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 Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£3,795

2L
164.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£5,490

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chesterton Motor Group Ltd

01709223124 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,250

2L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Lamberts Used Car Sales ltd

01392344504 *

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 Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,888

Finance available £221 pm

2L
82.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Car Traders

02037808158 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

£3,295

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Amayr Car Sales

02920028833 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£13,469

Finance available £270 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
41.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Botley Car Centre Limited

01489661104 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door

Low Mileage

£14,495

2L
62.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 110 4dr

£1,295

2L
143.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£45,190

1.5L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,990

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Mi-Next Car

01158384494 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
67.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,840

Finance available £242 pm

1.4L
76.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr

£750

2L
174.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

NJH Car Sales

01792345025 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£15,199

Finance available £317 pm

1.4L
83.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S 5-Door

Reduced

£4,150

2L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

B C S LTD

01162162529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,698

Finance available £217 pm

2L
53.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MQAS CARS LTD

01254946245 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£39,795

25.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 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.

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