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.

805 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£6,495

1.6L
89.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£13,295

1.4L
76.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 2.0 BiTDI SCR GT 4MOTION 5dr DSG

£15,757

Finance available £336 pm

2L
61.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Poolstock Car Sales Limited

01942597424 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

1.5L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,490

2L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

ADAM G CARS

01302986312 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,450

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
82.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motoring Way LTD

01633631006 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£4,750

Finance available £84 pm

1.6L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

GF Cars

02890023191 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Reduced

£5,400

Finance available £98 pm

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Juno Cars

01282501863 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
60.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

BCS Automotive

02037803360 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£32,990

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
237.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Burton Car Centre

01134676319 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Style Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£6,790

Finance available £129 pm

2L
82.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AUTOTRADE BIRMINGHAM LTD

01217525773 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sean Kearney Cars

02890026883 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

Reduced

£14,290

1.4L
67.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE Business - 2019 MODEL - COMPANY OWNED - MOTORWAY MILES 4-Door

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

LEASE CARS DIRECT LTD

01502441274 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr

£5,950

Finance available £111 pm

2L
216.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business 5-Door

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
1.9M
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

0/5 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

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.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros