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 Passat2012 - 2.0L Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion Semi-Auto Estate 5dr Diesel

Reduced

£5,995

2L
78.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2005 (55) - 1.9 SE TDI 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,990

1.9L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sway Road Car Sales

01792940350 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,099

Finance available £615 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£17,498

1.4L
47.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leeds Roseville Road)

01134689402 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,499

Finance available £602 pm

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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 S 4dr DSG

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Craigton Cars

01412601250 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 - 1.9 SE TDI 4dr

£950

1.9L
219.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

GF Cars

02890023191 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BMT DIESEL 150 BHP ESTATE 5 DR , F.S.H , £20 ROAD TAX

£6,995

2L
130.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

G5 Autos Ltd (Appointment Only)

01482947637 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,499

Finance available £602 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£7,797

Finance available £152 pm

2L
116.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mersea Car Sales

01206489531 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE Business 5dr ULEZ Hpi One Owner

Reduced

£6,499

1.5L
147.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Simply Motors

02081500946 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG

£38,998

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2007 (07) - 2.0 TDI Sport Euro 4 5dr

£1,295

2L
184.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

EASICARS SUPERMARKET

02039375174 *

Volkswagen Passat2004 (54) - 1.9 Highline TDI 130 5dr Tip Auto

Low Mileage

£3,750

1.9L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Staffordshire Motor Group Ltd

01785569196 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Business 5-Door

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.4L
112.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Wootton Motor Company

01553602430 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE Business Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
108.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
30.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG 5-Door

£14,697

Finance available £294 pm

1.6L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 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

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