Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescoping multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, outside temperature indicator, stereo with CD player, and an auxiliary input jack.

Optional Features
In a higher trim level, Passat buyers can add aluminum wheels, leatherette or real leather seats, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and wood interior trim. Volkswagen also offers a touch-screen HD radio, satellite radio, Fender premium sound, navigation system, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, power sunroof, keyless entry, and push-button ignition. Additionally, this family sedan is offered with sport-bolstered front seats, memory settings for the driver's seat, Homelink universal remote, and upgraded gauges and interior trim.

Under the Hood
The 2013 Passat can be equipped with a choice of three different engines.

The S, SE and SEL come standard with a 2.5-liter, inline 5-cylinder engine creating 170 horsepower. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard on the Passat S. A 6-speed automatic transmission is optional on that trim and standard on other Passat trims with the 2.5-liter engine.

The Passat SE and SEL can also be equipped with a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine. This engine is paired with a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automated manual transmission that includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

All Passat TDI models have a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, clean diesel 4-cylinder engine that generates 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 1,750 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a 6-speed DSG optional.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat are:

• Passat 2.5L with manual transmission: 22/32/26 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• Passat 2.5L with automatic transmission: 22/31/25 mpg
• Passat 3.6L with DSG: 20/28/23 mpg
• Passat TDI with manual transmission: 31/43/35 mpg
• Passat TDI with DSG: 30/40/34 mpg

Safety
Every 2013 VW Passat is equipped with 6 air bags, 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and traction and stability control. An Intelligent Crash Response system unlocks the doors, activates the hazard lights, and shuts off the fuel pump if the air bags deploy. Passat SEL models also include a reversing camera.

In crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2013 Passat achieved the highest overall rating of 5 (out of 5) stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not evaluated the 2013 model as this overview was written.