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.

805 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£1,895

1.6L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
82.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

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

£2,995

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AMD AUTOS

01778300647 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£3,750

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mi-Next Car

01158384494 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG ++ ULEZ / DAB / SAT NAV / FULL VW HISTORY ++

£17,470

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2001 (51) - 1.9 SE TDI 130 4dr

£1,150

1.9L
255.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grange Farm Motors

01913002460 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

2L
67.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£38,998

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Newcastle Silverlink

01916077583 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£31,490

1.5L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport 4-Door

£4,995

2L
117.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Carnegie Cars

01383668348 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
79.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Duman Autos

01506376796 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Imperial Car And Van Sales Ltd

01145510329 *

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

Reduced

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

2L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Audenshaw Motor Company Ltd TA Audenshaw Motors

01614139877 *

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 Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof] Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£21,509

2L
19.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,299

Finance available £375 pm

1.4L
44.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

01273121210 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,990

Finance available £288 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BMT DIESEL 150 BHP ESTATE 5 DR , F.S.H , £20 ROAD TAX

£6,995

2L
130.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

G5 Autos Ltd (Appointment Only)

01482947637 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£17,125

1.4L
57.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Nissan Doncaster

01302245278 *

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

Low Mileage

£40,669

1.5L
1.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

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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