2017 Volkswagen Passat R Line

The Passat is VW's mid-size sedan, the one that goes up against the Accord and Camry with a roomier back seat than either. It's at its best on the highway, where it cruises smoothly and holds a line with little effort, even if it's not a corner-carver. The cabin is plain but well-built, and the rear seat is genuinely spacious, with a trunk that swallows luggage for a road trip. A few owners mention the brake pedal feels overly sensitive at first, and some report the backup camera can be slow to respond. The R Line sits above the S and below the SE, adding sporty styling touches like 19-inch wheels and a unique body kit without bumping the price much. Its 1.8L I4 makes 170 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic, which is smooth and responsive enough for daily driving, and it returns 27 mpg combined. The R Line gets paddle shifters and a leather-wrapped wheel, but the suspension is the same as the S and SE, so the look is racier than the feel.