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.

762 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.8 TSI R-Line 4-Door

Reduced

£14,399

Finance available £299 pm

1.8L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,800

Finance available £286 pm

2L
69.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£32,995

Finance available £657 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£10,990

1.4L
109.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Business Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,499

1.4L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£7,494

2L
133.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,290

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
48.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£8,400

Finance available £165 pm

2L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

WISHAW CAR SALES LTD

01698538886 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£12,249

Finance available £244 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01733309722 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

1.6L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI (272ps) Elegance eHybrid DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£38,998

1.5L
1.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Cardiff)

02922672897 *

0/5 Stars

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 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 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 Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
104.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Elite Autos NI

02890023616 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 4dr

Reduced

£3,775

Finance available £62 pm

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162160117 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT 5dr DSG

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
0.0
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

A J MOTORS MK LTD

01908767373 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2023 (73) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£25,990

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

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.

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