As one of the automotive world’s most storied brands, Volkswagen has engineered high-quality “People’s Cars” to suit every need for over 80 years and counting. From their air-cooled rear-engine beginnings in pre-WWII Germany to today’s cutting-edge electric vehicles and self-driving tech, generation after generation has grown up enjoying these well-built European cars.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll discover the 17 different types of Volkswagen passenger vehicle models available new in 2023, spanning icons like the Golf hatchback to electrified crossovers and versatile vans for families, adventurers and commercial users alike. Peruse performance specs, pricing details and standout features that showcase why Volkswagen continues leading the industry decade after decade. Let’s explore what sets these thoughtfully engineered cars apart!
Quick History: How Volkswagen Became an Automotive Household Name
The original rear-engined Beetle brought affordable transportation to the masses
Established in 1937 by the German Labour Front, Volkswagen’s story traces to Austrian engineer Ferdinand Porsche‘s innovative compact economy car design that became known as the Type 1, finally entering volume production after World War 2 as the iconic Beetle in 1945. With over 21 million units sold, the beloved “Bug” brought simple, affordable, reliable transportation to the masses through ingenious design like its air-cooled boxer engine placed out back driving the rear wheels.
Evolving from the Beetle’s concept, successor water-cooled front-engine compacts like the Golf defined whole new segments of sporty, economical “hot hatches”, establishing the fun-to-drive personality inherent in Volkswagens today. Luxurious models like the Phaeton sedan and Touareg SUV later demonstrate VW’s high-end capabilities. 21st century priorities steering Europe’s largest automaker toward electric mobility see the ID sub-brand ushering in Volkswagen’s battery-powered future today.
Now selling over 10 million cars yearly across dozens of nameplates filling nearly every niche worldwide, Volkswagen has firmly cemented its place among the auto world’s great volume manufacturers. Balancing quality, everyday usability and driving enjoyment at reasonable prices for all has defined the brand for close to a century. Let’s see how these core values shine throughout Volkswagen’s diverse 2023 model lineup!
Legendary Volkswagen Hatchback Models Through Generations
Golf R brings 315 horsepower performance to VW‘s 8th gen hatch icon
As the original 1976 Golf defined the fun, sporty affordable hatchback formula competitors still chase today, the iconic nameplate remains Volkswagen’s top-selling model worldwide through 2023, enjoyed by over 35 million buyers to date across eight generations! Beneath immediately familiar sheet metal lies the latest high-tech connectivity, safety and performance enhancing the Golf’s inherent formula rather than altering its award-winning blend of practicality, quality and driving joy.
Slotting beneath it in global markets, the Polo subcompact hatchback distills quintessential Golf qualities into an even more city-friendly package since 1975 debuting the rugged supermini breed. Engineered by Volkswagen Group subsidiary Škoda, the well-equipped Polo punches above its weight mixing big-car safety and tech in a nimble compact footprint.
2023 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback
- $23,775+ Base Price Spans Value 1.5L TSI To 315 HP Golf R
- 6 Manual/Automatic Transmissions Up To 40 MPG Highway
- 10.25” Digital Cockpit and Touchscreen Infotainment Systems
- Autonomous Emergency Braking/Travel Assist Hands-Free Driving Aid Tech
2023 Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (Global Market, Not Offered in North America Currently)
- Popular Abroad Mixing Big-Car Gear Into Nimble Footprint
- Advanced 1.0L 3-Cylinder TSI Gas And TDI Diesel Engines
- Up To 60 MPG Highway From Efficient Powertrains
- Focus On Safety With Autonomous Braking/Pedestrian Monitoring
Enthusiasts worldwide celebrate the Golf and Polo for defining the affordable performance hatchback formula. Their ingeniously engineered blend of European driving engagement, impressive economy and everyday livability at reasonable prices keeps these nameplates beloved.
Sedans From Compacts To Near-Luxury Cruisers
Beyond hot hatches, Volkswagen produces several sedans aimed at moving families, business customers and luxury buyers. Ranging across compact economy models like America’s Passat successor the Jetta up to Audi-challenging executive cruisers like the Arteon almost crossing $50,000 fully loaded, VW’s 4-door range provides comfort, quality and driving enjoyment many classes above their pricing.
