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.

751 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG Auto

£25,604

2L
3.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

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

Reduced

£13,695

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG 5-Door

£16,497

Finance available £332 pm

1.6L
51.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
94.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

J&M Cars Magherafelt

02879441918 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£3,495

1.6L
190.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cr motors

01274028307 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Auto

£39,217

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,850

2L
97.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Seabrook Cars LTD

01905672485 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£14,990

1.4L
75.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI S Euro 5 4dr

£1,995

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

GGS Motors Ltd

02382148539 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£4,495

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Polesworth Garage Tamworth

01827213852 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,995

2L
88.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£17,399

Finance available £355 pm

1.4L
36.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business 4-Door

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Heartlands Trade Centre Ltd

01212721981 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 p

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

LHK Performance Cars Ltd

01743290953 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

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

£4,250

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£12,595

Finance available £259 pm

1.6L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
107.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Saver Motors

01919333978 *

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 *

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.