How to Fold Down the Rear Seats of the New Passat?

[MatteoAnn]

The method to fold down the rear seats of the Volkswagen New Passat is very simple. Just pull the release loop located in the trunk to fold down the rear seats. The new Passat features both split-folding and full-folding rear seats. 1. Split-folding rear seats: The backrests of the rear seats can be folded down in a split ratio, offering more flexibility compared to full-folding. You can fold down only half of the backrest to accommodate large items while the remaining part can still be used for seating. The split-folding rear seats come in the following two methods: ① 1/3 split-folding: Press the rear seat release switch, hold the seat with your hand, and pull it forward to fold it down. You need to apply force when pressing the switch. When folding down the left seat, only that single seat can be folded. ② 2/3 split-folding: When folding down the right seat, two seats (middle and right) can be folded down simultaneously. 2. Full-folding rear seats: The backrest of the rear seats is a single unit. When you need more space for larger items, you can fold down the entire backrest to gain additional space. The downside of full-folding rear seats is that the rear seats cannot be used for seating when folded down.

[BeckettMarie]

My family owns the new Passat, and the rear seat folding feature is incredibly practical. Open the rear door and locate the small pull loop with the arrow symbol at the top of the seat back. Both left and right seats are equipped with independent switches. When pulling forcefully, you can clearly hear the sound of the buckle releasing, while simultaneously pushing the seat back forward. Be sure to remove any pillows or items from the seat back first, or they might get stuck. After folding, the entire trunk can fit my road bike, though the center hump leaves a slight slope. Once during a move, I found that adjusting the front seats forward a bit made the operation easier.

[VanBella]

Just helped a friend with his new Passat, and folding down the rear seats turned out to be simpler than expected. First, confirm the vehicle configuration—most newer models feature a 60/40 split design allowing independent folding of left and right sections. Locate the hard plastic pull handle near the seat shoulder, hook it with your index finger and pull firmly downward while using your knee to push the backrest forward. The key is listening for the distinct click sound indicating proper release. I noticed operation feels particularly stiff in rainy conditions—wiping the latch grooves dry beforehand improves smoothness. When fully flat, it accommodates two extra camping gear boxes, but remember to avoid scratching the leather upholstery with metal hooks.

[Price]

I researched this feature before my last road trip. The new Passat comes with emergency release devices in the rear seats, located at the junction between the seat and the C-pillar. Using both hands provides more stability - pull down the switch with your right hand while pushing the middle of the seatback with your left hand. Remember to withdraw your hands slowly when reclining the backrest to avoid pinching injuries. No need to specially remove the headrests, as they fold down automatically with the seatback. Actual measurements show over 1.8 meters of length when fully reclined, perfect for placing a folding mattress when moving. Before operation, remember to check whether the trunk cover needs to be removed.

[LeAlexa]

As a frequent construction site visitor, I fold down the rear seats every week. The new design is much more user-friendly than the old version, with anti-slip patterns on the pull ring surface. Unlocking the child safety lock on the rear door first is safer, and lean slightly backward when pulling the handle for better leverage. If it gets stuck, don't force it - check if thin items like phones are trapped under the seat cushion. After fully flattening, laying an old bedsheet protects the leather seats from scratches when transporting building materials. Make sure you hear two consecutive clicks when restoring to confirm proper locking.