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.

837 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,330

Finance available £231 pm

1.4L
92.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - ESTATE TDI 150HP EURO 6/ULEZ EVO R-Line 5-Door

£17,995

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Auto Solutions

01252415030 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof] Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£21,041

2L
19.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,490

Finance available £609 pm

1.5L
1.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,599

Finance available £604 pm

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Passat(65) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI S 4dr

£4,000

1.6L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Clinic

01414040093 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 20 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG 7 Speed]

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Royale Autos Ltd

01280733607 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT 5-Door

Reduced

£9,999

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Icon Cars

01663798281 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps) ONL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

2L
54.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Sandford Garage

01779401060 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 Passat SEL TSi Evo Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,750

Finance available £215 pm

1.5L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

1.4L
70.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Windmill Autos Ltd

01767661305 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Reduced

£14,395

Finance available £305 pm

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (14) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.4L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr

£7,499

2L
107.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

DandLMotors

01777801098 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

£4,495

1.6L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J C Motors

02890023666 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (8P) - 3.6 FSI V6 R36 Estate 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 5 (300 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,995

3.6L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorhouse (Beds) Ltd

01234676818 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,195

Finance available £183 pm

2L
112.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,939

Finance available £345 pm

2L
36.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RSS AUTOS LIMITED

02380017784 *

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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