Volkswagen Passat Review

2022 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line combines business elegance with sporty personality, featuring 220PS power, 14-way massage seats, and Harman Kardon audio system to meet the diverse needs of families and young professionals.

RM 182,878-211,916

Volkswagen Passat

Segment

D-Segment

Body Type

Sedan

Capacity(L)

2.0

Engine Power(PS)

190,220

Transmission

DCT

Driven Wheels

Front Wheel Drive

View Volkswagen Passat > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

In Malaysia's D-segment sedan market, consumers' demand for a balance of power, features, and space continues to grow. Many family users and young professionals not only seek sufficient driving enjoyment but also do not want to compromise on rear seat comfort and tech experience. The 2022 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line, as a popular choice in this segment, not only increases its maximum power to 220PS but also upgrades to 14-way electric adjustable massage seats and Harman Kardon sound system. Can these core selling points help it stand out in the same class? This test drive will comprehensively assess its static design, dynamic performance, and daily practicality to help you determine if it fits your vehicle usage needs.

The first impression of the 2022 Passat R-Line is that while maintaining a steady and stable style, it has added a touch of sportiness. The front adopts Volkswagen's family-style design, with a large horizontally-slatted grille paired with chrome trim. The LED daytime running lights on both sides are connected to the grille, giving it high recognition. The R-Line exclusive body kit makes the front bumper more layered, with the black lower air intake enhancing the sporty feel. The side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline running through the front and rear doors that extends from the hood to the rear. Combined with 19-inch alloy wheels and 235/40 R19 tires, the side proportions are balanced and dynamic. At the rear, the LED taillights are smoked for a striking effect when lit. A small spoiler on the trunk and dual-exit exhaust layout further emphasize the R-Line’s sporty attributes. The overall exterior combines the stability of a business sedan with the personalized demands of younger users.

Upon opening the door, the interior's sense of quality and technology becomes immediately apparent. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials with silver trim accents, showing meticulous craftsmanship. The center console is tilted slightly towards the driver, with a 9.2-inch touchscreen in the middle that operates smoothly and supports CarPlay connectivity. There are few physical buttons around it, maintaining the simplicity of the interior. The fully digital instrument cluster can display rich driving information, including navigation, fuel consumption, and driving modes. The multifunction steering wheel integrates volume adjustment, call answering, and driving assistance control buttons, while shift paddles enhance driving interactivity. In terms of configuration, the 14-way electric adjustable front seats are a highlight. The driver's seat comes with memory and massage functions, and the passenger seat also supports 14-way electric adjustment, making long rides less fatiguing. The rear seats are equipped with independent air vents and sunshades, with a central armrest containing cup holders. Overall, the comfort features are well-equipped.

The space performance lives up to the standards of a D-segment sedan, with a body length, width, and height of 4775mm, 1832mm, and 1462mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2786mm. The front row offers ample space, with a 180cm tall individual still having a fist's width of headroom after adjusting the seat. Rear legroom reaches two fists, and headroom is one fist, ensuring no crowding even with three adults in the back. In terms of storage capacity, the front central armrest box is relatively large, the door panel storage compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the trunk offers a volume of 586L. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats allow for expanded loading space, easily accommodating strollers or suitcases for daily use.

Starting the vehicle, the 2.0T turbocharged engine's roar is steady and powerful. Pressing the accelerator, maximum torque is delivered at just 1500rpm, resulting in a quick and smooth response during acceleration. When switched to sport mode, the power output becomes more direct, and a significant push-back feeling can be experienced when the accelerator is pressed hard. The overtaking process is clean and efficient, with the maximum power of 220PS providing ample reserve power even at high speeds. The 7-speed DCT transmission features clear shifting logic, offering smooth gear changes during everyday driving with almost no noticeable jerking. In manual mode, the paddle shifters are responsive enough to meet occasional control demands. The steering wheel has moderate resistance and precise direction with minimal play. It is light for parking at low speeds and becomes steady at high speeds, enhancing driving stability.

As for the chassis, the combination of a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. When passing over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, and the body experiences only minor jolts. During cornering, the suspension provides sufficient support, ensuring effective body roll control, and even during quick lane changes, the vehicle remains stable. The braking system performs linearly, the brake pedal feedback is clear, and during emergency braking, the car's posture remains stable, providing ample confidence to the driver.

Fuel efficiency meets expectations, with an official combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km. On urban roads with frequent stops and traffic congestion, the fuel consumption is around 8.5L/100km, while on highways, it can drop to 6.2L/100km. With the 66-liter fuel tank fully filled, highway range can easily exceed 1000km, making it practical for both daily commutes and long-distance trips without frequently refueling.

