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 Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,200

Finance available £287 pm

2L
46.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£21,290

2L
35.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall SKODA Oxford

01865952020 *

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 Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£2,490

2L
121.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Globe Cars

01733915026 *

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

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Yealmpton Car Sales

01752746485 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr + SAT NAV / VW HISTORY / 20 TAX / ULEZ / DAB

Low Mileage

£9,275

Finance available £185 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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 Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG Petrol Saloon

Low Mileage

£18,339

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Vertu Volkswagen Harrogate

01423396103 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,945

Finance available £312 pm

2L
63.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Reduced

£36,498

1.5L
19.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,799

Finance available £264 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - TDI SE Business 4-Door

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
109.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Stores

01515419312 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Style Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

2L
97.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

James Wright Cars Ltd

01744419596 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business 5-Door

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Horsepower Cars

01463218770 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£12,595

1.4L
87.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£7,650

Finance available £149 pm

1.6L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

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

£5,400

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

BINCA

01908765732 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,690

Finance available £261 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

East Kilbride Used Cars

01412601336 *

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

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