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.

794 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr Auto

£9,550

Finance available £191 pm

1.4L
74.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Riverside BYD

01924927456 *

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

Reduced

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
97.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Star Cars London

02037726236 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - AIR CON

£18,844

Finance available £375 pm

2L
36.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

2L
70.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

2L
98.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

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

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
70.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (Z8) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Reduced

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durham Cars 4 U

01915945586 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,800

Finance available £152 pm

2L
87.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
80.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,850

Finance available £153 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Emerald Car Sales

02890023618 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,500

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2005 - 1.9 TDI PD SE 4-Door

£1,595

1.9L
170.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Central Automotive

01522458044 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£15,495

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Harding Motor Company Ltd

01513174813 *

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 Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
122.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Mike Fairbanks Ltd

01625461142 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4-Door

Low Mileage

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Heartlands Trade Centre Ltd

01212721981 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Archvale Car Sales

02890022125 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£20,364

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Perrys Bolton Cupra

01204584566 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

DFN

02392006047 *

3.7/5 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

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