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.

876 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (66) - AUTOMATIC 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
32.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,698

1.4L
53.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,999

2L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr DSG

£1,795

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AR Cars

01254947703 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£17,200

Finance available £303 pm

1.4L
39.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£33,990

1.5L
3.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

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

£9,995

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Alpha Cars

01748900791 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,399

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£10,790

1.4L
57.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Coatbridge

01236804728 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

£4,995

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Valley Trade centre

01494312062 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,399

Finance available £232 pm

1.4L
61.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£9,999

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,990

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT 5dr

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

2L
90.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

German Cars

01934319960 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Discount Car Centre Ltd

01616969160 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI 177 Bluemotion Tech Executive 5dr

£3,995

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Smith Cars (Brandon) Limited

01842771956 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£29,299

Finance available £442 pm

1.5L
3.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RM Trade Sales

02890023693 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (63) - 2.0 TDI 177 Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr DSG

£5,995

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Junction Motors

01246383489 *

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.