2016 Volkswagen Passat Starts at $23,260

Volkswagen released pricing today on the refreshed 2016 Passat, which now starts at $23,260 including a destination fee. An automatic transmission — an extra $1,100 on the base 2015 Passat — is now standard, which makes the 2016 base model (the 1.8T S) the same price as an automatic-transmission 2015. Volkswagen claims $1,315 in additional value on the 2016 Passat, including a new 5-inch touch-screen multimedia system, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and a backup camera.

Related: 2016 Volkswagen Passat: First Look

The 2016 Passat hits dealerships in mid- to late November. Here's the breakdown of major features (all prices include destination):

• 1.8T S ($23,260): Besides all the aforementioned features, the 1.8T S has Bluetooth and USB connectivity, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• 1.8T R-Line ($24,795): VW's cosmetic package takes the 1.8T S and adds restyled bumpers and other ground effects plus 19-inch alloy wheels.
• 1.8T R-Line Comfort Package ($25,570): Atop the R-Line, the Comfort Package adds leatherette (imitation leather) seats with a heated front row and a power driver's seat.
• 1.8T SE ($27,100): The SE gets all 1.8T S (not R-Line) features plus 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, satellite radio, a second USB port, a larger (6.3-inch) multimedia screen with voice recognition, heated leatherette seats, a power driver's seat, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
• 1.8T SE Technology Package ($29,230): A tech package on the SE adds a blind spot warning system, keyless access and push-button start, navigation, rain-sensing wipers and heated rear seats.
• 1.8T SEL ($31,315): The SEL adds 18-inch alloy wheels, Fender premium audio, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, a memory driver's seat and a backseat center pass-through.
• 1.8T SEL Premium ($35,090): The SEL Premium adds lane departure warning, corrective steering assist for the lane departure and blind spot warning systems, LED headlights and taillights, and automatic parking with front and rear sensors.
• V6 SEL Premium ($37,655): The V6 SEL Premium adds a 3.6-liter V-6 with 280 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque.

Trim levels below the SEL Premium offer the LEDs through a Lighting Package that runs $1,095 to $1,245, depending on trim. Volkswagen's turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder (170 hp, 184 pounds-feet of torque) powers all but the V6 SEL Premium. A diesel (TDI) version won't be available in the near term, as VW has withdrawn consideration for emissions certification for its four-cylinder diesels in the wake of a major diesel crisis.

Thanks to improved aerodynamics and efficiencies gained in the climate control and alternator, gas mileage increases slightly for the 1.8-liter, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined versus 28 mpg with the automatic transmission last year. V-6 mileage (23 mpg combined) remains the same. Volkswagen now recommends regular gas for the V-6, though its power ratings are for premium fuel.

The 2016 Passat's starting price aligns mostly with the segment's perennial popularity leaders, the 2016 Honda Accord sedan ($22,925) and 2016 Toyota Camry ($23,905). The Passat's V6 SEL Premium is a pricey car, however, as the Accord and Camry top out at less than $35,500. It's also a modest bump over the highest-priced 2015 Passat trim of $36,815.