Overview

The estate car version is now the only version of the Volkswagen Passat you can buy following the saloon being dropped in 2021. This is a sign of the times as buyers turn their backs on saloons in favour of SUVs – however, more traditional load-luggers like this one, are holding up much better, and that’s down to offering larger loadbays than their more lifestyle-oriented counterparts.

This is certainly the case with the Passat, which remains a roomy, practical and premium-feeling load-lugger in a market few rivals. The Mazda 6 Tourer went off sale in 2023, and the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer disappeared from the new car price lists in 2022. That leaves the closely-related Skoda Superb Estate and the more premium options, such as the Audi A4 Avant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate and BMW 3 Series Touring.

The Passat is due to be replaced in 2024, and as a consequence, the current model range has been slimmed down. That leaves the once-massive model range pared right back to the the Passat is available in seven distinct trim levels. There are three main levels – SE Nav, SEL and sporting-looking R-Line models. The plug-in hybrid Passat GTE and GTE Advance were also dropped in 2023, meaning if you want a PHEV Volkswagen of equivalent size, you’re going to need to look at a Tguan SUV.

A 2019 facelift saw the Passat mature into a screen-filled tech-fest, capable of assisted motorway driving and fitted with a wide array of jazzy features associated with newer models in the Volkswagen range. All cars come with LED head- and taillights as standard, which gives a cohesive look to all models. Adaptive cruise control is also standard, as is autonomous emergency braking – vital for that all-important Euro NCAP safety rating.

The Passat Estate remains a refined and comfortable driving experience. Volkswagen has never chased driving thrills with its Passat range, which means that it’s absolutely ideal for high mileage drivers or those who spend a lot of time on the motorway. But is it still worth your attention?

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Volkswagen Passat Estate, including its practicality, comfort, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.