Which is the most popular engine in the Volkswagen Passat?

Overwhelmingly, customers prefer the diesel engines in the Passat. These engines provide the absolute best compromise in terms of ample performance with excellent fuel economy.

What are the most popular trim levels?

With new Passat models, Volkswagen offers three trims: Life, Elegance and R-Line. Of these three, the R-Line has been among the most popular, likely because of its unique styling features and upgraded sportiness. These are very easy to find on the used market as a result. Older GT and SE models have also proved popular among Passat drivers.

What optional extras should I look out for?

The tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is a desirable option, giving a roomier feel to the cabin. There's also a Black Styling Pack available with the R-Line, giving it a sleek and unique appearance on the road.

Is the Volkswagen Passat a good family car?

With plenty of space, four doors and a big boot, the Passat is a great family car. It's comfortable, safe and packed full of technology features, too.

Is there a hybrid version of the Volkswagen Passat?

There is a hybrid version of the Passat, known as the GTE. It features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to create a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles, after which it automatically switches to petrol/electric hybrid power, allowing you to continue your journey.

Is the Volkswagen Passat available as an automatic?

Volkswagen has offered the Passat with a choice of an automatic or a manual gearbox, and both are plentiful on the used market.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Most Passat models have been built with front-wheel drive. There were some made with four-wheel drive, but they are difficult to find on the used market. Look for models badged as "4MOTION" - this is Volkswagen speak for all-wheel drive.

883 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,599

2L
129.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Friends Autos Ltd

01386573314 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,499

Finance available £271 pm

1.5L
39.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,495

1.6L
132.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Brundall Auto

01603567796 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£11,890

Finance available £243 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Monarch Car Sales

01905673241 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

2L
93.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
79.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Leeds Motor Company (Burley place)

01134675316 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£3,195

1.6L
237.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Autohub Leeds

01134676319 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr - Heated Front Seats - Fron

Reduced

£16,499

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Invicta Bolton

01204324450 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£5,795

1.6L
130.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£42,457

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Blackburn

01254457286 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.6L
16.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

S M G Rover

01174286788 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

Reduced

£2,490

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

EH Traders Ltd

01274059188 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,399

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,999

Finance available £439 pm

1.5L
6.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Edinburgh

01312028747 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 R-Line TDI CR DPF 5dr

Reduced

£2,500

2L
141.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Oxford Wheels LTD

01993463606 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,000

Finance available £228 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£6,975

Finance available £144 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Village Autosales NI

02890026938 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £133 pm

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jack McCaughern Trade Sales

02890023686 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£5,995

1.6L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Brothers Car Lot

01726219474 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£19,498

1.4L
48.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

Why buy a used Volkswagen Passat?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, comfortable on long drives and has a spacious interior, then a used Volkswagen Passat is a great choice. As one of the UK's top-selling cars, the Passat is an excellent motorway cruiser filled with modern technology and features. With several different bodystyles and efficient engines, it's not difficult to find a used Passat that meets your everyday motoring needs.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Excellent cruiser
Efficient diesel engines
Spacious design

Cons

Saloon can be impractical
Plain design
Rivals are better to drive

Read our Volkswagen Passat review

Volkswagen Passat video review

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Used Volkswagen Passat buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Volkswagen has built the Passat with petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid powerplants. These have been paired with an automatic or manual gearbox and front- or all-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5 eTSI outputs 147bhp for a 9.2-second 0-62mph time and an efficiency rating of 51.8mpg.
Older 1.4-litre turbocharged engine generates either 123bhp or 148bhp.
An older 1.8-litre turbocharged engine produces 177bhp, and there's also been a top-performing 2.0-litre outputting 217bhp.
Plug-in GTE version has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles.

Diesel

Older 1.6-litre engine produces 118bhp with an efficiency rating of 76.3mpg.
2.0-litre option increases output to 148bhp or 187bhp offering a rating of up to 67.3mpg. These are the most popular engine choices.
2.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine generates 237bhp.

Practicality

Bigger than the Golf and Beetle, the Volkswagen Passat is a practical family car with plenty of space for people and cargo.

Interior space

Adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat allow for the best position, while the massaging feature offers more comfort on long drives.
Rear seat headroom and legroom adequate for tall adults.
ISOFIX mounting points have flip-up covers over them for protection.

Boot space

690-litre boot is more than the average of 500 litres for most cars in this segment.
Putting down the rear seats increases space to 1,920 litres.
Bumper is low to the ground and there's no boot lip to contend with.

Bodystyles

Estate model is still available with a longer body for added space.
Saloon was recently discontinued.
Other variants were inspired by the Passat, including the four-door coupé known as the CC, and the rugged version known as the Alltrack.

Safety

2014 Euro NCAP rating gives the Passat five stars.
Child occupant rating sits at 87%, with adult occupant earning 85%.
Standard safety kit includes adaptive cruise control and automatic parking for more confidence.

Technology

Large 12.9-inch touchscreen display is the focal point of the dashboard.
High-resolution 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is easy to view.
Available Premium sound systems are available to provide more audio clarity and enjoyment.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.