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.

778 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.4 TSI 160 Executive 5dr DSG

Reduced

£12,995

1.4L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Coopers Cars (South West) Limited

01278555831 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£50,990

1.5L
100.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - Highline Tdi

£22,995

2L
6.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

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 *

0/5 Stars

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 Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,489

Finance available £212 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Auto Investments UK Ltd

01162165682 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr 1 OWNER / 8 VW SERVICES / ULEZ / SAT NAV / H/SEATS

£9,475

Finance available £189 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£38,980

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£7,995

1.6L
134.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,995

1.4L
125.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,995

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Unlimited Motors

01213872423 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] Auto

Low Mileage

£18,159

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Audi Oxford

01865597492 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£2,450

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,895

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 Passat Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion 4WD 5dr

£7,625

Finance available £148 pm

2L
99.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4x4 F.S.H 5-Door

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

2L
114.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Godden Motor Company

02392006095 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - MK8 Facelift Estate 1.5TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG + VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY Automat 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,499

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
115.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

£29,750

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£38,890

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

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

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