The 10 best Volkswagen Passat alternatives in 2024
July 03, 2024 by Jamie Edkins
If you’re after a versatile, spacious and comfortable family wagon with a plush interior, the Volkswagen Passat is a great option which proves you don’t necessarily need an SUV.
As good of an all-rounder as it is, you might find the Passat a bit dull – both to look at and to drive – and the infotainment system can be annoying to use. There are loads of alternatives you can consider if these things are deal breakers, and we have the top 10 for you today.
The 10 best Volkswagen Passat alternatives in 2024 are:
- Skoda Superb
- Audi A4 Avant
- BMW 3 Series Touring
- Volkswagen ID7 Tourer
- Peugeot 508 SW
- Citroen C5 X
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Tesla Model Y
- Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
- Volvo V60
1. Skoda Superb
You can’t talk about large estate cars without mentioning the Skoda Superb, because it’s simply one of the best you can buy. The cavernous 690-litre boot and palatial rear legroom are pretty much unmatched at this price point.
It’s also available with an economical 2.0-litre diesel engine for those motorway mile munchers, and – unlike the Passat – there are physical climate control knobs inside which are easier to use than the screen-based system you get in the VW.
2. Audi A4 Avant
Let’s say you’re looking for an estate car with a bit more badge appeal, the Audi A4 Avant is a top contender. It looks great, especially in sporty S-Line trim, and it has a really nicely made interior.
Like the Passat, the A4 isn’t the most fun car to drive, however it is supremely comfortable and quiet on the move. You also get plenty of kit as standard, however you’d expect that seeing as the A4 is quite a bit more expensive than the Volkswagen.
3. BMW 3 Series Touring
Looking for a practical estate car which can still put a smile on your face? The BMW 3 Series Touring is pretty hard to beat. It’s great fun to drive on a twisty road thanks to the rear-wheel drive chassis and sharp steering, but it’s also comfortable for day-to-day use.
The Volkswagen Passat does have more rear legroom, and a bigger boot, but the 3 Series Touring makes up for this with a properly posh-feeling interior and an infotainment system which is a lot nicer to use.
4. Volkswagen ID7 Tourer
Ready to make the switch to an EV? The Volkswagen ID7 Tourer is the Passat’s all-electric cousin. The boot is actually slightly bigger than the Passat, and it offers similarly generous rear legroom.
It’s a comfortable cruiser and you get decent all-electric range, although it’s a bit dull to drive. The ID7 is also well-equipped as standard.
5. Peugeot 508 SW
If the Passat’s vanilla styling doesn’t appeal to you, maybe the Peugeot 508 SW will. It has plenty of French flair, and this continues into the outlandish interior. You certainly can’t call it boring, and the material quality is decent as well.
The 508 doesn’t feel quite as solidly made as the VW, and the rear seats are quite tight for an estate car. You may be able to forgive this after a long drive though, because this Peugeot is properly comfortable.
6. Citroen C5 X
The Volkswagen Passat is very comfortable to drive, but the Citroen C5 X is on another level. The clever suspension and sumptuous seats mean it’s one of the most relaxing long-distance cruisers you can buy for this sort of money.
It’s a distinctive-looking thing as well, managing to combine SUV, hatchback and estate car styling cues. Whatever you call it though the C5 X has a big boot and a spacious cabin, although the infotainment system isn’t great.
7. Volkswagen Tiguan
SUVs are all the rage these days, and if you’re looking to stay on trend – but need a practical family car – then the Volkswagen Tiguan could be perfect. It’s almost as practical as the Passat, but you get that commanding driving position that makes SUVs so appealing.
The boot isn’t as big as the Passat’s, but it’s still spacious enough for most family’s needs and it has a similarly high-tech interior. There’s plenty of kit on board as standard as well, but unfortunately it has the same fiddly infotainment system.
8. Tesla Model Y
If you’re looking to swap to an EV, the Tesla Model Y is a great intro to electric car life. This space-aged SUV grants you access to the excellent Supercharger network, offering reliable and fast public charging when you’re on long trips.
The Model Y also has a cavernous boot – 164 litres bigger than the Passat – and there’s a handy 117-litre front boot as well. The buttonless interior will take some getting used to though, and it’s not the most comfortable EV on the market.
9. Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is a great estate car if all you want is no-nonsense, reliable transport. The hybrid engine is economical, and you can get up to 10 years of warranty coverage when you service the car on time at an approved dealer.
There’s nothing about the Corolla which will set your pulse racing, unless you’re really excited by standard equipment because this car has plenty of it. It’s also really easy to drive, offering comfort and refinement in spades.
10. Volvo V60
Volvo has U-turned on the decision to drop estate cars from its lineup, so the stylish V60 is returning to showrooms. This comfortable wagon has a big boot and spacious rear seats, and it’s rammed full of safety kit.
The infotainment system is starting to show its age, but the rest of the interior has stood the test of time very well indeed. It’s well-built and feels premium, plus there’s a range of efficient hybrid engines on offer.
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