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.

816 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,585

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Aventus Motors LTD

01162165602 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 (57) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr

£1,995

2L
187.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ashtons Cars

02921676281 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - VR32 4Motion DSG...Service and Mot 1st May... Only 42385 Miles

Reduced

£7,499

3.2L
42.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Not Supplied

Four Crosses Garage

01743292166 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£40,499

1.5L
30.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Battersea Volkswagen

02037636641 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£37,400

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI GTE [PAN ROOF] Petrol Plug-in Hybrid AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

Reduced

£19,995

1.4L
20.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162165692 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,999

Finance available £402 pm

1.4L
35.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£22,990

Finance available £452 pm

2L
18.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 Passat Highline TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

Reduced

£4,790

Finance available £83 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 GT TDI 170 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,999

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NJ Vehicle Solutions

01172331369 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,500

2L
57.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

BINCA

01908953487 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Reduced

£1,695

1.6L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,699

Finance available £328 pm

1.6L
41.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) 1 OWNER!

Low Mileage

£17,295

2L
29.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,795

2L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kshallcars

01663790355 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.8 TSI GT Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (180 ps)

£10,000

1.8L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,950

1.4L
51.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

TheCarHouse.co.uk

01482249182 *

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

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Gheorghe Van Sales Ltd

01614700092 *

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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