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.

747 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6L GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto Estate 5dr Diesel Euro 6 (118 b

£11,995

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£6,290

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
116.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

£53,990

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 Passat GTe Semi-Auto 5dr

£14,500

1.4L
75.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

£14,600

Finance available £304 pm

1.6L
68.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Vindis Fakenham Volkswagen

01328801762 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,549

Finance available £362 pm

1.5L
25.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,694

Finance available £127 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£7,495

2L
92.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ribble Cars

01200404074 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

2L
110.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Kelvin Way Motors

01217288894 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
115.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,000

2L
67.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£3,195

1.6L
237.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Burton Car Centre

01134676319 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,800

2L
39.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

JC Select Perth

01738501971 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£12,595

Finance available £259 pm

1.6L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

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 Passat2015 (15) - LHD LEFT HAND DRIVE+2015 VW VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT+AUTO+LONG MOT+INSUR ARRANGED 4-Door

£9,494

Finance available £190 pm

1.8L
107.3K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Saloon

UK LEFT HAND DRIVE

01494326588 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£32,995

Finance available £657 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,900

2L
145.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mayfair Motors

01164029071 *

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

£50,990

1.5L
100.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

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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