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.

778 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,295

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Nottinghamcar com

01156848096 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

WMGB

01278550715 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£33,990

1.5L
51.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£15,998

1.6L
50.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr

£1,499

2L
166.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Fairfield Car Centre

01615196713 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG Estate

£34,903

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
82.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

£17,998

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 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 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.8 TSI 180 GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£18,099

Finance available £382 pm

1.8L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durdar Garage

01228273232 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

£3,295

2L
124.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
115.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GT Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

1.4L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Extra Mile Motors Ltd

01761250725 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - TDI SE Business 4-Door

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
109.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Stores

01515419312 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,489

Finance available £123 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps)

£3,845

2L
128.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Torque Motor Group Ltd

01484240503 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
96.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,290

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
48.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£13,299

Finance available £275 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AW Car House Ltd

01827213842 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

* 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.