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.

927 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,399

£305/pm (PCP)

1.4L
47.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£17,295

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

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

Low Mileage

£34,054

1.5L
4.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.4 Passat GTe Semi-Auto 4dr

Reduced

£12,690

£261/pm (HP)

35.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 Tsi Evo R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£20,499

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Newcastle Nissan

01916077244 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG

£14,999

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

1.6L
123.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Orchard Car Sales Ltd

01256633756 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,690

£172/pm (HP)

1.6L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,500

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Reduced

£2,995

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

BROOKE CARS M65 LIMITED

01254457250 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£6,699

£127/pm (HP)

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Gouldings Car Sales (North Hykeham)

01522449057 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 Turbo Diesel (TDI), BlueMotion Tech, SE Edition, Business Pack, Manual, 5-Door

£9,399

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,950

£133/pm (HP)

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

GT Automotive

01902937679 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

£12,990

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Car Shop 365 LTD

01274028208 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

1.4L
76.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Pinetree Car Superstore Tonypandy

01443803252 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,990

£268/pm (HP)

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Discount Car Centre Ltd

01616969160 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,000

£134/pm (HP)

2L
64.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

IMV Motors Ltd

01217525794 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218

£11,397

£223/pm (CS)

1.4L
82.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 4dr DSG

£7,495

£145/pm (HP)

1.4L
108.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Reduced

£4,995

2L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PRESTIGE BHP

01753915481 *

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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