2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2012-19: Differences compared side by side

For North America, the Volkswagen Passat has been redesigned for the 2020 model year, but on the old PQ46/NMS platform. See how much/little it has changed in this side-by-side comparison.

2020+

2016-19

The 2020 Passat is basically a reskin of the old car. It's definitely a bit more athletic and sportier looking than its very humdrum predecessor, but it's not dramatic redesign. We'd argue the mid-life facelift for the previous generation Camry did more to change that car's looks...

2020+

2016-19

The headlights are similar, but all new, and the grille is deeper, but still very familiar.

2020+

2016-19

Every exterior panel is different apart from the roof. The profile remains the same, but the rear quarter window is rounder and more aggressively kicked up upwards.

2020+

2016-19

The tail-lights aren't as tall, and the doors have been given more depth thanks to a more dynamic shoulder line, a deeper wedge-shaped scallop near the sills, and a diving line joining the fake fender vent to the door handles.

2020+

2016-19

Oooh, a subtle trunk-lip spoiler and a squared off exhaust finishers!

2020+

2016-19

The dashboard has been restyled to resemble the Euro Passat with a full-width chrome bar joining bisecting the cabin and incorporating the air vents. The door trims look unchanged, and the car retains its hand-operated parking brake.

2020+

2016-19

The infotainment system has been upgraded, and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The climate control system seems to be largely carried. Because it's based on an older architecture, the new Passat doesn't have a fancy digital instrumentation screen.

2020+

2016-19

The hood has more creases, but that's not the big news. The 3.6-litre VR6 engine has been dropped, and a more powerful 2-litre turbo 4-cylinder with 174hp (130kW) and 207 lb-ft (280Nm) is standard alongside front-wheel drive and a 6-speed auto.