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.

775 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI 19.7kWh R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£49,989

Finance available £963 pm

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 120PS DSG + VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY Automatic 4-Door

Low Mileage

£18,499

1.6L
23.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - SE Nav 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£17,159

1.5L
41.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - TDI SE Business 4-Door

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
109.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Stores

01515419312 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

£10,675

Finance available £216 pm

2L
114.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motor Hunt

02476936615 *

3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£15,998

1.6L
50.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£15,350

Finance available £321 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£7,291

Finance available £141 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Rydon Car Sales Exeter

01392342738 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
190.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cr motors

01274028307 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 119 BHP 4-Door

£10,990

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2023 (73) - MK8 Facelift Est 2.0TDI 150 SEL EVO SCR DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£31,491

2L
5.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - MK8 Facelift Estate 1.5TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG + VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY Automat 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,499

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

OVC LTD

01691880346 *

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 Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr ONLY 50 000 MILES

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,484

Finance available £234 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£17,589

Finance available £359 pm

1.4L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2007 (57) - 2.0 TDI SE 4d 138 BHP 4-Door

£995

2L
158.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Drive City Cars Ltd

01616696923 *

4.3/5 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

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

* 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.