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.

789 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,400

Finance available £165 pm

2L
134.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mayfair Motors

01164029071 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£12,282

Finance available £237 pm

1.4L
85.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
104.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£18,450

Finance available £358 pm

2L
91.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Tamlaght Auto Sales

02890026907 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr

£15,999

Finance available £325 pm

1.5L
56.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,999

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG Estate

£37,982

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
56.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Supreme Motors NI

02882449414 *

Volkswagen Passat2003 (53) - 1.9 TDI PD Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.9L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Small Cars Online

01823217645 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

£11,299

Finance available £230 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Congleton Autos

01260543872 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

D2 Motors

02890026931 *

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

Reduced

£9,250

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Macfadyen Motors

01324462915 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (68) - 1.5 TSI (150ps) R-Line (s/s)DSG Saloon 4-Door

Low Mileage

£18,995

1.5L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

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 Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

£29,750

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - MK8 Facelift Est 1.5TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG 5-Door

£12,980

1.5L
127.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Trans City Car Centre

02039095475 *

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

£13,999

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£16,470

1.4L
64.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,000

2L
33.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.4 TSI 160 Executive 5dr DSG

Reduced

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.4L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Coopers Cars (South West) Limited

01278555831 *

4.7/5 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

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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Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros