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.

875 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 Tdi Scr 190 R-Line 4Dr Dsg

£19,372

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Darlington Volkswagen

01325525219 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,490

Finance available £387 pm

2L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Saltmarine Used Car Centre

02887441419 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door

£39,700

1.5L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI S 4dr DSG

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Craigton Cars

01412601250 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,599

Finance available £427 pm

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,990

Finance available £158 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Mi-Next Car

01158384494 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,800

Finance available £241 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PRO AUTOCARS LTD

01256587054 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,699

Finance available £428 pm

1.5L
3.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£14,595

Finance available £304 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Duncan Motors (Melmount LTD)

02890023183 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£3,795

2L
164.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Style Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/

Low Mileage

£7,595

Finance available £159 pm

2L
63.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Torque Motor Group Ltd

01484240503 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,700

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
77.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AUTOTRADE BIRMINGHAM LTD

01217525773 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

1.6L
84.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

James Little Street Cars

01563591198 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - Estate 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

£39,698

1.5L
15.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

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 Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£5,000

1.6L
92.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

JT Car Sales Worksop Ltd

01909498731 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,750

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 GT TDI 170 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£5,495

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Farran Auto Sales Ltd

02895908570 *

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.