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 Passat(64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,500

69.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

GDH Car Sales

01403330806 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 GT TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

£1,790

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

TS Motors

01282509437 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
80.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Etsi R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£36,443

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Darlington Volkswagen

01325525219 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr - Heated Front Seats - Fron

Reduced

£16,999

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Invicta Bolton

01204324450 *

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

Reduced

£37,990

Finance available £791 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT 5dr

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

2L
112.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

N Dolan Cars

02890026878 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,999

Finance available £460 pm

2L
37.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Reduced

£9,995

1.6L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£37,335

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
99.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Phillips (Lisburn) Ltd

02892791480 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.6L
16.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

S M G Rover

01174286788 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

£19,149

Finance available £397 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,695

1.6L
116.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

2L
58.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Reduced

£3,500

1.6L
115.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

KC KARS UK

01332418996 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI 190 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Worlingham Motor Company

01502441250 *

0/5 Stars

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

£14,500

Finance available £277 pm

1.4L
54.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£11,486

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£5,250

2L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

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

£13,590

Finance available £280 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

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.

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