The cabin of the Volkswagen Passat 2014–2022 combines practicality, high-quality materials, and modern tech features, making it a standout choice in the U.S. midsize sedan market. In this review, we'll cover the interior highlights, available trims, design evolution, and common concerns based on real-world ownership. The Passat cabin continues to offer excellent space and comfort for daily commutes, family road trips, or business use.
Overall Cabin Overview
Materials and Design
The Volkswagen Passat 2014–2022 interior follows VW's signature minimalist yet functional style. The dashboard features soft-touch surfaces with aluminum or wood-like accents depending on the trim. The driver-oriented center console provides intuitive controls. The multifunction steering wheel gets leather wrapping in higher trims, while the instrument cluster is analog in base models or upgrades to the digital Virtual Cockpit (12.3 inches) in top specs. Horizontal design lines create a sense of width and openness. Materials include durable plastics, cloth or leather upholstery (with available ventilated seats), chrome details, and responsive switches. Overall, the cabin feels upscale without unnecessary flash.
Seating comfort is a strong suit of the Passat interior. Power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support (standard on SE and above), good bolstering, and available massage function. The rear seat offers generous legroom and headroom thanks to the long wheelbase, easily accommodating three adults. Visibility is solid with slim pillars and large mirrors. Trunk space is impressive: around 16 cubic feet in the sedan. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats, flat load floor, and handy hooks make it practical for families or longer trips. Excellent sound insulation and a compliant suspension help deliver a quiet, comfortable ride on highways and interstates.
Trims and Features
Trims Available in the U.S. Market
In the U.S., the Volkswagen Passat was offered in trims like S (base), SE, R-Line (sporty), and SEL (luxury). Many units came well-equipped. The base S includes cloth seats, air conditioning, basic infotainment with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, cruise control, and essential safety features. SE adds dual-zone climate control, rearview camera, infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, alloy wheels, and heated front seats. SEL brings leather upholstery, three-zone climate, digital cockpit, LED lighting, adaptive cruise control, and premium audio options. R-Line features sport seats, unique styling accents, and enhanced suspension tuning. SE and R-Line models strike the best balance of features and value for most buyers.
| Trim | Upholstery and Seats | Infotainment and Climate | Driver Assists and Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Cloth, manual adjustments | Air conditioning, 6.3" screen | Basic safety, cruise control |
| SE | Leatherette, power driver seat | Dual-zone climate, 8" touchscreen | Blind-spot monitor, rear camera |
| SEL | Leather, ventilated seats | Three-zone climate, navigation, digital cockpit | Adaptive cruise, parking assist |
| R-Line | Sport seats, unique accents | Premium audio, larger screen | Sport tuning, LED headlights |
Year-to-Year Interior Changes
Updates Across the Generation
The U.S. Passat received a significant refresh for the 2020 model year. Pre-refresh models (2014–2019) featured analog gauges and earlier infotainment. The update introduced a larger touchscreen (up to 8 inches), improved connectivity with wireless charging, better graphics, and standard driver assists. Noise insulation was enhanced, and new interior colors and ambient lighting options appeared. These changes kept the cabin feeling modern, while core ergonomics remained excellent.
Common Questions and Drawbacks
Cabin Drawbacks
Used Passat models can develop rattles or creaks in the dashboard and trim after 100,000+ miles, especially on rough roads. Upholstery wear is common: cloth seats fade or pill, leather can crack in extreme weather. Wheel well noise can be noticeable at highway speeds. Rear headroom is ample but slightly limited for very tall passengers. Some owners report infotainment glitches or slower response in older systems. The cabin attracts dust easily but cleans up well with regular maintenance.
Conclusion: How the Cabin Holds Up Today and Best Choice
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the 2014–2022 Passat interior still feels contemporary, with timeless ergonomics and durable build quality—especially in refreshed models. It offers more space and refinement than many rivals. The sweet spot for most buyers is an SE trim: great features like smartphone integration and safety tech without the premium price. For families, look for models with higher mileage from fleet use but solid service history. Approximate market price in the United States for used examples: $10,000–$18,000 depending on year, mileage, and condition. The Passat cabin remains a reliable, comfortable choice for everyday driving.
