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.

907 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MAX MOTOR CO

01138870789 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£6,995

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,450

£301/pm (HP)

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Windmill Autos Ltd

01767661305 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,795

£129/pm (HP)

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr

£600

2L
174.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

NJH Car Sales

01792345025 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£34,990

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£5,795

1.6L
130.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

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

£4,450

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Fengate Car Sales

01733915019 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,799

£308/pm (HP)

1.6L
70.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RCS Car Sales

01905953512 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (61) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

£1,985

1.6L
118.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

South & West Motors Ltd

01225613057 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

£35,587

1.5L
4.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Business 5-Door

£7,750

£151/pm (HP)

1.4L
112.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Wootton Motor Company

01553602430 *

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

Low Mileage

£41,498

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) 1 OWNER!

Reduced

£16,495

2L
29.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£16,349

£333/pm (HP)

2L
58.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 5dr

£8,550

2L
127.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AUTOHAUS CHELTENHAM LTD T/a Greatfield Cars & Commercials

01242501609 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr DSG AUTOMATIC

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
111.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Bennets Car Sales

02922672909 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,300

£233/pm (PCP)

1.4L
72.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG Estate

£37,919

1.5L
3.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Leeds

01134676309 *

4.7/5 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

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.