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.

842 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£40,698

100.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / 9 VW SERVICES / DAB ++

Low Mileage

£9,975

Finance available £201 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£40,990

1.5L
1.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 Passat Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£7,575

Finance available £147 pm

2L
99.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
139.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

John Glasgow Car Sales

02893440751 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£17,712

2L
61.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Volkswagen Teeside

01642573413 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Reduced

£5,400

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Juno Cars

01282501863 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive 5-Door

£4,995

1.6L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wimborne Car Sales

01202052311 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 Sel TDI Dsg 5DR Estate Diesel

Low Mileage

£18,489

Finance available £359 pm

1.6L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat(21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,600

72.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Not Supplied

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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

£12,174

Finance available £250 pm

1.4L
92.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£15,500

Finance available £317 pm

1.4L
51.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,865

Finance available £198 pm

2L
95.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2003 (53) - 1.9 TDI PD Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.9L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Small Cars Online

01823217645 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£38,980

Finance available £812 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 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 Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG Estate

£36,970

1.5L
514.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Harrogate

01423396103 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,899

Finance available £633 pm

1.5L
3.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

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.

View guides

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