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.

873 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,799

2L
24.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mercedes-Benz of Hamilton

01698674602 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG

£36,795

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Mercedes-Benz of Winchester

01962676278 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,845

Finance available £521 pm

1.5L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr 1 OWNER / 8 VW SERVICES / ULEZ / SAT NAV / H/SEATS

£9,475

Finance available £189 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Jack McCaughern Trade Sales

02890023686 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,999

2L
105.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Taylors Of Skegness

01754808552 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£29,449

Finance available £623 pm

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,250

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,299

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 Se Nav Evo TDI 4DR Saloon Diesel

Low Mileage

£18,989

Finance available £370 pm

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 Tsi Evo Sel Estate 5dr Petrol Dsg Euro 6 (s/s) (150 Ps)

£17,799

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Drayton Motors Kia Grantham

01476851852 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (110 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
102.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

Reduced

£9,995

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grampian Cars

01261450003 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - R-Line 2.0 TDI EVO 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£19,379

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£8,995

2L
81.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414730658 *

Volkswagen Passat1988 (E) - GL5 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Classic & Sports Cars

01765532620 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,299

Finance available £619 pm

1.5L
5.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,849

Finance available £610 pm

1.5L
4.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

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.

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* 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.