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.

788 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - 17IN A

Low Mileage

£13,810

Finance available £269 pm

2L
42.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
88.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£13,499

2L
62.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,299

1.6L
92.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Coopers Cars (South West) Limited

01278555831 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,000

Finance available £268 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PRO AUTOCARS LTD

01256587054 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG AUTOMATIC! 13 SERVICE STAMPS!

£4,699

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gordon Fielder Cars Ltd

01527368645 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) One Previ

£14,150

Finance available £270 pm

1.5L
82.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

£4,995

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

OVC LTD

01691880346 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 R LINE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY ESTATE 5-Door

£10,995

2L
107.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140

Low Mileage

£3,700

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,295

Finance available £208 pm

2L
71.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

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

Reduced

£10,999

1.6L
108.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Reduced

£5,495

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mark Vickers Car Sales

01246381035 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
94.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£33,498

1.5L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,000

Finance available £241 pm

1.6L
59.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - R Line 2.0 TDI 110BHP White Low Mileage Manual Diesel R36 4-Door

Low Mileage

£3,499

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Circuit Automotive Ltd

01252415056 *

0/5 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

lite-youtube[videoid='g1Gl6ZQuRls']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/g1Gl6ZQuRls/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='g1Gl6ZQuRls']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.