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 Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Brook Williams Prestige

01215165545 *

0/5 Stars

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

£2,995

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - SPORT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£6,999

2L
95.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Chana Car Centre

02476936601 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£7,494

2L
133.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SAT NAV

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

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

£41,490

1.5L
2.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (60) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Drivers Choice Limited

01217288652 *

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

£12,969

Finance available £267 pm

1.4L
64.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Cambridge Motorworks Ltd

01763290962 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

1.6L
109.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor Express

07305693901 *

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

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

1.4L
72.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£21,290

2L
35.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall SKODA Oxford

01865952020 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

£13,849

Finance available £278 pm

1.4L
69.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218

£11,100

Finance available £226 pm

1.4L
85.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£37,990

Finance available £727 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - S 5-Door

Reduced

£2,490

1.6L
152.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

CSK Motors

01709288247 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI Alltrack DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,650

Finance available £327 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0L Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion Semi-Auto Estate 5dr Diesel

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
78.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£39,795

10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Elegance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£35,980

Finance available £687 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 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

* 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