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.

797 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,395

Finance available £299 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (T) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Taunton Automobiles

01823217637 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr FULL SERVICE HISTORY

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
134.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Speedway Garage Gunness Limited

01724514211 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carite Ltd

01793224408 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,250

Finance available £207 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Greenhill Autos

01386573316 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
97.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£17,495

1.5L
44.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Stoneacre Hull Priory Park

01482421636 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Gloucester Motor Group

01452227252 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - TDI GT 5-Door

£10,800

Finance available £219 pm

2L
107.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Walters Motor Group Loddon

01603937289 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,850

1.6L
56.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Newton & Lee Automotive Ltd

01207263738 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£13,494

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,990

20.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Harding Motor Company Ltd

01513174813 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr

£5,000

Finance available £89 pm

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,199

Finance available £451 pm

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£2,750

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

EH Traders Ltd

01274059188 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£13,295

1.4L
76.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

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