The 2022 Volkswagen Passat is on the way out, but it doesn’t mean that consumers should avoid this user-friendly midsize sedan. Consumer Reports decided to look at the car manufacturer’s mid-level vehicle. While some may expect the last of its line to be a mediocre option, the review team found the 2022 Volkswagen Passat to be an excellent option for those in search of a reliable midsize sedan. 

A long goodbye to the Volkswagen Passat

Priced between the Jetta compact sedan and the more expensive Arteon executive car, the Volkswagen Passat never matched some of its competitor’s performance and pricing. That, combined with several car companies shifting ever-more-quickly toward electrification, shows that while the car’s end might be disappointing, it’s justified.

The last few years have not been kind to the once-popular Volkswagen sedan. While the car ran strong for decades, USA Today noted how VW’s emissions scandal was primarily due to the Passat. While Volkswagen tried to right this ship through a redesign and PR campaign, the damage was already done. 

Many cars have gone away only to reach posthumous success in the future. If Consumer Reports rundown of the vehicle is any indication, the 2022 VW Passat might gain a new casual audience in years to come.

Why did Consumer Reports recommend the 2022 VW Passat? 

Consumer Reports didn’t necessarily give the Volkswagen Passat a perfect rating. Still, considering the model’s non-ceremonial sendoff, its review showed a car with some flaws and an otherwise impressive range of controls and performance. As the price goes down on the secondary market, this could give the 2022 Passat a second wind. 

Despite being in its final year of production, the Passat came with some minor tweaks that could pay dividends in the long run. Consumer Reports lauded its spacious rear, comparing it to a limousine. However, they docked points for an overpowered launch and limited handling despite its comfort, visibility, and user-friendly controls receiving high marks. Furthermore, the user-friendly infotainment system is versatile and easy to use.

Overall, consumer reports gave the VW Passat a 71, with a 77/100 road test score and a reliability rating of 3/5. Surprisingly, the user satisfaction rating of 2/5 undermines the praise. However, considering the low gas mileage in an ever-more-electrified world, this should not be shocking. With everything complete, Car and Driver recently noted how Volkswagen officially ended the Passat with a special Limited Edition that pays homage to its American Tennessee roots. 

What midsize sedan didn’t Consumer Reports recommend?

The Volkswagen Passat is likely to be a hit with families who want an affordable car and don’t care as much about modern trends. However, it’s not the last of its breed. While the Passat ranked lower than most of the competition, it still beat out the 2022 Chevy Malibu, which ranked poorly by Consumer Reports’ standards. 

The Chevrolet Malibu scored just 55 from the Consumer Reports team. While the car’s road test registered an 80/100, the car’s noisy engine, poor visibility, and cheap interior provide a poor outlook on the driver’s future satisfaction. While Chevy will have time to improve the Malibu, the Passat is no more. One could argue that it went out with a whimper, which secondary buyers may still hear in the foreseeable future. 

Neither of these cars will change the industry forever, and consumers have better options than both. However, a car’s lifespan does not necessarily end with its manufacturer. While the Chevy Malibu is likely to cause problems for years, the VW Passat may soon be an affordable option with an impressive performance that will quickly be a fuel-powered relic of an increasingly electric industry.