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.

816 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£10,200

Finance available £206 pm

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion 2 Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (110 ps)

Reduced

£2,698

2L
103.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Deeside Motor Centre Ltd

01244565351 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rother Valley Cars

01412601328 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,300

Finance available £235 pm

2L
67.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Curley Cars

02890023216 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

Reduced

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AMD AUTOS

01778300647 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor Express

07305693901 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,298

1.6L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Bishopbriggs Renault / Dacia / Vanstore

01416118578 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£9,495

2L
81.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414730658 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
56.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Supreme Motors NI

02882449414 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13KWH GTE DSG 4dr DSG (APPLE CAR PLAY, FULL LEATHER)

Reduced

£19,988

1.4L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,939

Finance available £389 pm

1.4L
37.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - VIENNA LEATHE

£20,304

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI (150ps) GT (s/s) Saloon Manual 4-Door

Low Mileage

£16,200

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£1,895

2L
143.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr

£17,498

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Peugeot/SEAT/Cupra/Skoda (Edinburgh)

01312025128 *

4.7/5 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 Passat2016 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
109.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AUTOHAUS CHELTENHAM LTD T/a Greatfield Cars & Commercials

01242501609 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 1.8 TSI 4dr

Reduced

£2,795

1.8L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,700

Finance available £172 pm

2L
99.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Auto City Trader Ltd

01182274525 *

4/5 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

* 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