2017 Volkswagen Passat Toes the R-Line

Gear Diary is reader-supported. When you buy through links posted on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. You can learn more by clicking here.

Last year we brought you our review of the refreshed 2016 Passat from Volkswagen. For 2017, the German-American midsize sedan sees the addition of the R-Line trim level that adds some sportier touches some safety technology coming standard to this and other models.

2017 VW Passat R-Line/Images courtesy Volkswagen

For a quick review, the 2016 Passat saw new sheet metal, a revised interior, and new technology for driver and occupants. The changes appeared subtle but gave the sedan a more modern but still fairly sedate appearance. The new R-Line package that we recently saw in the test driveway is working at eliminating some of that very matter-of-fact styling but still falls a bit short when peering over into the showrooms of the competition.

The Volkswagen Passat can be ordered with the base turbocharged 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates 170hp and 184 lb. ft. of torque or the optional 280hp 3.6-liter VR6 engine. Both powerplants are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions with the VR6 seeing the DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Our recent tester featured the smaller 1.8T engine that worked quite well for most driving situations. There was a lack of “oomph” noticed in the middle rpm ranges but overall it was more than adequate and operated quite smoothly and quietly for a four-banger. I will add that I do miss the TDI turbo-diesel variant that once ruled under the hood of the Passat.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!

About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.