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.

807 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech AllTrack Estate 5dr Diesel Manual 4Motion 4WD Euro

£11,695

Finance available £239 pm

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Birkdale Cars Limited

01695661973 *

4.9/5 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 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
92.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Shadow Automotive Ltd

01780431436 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

Low Mileage

£8,795

2L
69.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grampian Cars

01261450003 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£29,750

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

£10,675

Finance available £216 pm

2L
114.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motor Hunt

02476936615 *

3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,770

1.6L
61.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,750

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,995

1.5L
17.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£14,490

1.4L
67.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 TDI Highline Plus DSG Euro 5 5dr

£2,500

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT 4dr PAN ROOF COCKPIT

Reduced

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

2L
176.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO R-Line 4-Door

Low Mileage

£17,999

1.5L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

John Peat Motors Ltd

01529401220 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - TSI GTE 4-Door

£11,795

Finance available £241 pm

1.4L
71.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Avenue Cars of Gloucester Ltd

01452227348 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI 19.7kWh R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£49,256

Finance available £948 pm

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£38,990

1.5L
1.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - 1.8 TSI 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.8L
128.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

HF Bows Motor Sales

01144788634 *

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

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Junction 7 Motor Village

01254919227 *

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

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

* 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.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros