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.

816 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,795

Finance available £241 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

H2 Autos Ltd

01782917254 *

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 Passat2025 - R-Line Tsi Dsg

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,749

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,899

Finance available £392 pm

1.4L
35.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

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

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,295

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO R-Line 4-Door

Low Mileage

£18,499

1.5L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

John Peat Motors Ltd

01529401220 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Reduced

£1,695

1.6L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Windmill Autos Ltd

01767661305 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr

£750

2L
174.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

NJH Car Sales

01792345025 *

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

£10,295

2L
120.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

3.8/5 Stars

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

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Twin Car Sales Ltd

01255449987 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£17,000

2L
53.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SKODA Milton Keynes

01908062410 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RM Trade Sales

02890023693 *

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

Reduced

£11,486

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£27,900

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

£2,995

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AMD AUTOS

01778300647 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Aspire Automotive Limited

01268219722 *

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.