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.

900 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£25,299

£355/pm (PCP)

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 5dr DSG

£11,995

1.5L
107.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£25,999

£366/pm (PCP)

1.5L
6.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Edinburgh

01312028747 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 Passat SEL TSi Evo 5dr

£9,971

1.5L
125.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Car Motion

01709223117 *

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

Low Mileage

£33,326

1.5L
4.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£3,490

£52/pm (HP)

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mark James Car Sales

01212721207 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£12,990

£268/pm (HP)

2L
69.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£26,449

£377/pm (PCP)

1.5L
6.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 Elegance 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£35,241

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Blackburn

01254457286 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 GT TDI BlueMotion Tech 170 4dr [5 seat]

£2,745

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RAF-Cars

01494413879 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,695

£343/pm (HP)

2L
56.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Brakes Motor Company

01460201719 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£39,795

10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - TSI R-Line 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,995

£268/pm (HP)

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Abberton Car Sales

01206879441 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£1,995

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Q Cars

01484240542 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive 4-Door

£2,995

1.6L
129.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Nova Car Sales

01480597472 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,000

£215/pm (HP)

2L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£15,995

£315/pm (HP)

2L
55.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£34,880

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG ONLY 55K MILES F.S.H/ULEZ FREE

Reduced

£7,995

£156/pm (HP)

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Valley Trade centre

01494312062 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 5-Door

£6,993

£134/pm (HP)

1.6L
100.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

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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