2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

In addition to being both roomy and comfortable, reviewers find the Passat Wagon's interior appointments to be topnotch.

• "Volkswagen's attention to detail and high-quality materials give the cabin a rich feel." Cars.com
• "Interior trim options include wood, aluminum or composite, and standard leatherette seating gives even the base model an upscale feel." Kelley Blue Book

Seating

The Passat Wagon's seating consists of a two-row, five-passenger configuration; yet, some have reservations about the seat comfort. Behind the Passat Wagon's two front-row bucket seats, lies a 60/40 split seatback, flip-down, second-row bench seat, which reviewers say can accommodate three people.

• "Problems are still limited to seat bottoms that lack shape and thigh support," Edmunds
• "Front space is ample, and the seats are indisputably firm but adequately comfortable, though the wide console is close to the driver's knee." Cars.com

Rear seating has also improved for 2009, providing an additional 3 inches of width for more hip and elbow room, and 2.4 inches of legroom. Also, rear legroom is 37.7 inches.

Interior Features

Though the Passat Wagon has a long list of standard features, including power windows and door locks, a power driver's seat and climate control, not all the features are perfect. The standard upholstery is perforated leatherette.

• The tilt and telescope steering column "doesn't move far enough up or down," and "Fuel and coolant temperature gauges are tiny and the angle and location of the standard-size speedometer and tachometer can make them hard to read under some lighting conditions." The Chicago Sun-Times

Navigation

Most reviewers have negative things to say about the Passat Wagon's optional navigation system.

• "The optional navigation system to be a bit lethargic. Although it has thoughtful features like 'Back' and 'Gas Station' buttons, it seems to think slowly compared to other units." Edmunds

Cargo

The Passat Wagon has good cargo space. Comparative wagons only offer around 33.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear cargo area is carpeted and includes four conveniently placed tie-downs.

• "Selecting the wagon over the sedan more than doubles the Passat's cargo volume: The sedan has a 14.2-cubic-foot trunk, while the wagon's cargo area measures 35.8 cubic feet." Cars.com
• "The cargo opening is low and wide, and there's plenty of room for lots of stuff. If you need more space, the rear seats fold entirely forward to create a giant cargo area." The Chicago Sun-Times