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.

799 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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

Reduced

£14,295

Finance available £291 pm

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
64.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Autobarn 100

01143089107 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£15,495

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Harding Motor Company Ltd

01513174813 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,995

2L
49.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Swindon Car Sales Ltd

01793680986 *

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

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Northroute Cars

01143089078 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (64) - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG 18 months warranty

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

JRP Automotive Company

02920033509 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,490

Finance available £190 pm

1.4L
96.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

CAR NATION GROUP LTD

01733979117 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (65) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£3,998

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
142.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Loanhead Carsales Limited

01316034413 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£39,350

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.4L
127.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Car Galaxy UK

01923927529 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.6L
70.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Advantage Vehicles Limited

01270297248 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (58) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr DSG

£3,400

Finance available £54 pm

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Trade Car Sales

01217288898 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
79.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

ATA CARS LTD

02037808889 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

Reduced

£1,995

1.6L
178.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MY ISHAQ LTD

01217525785 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,799

Finance available £63 pm

1.6L
116.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

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 Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,700

2L
86.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,940

1.5L
50.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 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

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

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Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros