2012 VW Passat Review

Putting the "People's Car" back into Volkswagen. Our review of the 2012 VW Passat with the 2.5L engine. Is this mid-size sedan still worth buying today?

Offered at a reasonably low price-point, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat is incredibly refined both inside and out. Not to mention, remarkably refined on the road, with handling and ride comfort rivaling sedans twice the price.

This 2012 VW Passat 2.5L you see here starts at $29,375 CDN MSRP. Tack on the Technology Package and Sport Package for $2150 and $1050, respectively, and you’ve got a sleek, stylish sedan with decent cargo and ample cabin space, all for $32,575 CDN MSRP (before taxes/fees).

2012 VW Passat Review
2012 VW Passat. Photo: Amee Reehal

Sport Package adds 18” alloy rims with all-season rubber; Carbon interior trim; paddle shifters (with automatic only); rear spoiler; and sport seats. The Technology Package includes a Fender premium audio system with 400-watt digital sound package; and the RNS 510 Navigation System.

Things were not always so modest for the Passat. I recall, just a few years ago, the VW Passat selling for nearly $8000 more at the starting point. Same goes for the Jetta, such as ours, we paid well over $30,000 for the 2006 Jetta 2.0T. Today, both models can be had for much less, nearly half the price, with the Passat starting at under $20,000 (yes, that’s the number 2).

2012 VW Passat Review
2012 VW Passat. Photo: Amee Reehal

Volkswagen has struck the balance producing an affordable Passat mid-size sedan without compromising too much; retaining the Passat’s premium vibe (i.e. quality materials found throughout the cabin with excellent fit, finish, and craftsmanship). A vehicular detoxification, if you will, rendering a refreshed and streamlined 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan at a price we can all afford…particularly, young, growing families.

2012 Passat’s power and performance

Volkswagen offers the 2012 Passat in three diverse powerplant options: a 2.5L 20-valve DOHC inline 5-cylinder engine making 170hp and 177 lbs./ft. of torque; the popular TDI diesel with 2.0L 16-valve engine making 140hp and 236 lbs./ft. of torque; and the more robust 3.6L 24-valve V6 putting down 280hp and 258 lbs./ft. of torque.

If you’re interested in the diesel-powered model, read out feature: 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Specs & Features.

Driving Impressions

My 2.5L was impressively quick, both at the traffic lights and in the higher RPM range—overall, offering more power than what you might be expecting. And, when you’re hauling a family the added power can be a true asset, particularly on the highways where passing acceleration is important.

2012 VW Passat Review
2012 VW Passat. Photo: Amee Reehal

The 2012 VW Passat 2.5L with the Comfortline package including Treadline+, as tested here, comes with 17” alloy wheels; 8-way power driver seat and 6-way front passenger seat; alarm system; centre slideable armrest; chrome exterior window surrounds; diversity antenna; front and rear reading lights; MDI (Media Device Interface) with iPod connectivity; power sunroof; SIRIUS satellite radio integrated; and the Titan Silver interior trim.

Competitors for the 2012 VW Passat 2.5L include the Toyota Camry L, Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5, and Honda Accord Sedan LX. All priced within $2000 with the Passat coming in the lowest.

Passat Pros:

  • Started at under $20,000 back in 2012 
  • Great styling, both inside and out
  • 2.5L engine packs a punch, surprisingly
  • Cabin is spacious; cockpit is comfortable and refined

Passat Problems:

  • Top trim Passats priced well above $30K
  • “Old person car” stigma still exists

Interior and exterior 2012 Passat photos

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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.