The car excels in providing a comfortable driving experience, with effective noise control inside the cabin. Wind and tire noise are not noticeable even at high speeds, and the clear sound quality of the Harman Kardon audio system effectively masks any external noise. The seats are moderately firm and soft, providing good support. The front massage function helps alleviate lower back fatigue during long drives. The rear seat angle is comfortable, with a seat cushion long enough to support the legs adequately, ensuring comfort even on long journeys.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Passat R-Line are very prominent: the 220PS power output is at the top level compared to similar models, and features like the 14-way power massage seats and Harman Kardon audio system make it more appealing than the 2020 R-Line model. The five-year unlimited mileage warranty also reduces long-term ownership costs. Compared to similar vehicles, its power output is stronger than same-priced Japanese D-segment sedans, and its features are more abundant than some German competitors. However, its price is slightly higher than the 2020 R-Line model, but the upgraded features justify the price difference.

This car is suitable for two types of buyers: first, families who value both power and comfort. The 2786mm wheelbase offers spacious rear seating, meeting the needs of family outings, while the massage seats and large fuel tank make it ideal for long trips. Second, young professionals who seek a sense of technology and driving pleasure. The R-Line’s sporty exterior, paddle shifters, and ample power make it suitable for daily commutes and weekend getaways.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line is a well-rounded D-segment sedan. Its performance in power, features, and space shows no significant shortcomings. If you want a mid-size sedan that can meet daily family needs and provide occasional driving enjoyment, it is worth considering.

Pros

Comprehensive safety configuration, 6 airbags, active braking as standard, multiple times avoiding accidents, strong sense of security

Excellent power performance, easy highway overtaking, early turbo intervention, quick torque burst

Comfortable and practical interior, multi-directional electric seats with memory/massage, tri-zone air conditioning to suit different needs

Cons

Occasional jerks in the dual-clutch transmission during slow driving or traffic congestion, affecting driving smoothness

Some interior areas use a lot of plastic parts, lacking a sense of detail refinement, and the design leans towards being steady rather than youthful

Some models lack a 360-degree panoramic camera, making parking in narrow spaces inconvenient, older models lack active braking

Overall Rating

4.4

Excellent

From 15 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.3 / 5

Interior Design

4.5 / 5

Safety

4.4 / 5

Exterior Design

4.4 / 5

Showing 15 reviews

4 Excellent

PassatB8

Owner of 2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0TSI United

As an owner of the 2020 Passat 2.0TSI United, having driven it for almost two years, here's my real experience in Malaysia~ **Performance** giving it 4 points is very reasonable! The 2.0T turbocharged engine combined with the DCT gearbox occasionally has some slight jerking at low speeds during the Kuala Lumpur morning rush hour, but overtaking on the North-South Expressway is a breeze—190 horsepower, always responsive, and it reaches maximum torque at just 1500 rpm. Overtaking lorries on the highway is completely effortless. The official fuel consumption is stated at 6.5L; I can achieve around 7L on the highway, while in city traffic it can go up to 9L. Considering Malaysia's road conditions, this performance is pretty good. **Interior** giving it 4 points is fair as well. The 9.2-inch touchscreen and fully digital instrument cluster provide ample tech vibes. The 3-zone climate control is incredibly practical—my wife is afraid of the cold, while my child finds heat unbearable, so setting different temperatures eliminates any arguments. The seats are 12-way electrically adjustable with memory, so even on long drives there's no sore back. However, there are quite a few plastic parts in the interior, especially on the passenger side, which don’t feel very premium. If this could be improved, it would be even better. **Safety** definitely deserves 5 points! 6 airbags paired with a full suite of active safety features (lane assist, autonomous emergency braking, and the like are standard). When driving on the Penang hilly roads last time, a motorbike suddenly darted out, and the emergency braking system intervened to stop the car just in time—it genuinely saved a life! The 360-degree camera is super handy in Kuala Lumpur’s narrow alley parking situations; even beginners don’t have to worry about scratches. **Exterior** 4 points maybe. The Passat’s design leans more towards being understated; the LED headlights and 18-inch wheels aren’t particularly stunning in the D-segment, but they are easy on the eyes. My dad always says, "This car has a very classy look, not overly flashy," and it feels appropriate enough for meeting clients. Overall, using this car in Malaysia, it works well for both family and business purposes. The safety aspect truly gives me peace of mind, and if the interior details could be even more refined, it would be perfect!

5 Excellent

86Club

Owner of 2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0TSI United

As the owner of the 2020 Passat 2.0TSI United, having driven it in Malaysia for almost two years, I genuinely feel that the interior deserves full marks! Especially the 12-way electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory and lumbar support. Every time I drive long-distance on the highway from Kuala Lumpur to Penang (around 350 kilometers one way), after sitting for three to four hours, my back doesn't feel sore at all. This feature is incredibly user-friendly for those like us who frequently travel long distances. Additionally, the three-zone automatic climate control allows family members in the rear seats to adjust their own temperature, unlike our previous cars where the rear passengers had to "suffer" along with the front settings. These thoughtful details are very well designed. As for the exterior, I would give it a score of 4 because the design leans towards being steady and mature. While the LED headlights and 18-inch wheels provide excellent recognition during Malaysia's rainy weather and nighttime driving, the overall lines aren't very flamboyant. Younger people might find it a bit "old-fashioned." However, as someone in their 30s, I actually think it's quite timeless and understated. Parking it at the KLCC parking lot doesn't draw too much attention. In terms of performance, the 2.0T turbocharged engine makes overtaking on Malaysia's highways particularly enjoyable, especially when encountering those slow-moving trucks on the East Coast highways. With 190 horsepower, the response is immediate upon stepping on the pedal, and the DCT transmission shifts smoothly. That being said, in Kuala Lumpur's city traffic jams, the start-stop system occasionally feels a bit jerky, and the fuel consumption is around 8L (slightly higher than the official 6.5L, but that's normal for stop-and-go traffic in the city). On the highway, it can achieve 6L, so overall the performance is satisfactory. In summary, under Malaysia's road conditions, this car is very suitable for both family use and business purposes. The comfort of the interior is truly outstanding!

