Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 |
Model | MKS | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat |
Trim | Base | 2.5L S | 1.8T S | 2.5L Wolfsburg Edition | 1.8T Wolfsburg Edition | 2.5L SE | 1.8T SE | TDI SE | V6 SE | 1.8T Sport | 1.8T SEL Premium | TDI SEL Premium | V6 SEL Premium |
Engines | |||||||||||||
Transmissions | |||||||||||||
Drivetrains | |||||||||||||
Tires | |||||||||||||
Audio Systems | |||||||||||||
Accessories | |||||||||||||
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value. | |||||||||||||
Unlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad. | |||||||||||||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | |||||||||||||
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | |||||||||||||
Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee. | |||||||||||||
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||||||||
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in. | |||||||||||||
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||||||||
Greatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window. Includes the value of manual rear shade. | |||||||||||||
Homelink. | |||||||||||||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||||||||||||
Rear disc brakes. | |||||||||||||
Automatically contacts 911 through a linked cell phone in the event of a severe collision. | |||||||||||||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | |||||||||||||
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | |||||||||||||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | |||||||||||||
Applies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control. | |||||||||||||
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | |||||||||||||
Mandatory, in all cars. | |||||||||||||
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||||||||||
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||||||||||
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | |||||||||||||
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | |||||||||||||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | |||||||||||||
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | |||||||||||||
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | |||||||||||||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | |||||||||||||
Periodically uploads and emails a vehicle diagnostic check. | |||||||||||||
Cargo Management | |||||||||||||
Usually part of an overhead console. | |||||||||||||
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat. | |||||||||||||
Climate Control | |||||||||||||
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||||||||||
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||||||||||
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | |||||||||||||
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | |||||||||||||
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | |||||||||||||
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | |||||||||||||
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | |||||||||||||
Exterior | |||||||||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||||||
Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors. | |||||||||||||
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots. | |||||||||||||
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | |||||||||||||
Reduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering. | |||||||||||||
Front glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof. | |||||||||||||
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | |||||||||||||
Infotainment | |||||||||||||
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | |||||||||||||
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | |||||||||||||
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | |||||||||||||
Includes CD player. | |||||||||||||
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | |||||||||||||
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | |||||||||||||
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | |||||||||||||
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | |||||||||||||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | |||||||||||||
Screen-based navigation system. | |||||||||||||
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | |||||||||||||
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader. | |||||||||||||
Converts text messages to speech. | |||||||||||||
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | |||||||||||||
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||||||||||
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | |||||||||||||
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | |||||||||||||
Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported. | |||||||||||||
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | |||||||||||||
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||||||||||||
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||||||
High beams automatically turned on and off. | |||||||||||||
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||||||
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | |||||||||||||
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | |||||||||||||
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | |||||||||||||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | |||||||||||||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | |||||||||||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||||||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||||||||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | |||||||||||||
Front row reading lights. | |||||||||||||
Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | |||||||||||||
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | |||||||||||||
Reports engine speed. | |||||||||||||
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | |||||||||||||
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | |||||||||||||
Seats and Interior Trim | |||||||||||||
All-weather floormats. | |||||||||||||
Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together. | |||||||||||||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | |||||||||||||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | |||||||||||||
Manually adjustable lower back support. | |||||||||||||
Manually adjustable lower back support. | |||||||||||||
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||||||
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||||||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | |||||||||||||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | |||||||||||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||||||||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||||||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||||||
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe. | |||||||||||||
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede. | |||||||||||||
Seating surfaces are part cloth or vinyl, part synthetic suede. | |||||||||||||
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||||||||||
Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | |||||||||||||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||||||||||||
Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels. | |||||||||||||
Transmission | |||||||||||||
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2009 Lincoln MKS
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat
6-speed manual FWD