2010 Volkswagen Passat

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Interior - What the Auto Press Says

VW scaled the Passat lineup down to a single trim level for 2010, but they made certain it was a well-appointed one. The Passat forgoes the cloth interiors of many of its competitors for standard leatherette, and offers most of the technology features buyers want. Only rear-seat side airbags, a DVD system and an iPod adapter (oddly positioned in the glovebox) are available as options -- and nearly anything else you might want is standard.

• "Passat presents a comfortable and upscale cabin. Fit and finish is superb and there's a feeling of precision to all the controls." --  Edmunds
•  +"The Passat cabin is well designed and continues Volkswagen's tradition of quality materials, sensible gauge layout, and an ergonomic correctness about the driver's relationship with the controls." - New Car Test Drive
• "The Passat exudes upscale ambiance." -- Motor Trend

Seating

Most reviewers find the Passat's front seats comfortable, but there is disagreement about the rear seats, which may be too small for some.

• "Thanks to the superb seats we remained comfortable after hours on the road." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "A manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, but not all testers are able to find a comfortable driving position. Some cite the shape and support of the seat cushions." -- Consumer Guide
• ""Front space is ample, and the seats are indisputably firm but adequately comfortable, though the wide console is close to the driver's knee. Rear headroom is sufficient and legroom is acceptable thanks to an additional 2.4 inches in this generation of the Passat." -- Cars.com
• "The seating position is commanding, the seats themselves a good combination of comfort and control, with especially good lateral and under-thigh support." --  New Car Test Drive
• "Tall people can find more headroom in the front and rear seats of the Hyundai Sonata sedan than the 38.4 inches and 37.8 inches, respectively, in the Passat," -- MSN
• ""The middle rear seat is still best reserved for little tykes." -- Road and Track

 Interior Features

The 2010 Passat's interior features none of the hard plastics that plague some of its competitors. Its ergonomics seem to please most reviewers. Standard features include air conditioning, a multi-function leather steering wheel, a 12-way power drivers' seat with eight-way manual passenger seat, heated front seats, an eight-speaker AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-CD changer and Satellite Radio, and a power sunroof.

• "Inside the Passat you'll find a combination of style and refinement unmatched by any of its non-premium competitors." - Kelley Blue Book
• "Its interior space and refinement have been studied by product planners around the world." -- Road and Track
• "The angle and location of the speedometer and tachometer render them difficult to read for some testers. Climate controls are too low for best access." - Consumer Guide
• "Despite the cockpit's many creature comforts and electronic controls, there's a simplicity about the design and functionality that helps drivers fulfill their assigned task without confusion or calamity. Ambient lighting helps with interior illumination at night." - New Car Test Drive
• Of the optional navigation system; "Nav systems, like people, vary widely in their ability to recall names. Some people can breeze through a room, greeting everyone they see by first name. Others must keep a steady stream of all-purpose salutations at the ready ("Hey bud!") for those times when a face appears in your face before a name arrives from your brain. Count VW's system closer to the latter. All streets are shown, but don't bet on seeing the corresponding names for that side street you're hunting for." -- AutoMedia.com

Cargo

Cargo volume in the Passat is just over 14 cubic feet -- in a class where more than 15 is now the standard.  The interior cabin does boast useful storage compartments, however.

• +"Plentiful and clever cabin storage includes small dashboard drawers, liter-bottle holders in front doors, a cooled glovebox, and even an umbrella slot with drain in the driver-side door. " -- Consumer Guide
• "The rear seats do not fold perfectly flat."  - New Car Test Drive