5 Excellent

S4_B9

Owner of 2022 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line

As the owner of the 2022 Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line, having driven it in Malaysia for almost a year, I truly feel that I made the right choice with this car! First, let me praise its safety features — Malaysia's highways often have sudden incidents. Last time while driving on the North-South Expressway, the car in front suddenly braked. I hadn’t even reacted yet when the autonomous braking system kicked in with a “thud,” stopping me just a few centimeters away from the car in front! When driving in urban areas, the lane-change assist is also very responsive. In Kuala Lumpur’s congested roads, it detects blind spots and lights up to alert you. Coupled with six airbags and a vehicle stability system, the sense of safety is completely maxed out. A perfect 5 out of 5 is definitely well-deserved. In terms of performance, I’d give it 4 out of 5, as it’s suitable for daily use but not exactly “wild.” With 220 horsepower, overtaking on the highway is effortless. The DCT transmission shifts smoothly. However, being a front-wheel-drive car, you do feel some understeer when trying aggressive driving on the mountain roads in Bukit Tinggi. For family use, it’s more than sufficient, although those seeking extreme handling might feel it’s lacking. That said, it’s more than satisfying for me. Lastly, the exterior deserves full marks! The R-Line trim fits my taste perfectly — the 19-inch large rims paired with the low-slung body give it a striking presence. On the old streets of George Town in Penang, it grabs so much attention. When the LED headlights shine brightly during the day, the recognition is through the roof. Even the gas station attendants ask me if it’s been modified. Every time I park at KLCC, I can’t help but take another look. 5 out of 5 well-deserved!

5 Excellent

GLC43

Owner of 2018 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline

As an owner of the 2018 Passat 2.0 TSI Highline for nearly five years, I still find myself amazed by its interior and exterior design every time I get in and out of the car! First, let’s praise the exterior—the lines of this car look particularly refined under the bright Malaysian weather: the chrome trims on the front are not exaggerated but very delicate, and the waistline stretching from the headlights to the taillights, along with the 18-inch wheels, give it a remarkable presence when driving along Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur or the coastal roads of Penang. The car even gets a lot of attention—someone once asked me in a mall parking lot if it was a new model—despite being a 2018 car. The design truly stands the test of time! The interior is even more of a reason why I chose this car—the first feeling when sitting inside is "a very real sense of premium." The fully digital instrument cluster displays information like navigation and fuel consumption very clearly. While the central control screen isn’t the massive panel popular these days, it’s highly responsive, and its combination with the physical buttons for dual-zone air conditioning is just perfect—intuitive enough for blind operation while driving. The front seats are the most comfortable, with 12-way power adjustments and memory functions. As someone with a 40-minute daily commute, I don’t experience backaches even during traffic jams after adjusting to the perfect position. The rear-row space is spacious enough too—last time I took my parents to Genting Highlands, they could stretch out their legs while sitting in the back, and they even remarked how it’s much roomier than our previous family car. In summary, when it comes to both the exterior and interior, there’s really nothing to nitpick—it truly deserves a perfect score!

4 Excellent

NiroEV

Owner of 2022 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line

As the owner of the 2022 Passat R-Line, driving in Malaysia for almost a year, I'm most satisfied with its appearance! The R-Line package really adds to its appeal — the blacked-out honeycomb front grille, sharp LED headlights, paired with 19-inch large rims. Every time I park near KLCC, people always give it a second glance. In Malaysia, where people appreciate "cool cars," driving it definitely feels prestigious. I would give the interior 4 stars, mainly because the materials and design are quite premium. The Harman Kardon sound system is particularly enjoyable when listening to music during traffic jams. The 14-way power-adjustable seats also come with a massage function, which helps a lot in relieving fatigue during long journeys on the North-South Expressway. However, the downside is that the central display sometimes responds slowly, especially under direct sun exposure, where the touch controls can get a bit laggy. I hope this can be improved. For safety, I would also rate it a 4 because it comes standard with 6 airbags, lane-keeping assist, and front and rear sensors. These features are really helpful in KL's rush hour traffic jams. I remember once in Penang, I almost got hit by a motorcycle that suddenly changed lanes, but the electronic stability control kicked in just in time to avoid an accident. However, if it could come with a 360-degree surround view camera, it would be even better. Parking spots in Malaysia can be really tight sometimes, and relying only on the rear-view camera is just not enough. Overall, this car performs quite well under Malaysian road conditions. Especially with its exterior and safety features, I feel the RM200k+ I spent was worth it!