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.

826 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

2L
58.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 5dr DSG Diesel Estate

£15,571

1.6L
45.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Peugeot Exeter

01392537059 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

Reduced

£35,200

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
84.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - GTE Advance 1.4 TSI 218PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£14,068

1.4L
73.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£15,984

Finance available £335 pm

2L
64.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TVS Cars Ltd

01746330685 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr FULL SERVICE HISTORY

£5,995

2L
134.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Speedway Garage Gunness Limited

01724514211 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Elegance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£35,980

Finance available £748 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.4L
85.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Hodgson Specialist Cars Ltd

01942365192 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,200

1.5L
81.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£8,299

Finance available £163 pm

1.6L
82.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - PADDLE SHIFT

£16,319

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Professional Car Agent

01752973682 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£11,500

Finance available £187 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Canvey Carriage Company

01268203836 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - SPORT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Low Mileage

£3,695

2L
101.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Regal Motors

02394319624 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

£4,995

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mac Motors

02890023774 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 4dr

£15,850

Finance available £332 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,250

1.6L
153.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

ROBIN LEE WILLIS

01633742359 *

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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