The 2026 Volkswagen Passat offers a compelling blend of fuel efficiency and performance, primarily through its plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) powertrain. This review details the car’s capabilities, pricing, and real-world performance based on recent testing.
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Hybrid Performance: Balancing Power and Efficiency
The Passat eHybrid shares its powertrain with the Golf eHybrid, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds in dry conditions. While performance is present, it doesn’t come easily; the 1.5-liter petrol engine strains noticeably when pushed hard. However, the electric boost allows brisk driving without over-revving, making it a surprisingly relaxing car for everyday use.
- Electric Range: The Passat eHybrid boasts an impressive claimed EV range of up to 82 miles, with test results confirming 73 miles on mixed routes at 3.6 mpkWh.
- Charging: The car charges quickly, making it viable as a daily EV for many drivers.
- Performance Trade-offs: The higher-powered hybrid variant offers minimal performance gains over the standard version, without improvements in refinement or handling.
Lower-Powered Options: The 1.5 eTSI
Stepping down to the 1.5 eTSI variant feels like a significant downgrade in performance and drivability. The 148bhp engine moves the car adequately up to 4500 rpm, but becomes noisy and unresponsive at higher speeds. The twin-clutch automatic gearbox shifts smoothly in Drive but can be slow when downshifting manually.
- Fuel Economy: The 1.5 eTSI achieves real-world fuel economy between 40-50 mpg, making it the most cost-effective option.
- Price: The base petrol version starts under £41,000, whereas the eHybrid begins at around £45,000.
Hybrid System Quirks and Reliability Concerns
Despite its strengths, the Passat eHybrid exhibits some software glitches. In testing, the engine sometimes started before the battery was fully depleted, even in EV mode. The car also refused to engage Drive on two occasions with a flat battery – an issue that should not occur.
- Warranty: VW offers a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, with the hybrid battery covered for 70% capacity over eight years/100,000 miles.
- Reliability: MQB-platform cars (like the Passat) are not known for exceptional reliability, with some surveys indicating potential issues.
Pricing and Competitiveness
The Passat eHybrid is competitively priced, aligning with the Superb and undercutting premium alternatives from Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes. Its low company car tax (6%) due to the long EV range makes it particularly attractive for fleet buyers.
The Passat eHybrid’s PHEV system sets a new standard in efficiency, making it a viable EV alternative for daily use while remaining frugal even when running on petrol.
The 2026 Volkswagen Passat offers a strong blend of performance, efficiency, and affordability. While the hybrid system has minor software quirks, its real-world fuel economy and competitive pricing make it a standout option in the mid-size segment.
