Cars.com Family Reviews the 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI!

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI is one of the most family-friendly midsize sedans I've ever driven with its large backseat, ample trunk and ah-mazing fuel economy. Its got lots to offer and a somewhat moderate price, but I had mixed feelings about this clean-diesel-powered sedan.

EXTERIOR

The 2013 Passat TDI doesn't look a bit different from the non-diesel model, save for the badge in the back. It's a long, streamlined sedan with clean lines and a simple aesthetic; it looks large when compared to other midsize sedans in its class as well.

One of the best things about the exterior design is how easy it is to get in and out of this car. The door handles aren't too high, and the door openings are generous. This is good news for parents who assist children into their child-safety seats, and it's especially convenient for those who are constantly loading/unloading infant carriers in and out of their base.

There's no need to pack light if you've got the Passat. With a stroller in the trunk, I still had plenty of room for grocery bags. The trunk has great cutouts in the walls where I stored my reusable shopping bags, first-aid kit and an umbrella. Bring on the double strollers, golf bags, beach chairs or even a group of clowns to jump out of the trunk, the Passat can take it, I swear.

The gas-powered Passat has a couple of options under the hood, but the TDI model is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Don't be discouraged by its 140 horsepower; it's peppy enough and its 236 pounds-feet of torque makes it more fun to drive than many hybrids. As someone who usually gets below-average mileage due to hastiness and stop-and-go traffic in Los Angeles, I was floored when I checked the trip computer more than once and found numbers higher than 40 mpg. The Passat TDI gets an EPA-estimated 31/43 mpg city/highway, and I maintained those for the week. The real gem was never visiting the gas station to fuel up during my test drive. One less errand with a demanding toddler is one of the biggest conveniences of all.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some

INTERIOR

The Passat TDI's interior is huge. This is one sedan that actually delivers on its roomy specs and ample legroom. My husband was able to recline in the front passenger seat, and my daughter sitting behind him in the backseat still couldn't reach the seatback to kick it. Families will love how roomy and spacious it is inside, and if you don't have child-safety seats, a family of five will be quite comfortable in this five-seater.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some

INTERIOR

The Passat TDI's interior is huge. This is one sedan that actually delivers on its roomy specs and ample legroom. My husband was able to recline in the front passenger seat, and my daughter sitting behind him in the backseat still couldn't reach the seatback to kick it. Families will love how roomy and spacious it is inside, and if you don't have child-safety seats, a family of five will be quite comfortable in this five-seater.

Courtesy of Cars.com