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Compact Sedan
With its independent rear suspension (not always standard in its class), Jetta out-handles rivals
- $20,195 Entry-Level MSRP – GLI Tops Range Near $31k
- 8-Speed Automatic Getting Up to 38 MPG Highway Economy
- Responsive Independent Rear Suspension Tuned In Germany
- Big Car Safety: FCW/AEB/Blind Spot Detection Standard
2023 Volkswagen Passat Midsize Sedan
- Roomy, Value-Packed Flagship $26k-$35k With Luxury Trims
- 2.0L TSI 174 HP Turbo + Hybrid eMotor Options
- Up To 40 MPG Highway From Gas Or Gas/Electric Powertrains
- Available All-Wheel Drive Maximizes Traction Year-Round
2023 Volkswagen Arteon Near-Luxury Sport Sedan
- Striking Style Inside And Out Belies $46-$52k Pricing
- Standard AWD, 268 HP Turbo + 8-Speed DSG Automated Manual
- Digital Cockpit w/Navigation, Harman Kardon Audio And Heads Up Display
- Massaging/Ventilated Nappa Leather Seats, Remote Park Assist
Spanning compact economy models to premium executive sedans, Volkswagen’s 4-door range brings European driving enjoyment to a wide range of buyers no matter the budget. Their ride, handling and features punch far above typical family sedans.
Crossovers For Families And Adventurers
Joining VW’s strong sedan lineup comes a varied range of SUVs and crossovers from subcompact city runabouts to 3-row family haulers. Volkswagen leverages its driving-oriented engineering excellence into high riding CUVs catering to America’s seemingly unquenchable thirst for SUVs of all shapes and sizes. Let’s explore the 2023 crossover range!
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Family 3-Row SUV
With 3 rows and room for the whole family, Atlas leads VW‘s SUV lineup
- Value Priced From $35k, Scaling To $50k For V6 Towing Power
- 3 Rows Seat 7, With 96 cu. ft. Cargo Capacity
- 12” Digital Cockpit Available
- 3,500 lb Tow Rating, Up To 22 City / 26 Highway MPG
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- Sporty 5 Seat Atlas Variant From $34k
- 295 HP V6 Provides Effortless Power
- Generous Tech Like Digital Cockpit, Fender Audio
- Up To 27 MPG Highwaymatcher
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 5 Seat Compact SUV
- 184 HP 2.0L Turbo / 8-Speed Auto Mix Performance + Efficiency
- Up To 33 MPG Highway From AWD Crossover
- Available 3rd Row In Rugged Off-Road-Ready Tiguan X
- 30.6 cu. ft. Cargo Capacity + Hands Free Tailgate
2023 Volkswagen Taos Subcompact Crossover
- Playful Subcompact Mixes Style, Tech At $24k Starting Price
- 22 City / 29 Highway MPG From Zippy 1.5L Turbo / DSG Auto
- Attractive Cabin Design Punching Above Typical Class Quality
- Available IQ.Light LED Matrix Headlights Illuminate Night Driving
Blending car-like driving dynamics with light off-road capability, Volkswagen’s SUV offerings bridge the gap between cars and trucks better than the typical SUV. Performance crossover fans rejoice at VW’s focused engineering skill handily outdoing trucks hiding behind chunky styling and bravado alone.
Volkswagen Electric Vehicle Vanguard Leads Industry
As Europe‘s stringent emissions regulations pressure rapid industry electrification, Volkswagen‘s deep investments into dedicated EV platforms give the brand an easy leadSTATESIDE. UNIQUE "ID" SUB-BRAND MODELS ENGINEERED FROM THE GROUND UP FOR ELECTRIC POWER SHOWCASE VW‘S BATTERY KNOWLEDGE, WITH RAPIDLY IMPROVING RANGES SATISFYING DAILY NEEDS. LET‘S EXPLORE THE GROWING ID MODEL RANGE!
