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.

760 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive AUTO 5-Door

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
128.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Fine Motors Ltd

01162165628 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

1.6L
51.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Pavillion Car Sales - Brighton

01273095269 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
80.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GT Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

1.4L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Extra Mile Motors Ltd

01761250725 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Deeside Motor Centre Ltd

01244565351 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,899

Finance available £301 pm

2L
70.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Store Manchester

01616944756 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE DSG 5-Door

£17,687

Finance available £358 pm

1.4L
41.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.8 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,500

1.8L
83.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Star Cars London

02037726236 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Junction 7 Motor Village

01254919227 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,899

Finance available £199 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

£19,489

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Vospers Approved Used St Austell

01726213938 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SEL 190PS DSG Estate Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

2L
33.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
109.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

S & A CAR AND COMMERCIALS LIMITED

01782917213 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 (07) - 2.0 SE TDI 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

JC Motors Wakefield ltd

01924978951 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Brook Williams Prestige

01215165545 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI GTE [PAN ROOF] Petrol Plug-in Hybrid AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,695

1.4L
20.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG 360 Camera Sunroof VIRTUAL COCKPIT

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.4L
129.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Clifby Motor Centre

01422410533 *

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

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.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros