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.

750 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£3,950

2L
248.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive AUTO 5-Door

£4,495

2L
128.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Fine Motors Ltd

01162165628 *

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 Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,299

Finance available £453 pm

2L
20.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,700

Finance available £150 pm

2L
94.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr DSG

£6,995

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£9,990

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Bedford Car Centre

01234987603 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Auto

£39,217

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

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 Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,895

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

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 Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - 1.8 TSI 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.8L
128.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

HF Bows Motor Sales

01144788634 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (64) - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG 18 months warranty

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

JRP Automotive Company

02920033509 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,795

Finance available £353 pm

1.6L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,845

Finance available £270 pm

2L
82.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£12,480

Finance available £196 pm

1.4L
40.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Premier Cars

01708932385 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG AUTOMATIC! 13 SERVICE STAMPS!

£4,699

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gordon Fielder Cars Ltd

01527368645 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£24,500

Finance available £459 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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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