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Electric Compact Crossover
With ranges exceeding 250 miles, ID.4 promises everyday usability
- $41k Entry Price, RWD And AWD Single/Dual Motor Options
- 201 HP Rear, 295 HP AWD Output
- Generous 260 Miles Range From 77 kWh Battery
- Spacious, Futuristic Styling Showcases Electric Reimagination
2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Electric Van
- $43k Buys Nostalgic Iconic Styling In Modern EV Form
- 201 HP / 250 Mile Range RWD Model At Launch
- Ultra-Flexible People And Gear Hauling
- AWD Pro S Estimated $56k When Available
2023 Volkswagen ID.5 Electric Coupe Crossover
- Swoopy Style Sacrifices Little Utility Starting Under $45k
- 295 HP Dual Motor AWD / 240 Miles Max Range
- Seats 5 Comfortably
- Advanced Driver Aids Like Travel Assist Hands Free Highway Driving
2023 Volkswagen ID.6 Electric 3 Row SUV (China Market Launch, Details Limited)
- Model Sized Between Atlas and US-Market Touareg Footprints
- 225+ HP Single/Dual Motor RWD And AWD Options Likely
- 82 kWh Battery Believed To Deliver Over 300 Miles Range
- Volkswagen’s First Dedicated Battery Electric 3 Row People Mover
With rapidly improving battery ranges promising practical daily usability free from gas station fill ups, Volkswagen‘s electric lineup proves that modern EV ownership needs little compromise. Growing fast, VW‘s ID range continues pushing boundaries.
Volkswagen Commercial and Specialty Vehicle Offerings
Go anywhere lifestyle vans like the Transporter benefit from VW engineering
Beyond VW‘s growing passenger vehicle lineup, the brand produces commercial vans plus unique recreational and specialty vehicles built upon the inherent reliability of their automobile engineering expertise. Custom solutions cater to business and individual customers needing flexible solutions well-engineered passenger vehicle roots capably deliver.
2023 Volkswagen Amarok Global Midsize Pickup Truck
- Developed With Ford, Shares Underpinnings With Ranger
- Turbo 2.0 Diesel Offers Copious Torque, Up to 20 MPG Combined
- 1 Ton Payload Rating, 7,700 lb Towing
- Interior Tech Shared With Atlas SUV In Top Trims
2023 Volkswagen Caddy Commercial Van
- Multiple Size Configurations Suit Business Needs
- 107 HP Diesel / 201 HP Turbo Gas Engines
- Generous 1,100 lb Max Payload / 5,000+ lb Tow Ratings
- Available in Cargo and Passenger Wagon Variants
2023 Volkswagen California Global Camper Van
- Sleeping quarters, Kitchen + Bath Built Into Retro Styling
- 148 HP 2.0L Turbo / 7-Speed DSG Auto Mix Power and Efficiency
- 4Motion AWD Adds Off-Road, Poor Weather Capability
- 30 MPG Highway Potential From Thoughtful Engineering
Underpinning workhorse commercial vehicles with their passenger car pedigree gives an easy edge to Volkswagen thru this unique lineup that thinks beyond competitive set blind spots. They build very particular transportation solutions most other brands ignore to instead chase volume sales.
Volkswagen‘s Diverse Model Reflections Enhance Brand Legacy Daily
Thanks to an obsessive focus on quality, driver-focused engineering and democratizing European-bred engagement in daily driving across model lines, Volkswagen continues growing its storied legacy into its ninth decade and beyond. From iconoclast pioneers like the Beetle democratizing automobile ownership to electric future-thinkers like ID.4, boundary-pushing lives firmly in VW’s DNA.
Core brand hallmarks permeate the lineup to reward enthusiasts, families and businesses alike with safety, customizability, leading-edge technology access and everyday usability both proven over 8 decades and thoughtfully enhanced continuously through forward-thinking innovation. Whatever your need, Volkswagen likely has a tailor-made solution combining precision German engineering designed to excel but also endure thanks to its consumer-first ethos and thoughtful simplicity of operation.
Here’s to the next 80 years and counting of “People’s Cars” for the masses! Let me know which model you have your eye most on in the comments or on social. I’m happy to chat more about your favorite Volkswagen cars any time!
