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 Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 5dr

£3,495

2L
167.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Quality Used Car Sales Group

01216618712 *

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

£2,500

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Staffords Autos

01164646119 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£6,491

1.6L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cwmavon Car Sales

01639501142 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colliss Motors

01985807078 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

1.5L
97.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Dereham Motor Company ltd

01362700376 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - R-Line 1.4 TSI ACT 150PS 7-speed DSG 4 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£14,959

1.4L
42.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - VOLKSWAGEN Passat 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4M

Low Mileage

£17,095

2L
36.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Wilsons Used

02037808195 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 (56) - 2.0 TDI SE DSG Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Affordable Cars

01234230806 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,395

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

Finance available £411 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Sam Jordan Cars ltd

01284338959 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.4 Passat GTe Semi-Auto 4dr

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

35.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,500

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£4,495

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Polesworth Garage Tamworth

01827213852 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£12,998

1.4L
50.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark SEAT/Cupra (Glasgow North)

01414839922 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,750

Finance available £330 pm

1.6L
38.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sam Creith Motors Ltd

02890026942 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT 4dr

£5,950

2L
169.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,880

Finance available £198 pm

1.4L
117.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - Executive TDI BlueMotion Technology 5-Door

£5,950

1.6L
107.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (13) - 1.4TSI SE Automatic

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Linkwood Motors Limited

01343614531 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

Reduced

£5,995

1.6L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

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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