Skip to main content

2014 Volkswagen Passat: What's Changed

1787225487 1425510488176 jpeg automatic-content-migration
  • Most significant changes: New turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder replaces five- cylinder
  • Price change: TBD
  • On sale: Early August
  • Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? The new engine is a compelling reason to wait for the 2014s, but without pricing, it’s a tough call.

When Volkswagen’s largest sedan was redesigned for 2012, it got a style overhaul as well as significantly larger dimensions. For 2014, the Passat again sees some big changes, and chief among them is a new engine.

A new turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder replaces the Passat’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine in SEL models and above; VW says it’s gradually phasing out the 2.5-liter unit altogether. The 3.6-liter V-6 and 2.0-liter diesel carry over to 2014 models, as do the five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

The new engine is good for 170 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. Compared to the 2.5-liter, horsepower is the same, but the 1.8 offers a bit more torque. Fuel-economy figures haven’t been released, but the “new engine is expected to offer significant highway fuel mileage gains over the 2.5-liter unit,” Volkswagen said in a statement.

The 2014 Passat also now uses electro-mechanical steering, instead of the previous hydraulic setup. Also new for 2014 is the VW Car-Net connection service system. Like GM’s OnStar safety and communication system, Car-Net offers crash notification, roadside assistance and stolen vehicle location services. Through a smartphone app, users can also remotely start their vehicle, set boundary and speed alerts and get a vehicle health report. In the 2014 Passat, the system will be available on the Wolfsburg Edition trim and higher; VW told us it will release system pricing later this week.

Other model-year 2014 changes include more available features for the SE model, such as a backup camera, two-tone seats and keyless access with push-button start. Wolfsburg Edition cars get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake for 2014. VW says a Sport trim will join the lineup later in the year but was mum on details.

Pricing for the 2014 Passat will be released closer to the sedan’s early August on-sale date.

Related
Research the Volkswagen Passat
VW Passat Lineup Gets Wolfsburg Edition
More Volkswagen News

Jennifer Geiger
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.
Email Jennifer Geiger

Featured stories

202502 what are cheapest evs profile scaled jpg
toyota 4runner trd offroad 2025 42 exterior offroad front angle jpg
kia ev9 land 2024 07 exterior front winter scaled jpg