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.

799 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J26 Vans & Trucks Limited

01156977778 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (60) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Drivers Choice Limited

01217288652 *

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

£8,590

Finance available £170 pm

2L
106.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Certa Used Car Sales

01495367679 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Passat(71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,290

Finance available £297 pm

48.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

2L
86.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pitstop Motors

02890023745 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
115.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 4dr

Reduced

£3,450

Finance available £55 pm

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

M&M Automotive

01590631653 *

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

£38,980

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,425

Finance available £233 pm

2L
88.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
62.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - TSI GTE 5-Door

£11,989

1.4L
99.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£11,649

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,800

Finance available £308 pm

1.4L
47.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

PRO AUTOCARS LTD

01256587054 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - LHD LEFT HAND DRIVE+2015 VW VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT+AUTO+LONG MOT+INSUR ARRANGED 4-Door

£9,494

Finance available £190 pm

1.8L
107.3K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Saloon

UK LEFT HAND DRIVE

01494326588 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG Auto

£17,999

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Palmers Mitsubishi Hemel Hempsted

01442503952 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,399

Finance available £456 pm

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£38,890

1.5L
10.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
134.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

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

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Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros