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.

765 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor Express

07305693901 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£16,600

Finance available £303 pm

1.4L
58.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr TIMING BELT DONE

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

2L
88.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
164.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

HALLAM CAR SALES LTD

01143086615 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,750

Finance available £307 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Drew Baxter Cars

02866330744 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.4L
65.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Victoria Motors

01225437258 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£3,275

Finance available £51 pm

2L
131.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

VB CAR SALES LTD

01869221273 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
120.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Redpath & Mclean Motor Ltd

01316036539 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI R-Line 150PS ACT DSG Saloon Automatic 4-Door

Low Mileage

£15,260

1.4L
42.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£33,957

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Nottingham South

01156977747 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,795

1.5L
1.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£8,499

2L
75.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pinetree Car Superstore Tonypandy

01443806091 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Big Car World

01164029117 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£14,295

2L
77.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
97.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Torque Motor Group Ltd

01484240503 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£16,195

1.6L
52.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£3,350

Finance available £53 pm

2L
129.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

2k Motor Group

01733797035 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

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

* 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