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.

811 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline 4-Door

Low Mileage

£5,350

2L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Auto Barn Approved Used Cars

01568601127 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£38,998

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Newcastle Silverlink

01916077583 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£1,985

1.6L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Aventus Motors LTD

01162165602 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

Reduced

£4,490

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jenson Cars

01733794308 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI 177 Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
68.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

EGS Motors Ltd

01274089997 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,900

2L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Euro Motor Company Limited

01709212019 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£15,300

2L
41.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£21,900

Finance available £429 pm

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 119 BHP 4-Door

£10,990

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - HIGHLINE 2.0 TDI TURBO

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Albion Road Motor Co

01843441081 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - SEL TDI DSG 5-Door

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

CSK Motors

01709288247 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,999

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£6,995

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

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

£3,750

2L
169.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£37,076

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Newcastle Scotswood Road

01916077232 *

0/5 Stars

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

£2,799

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Fairfield Car Centre

01615196713 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£31,675

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr DSG

£14,998

1.6L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Clydebank)

01389311152 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat1988 (E) - GL5 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Classic & Sports Cars

01765532620 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204PS 6-speed DSG 5-Door

£37,874

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

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.

View guides

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