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 Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

DFN

02392006047 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business BlueMotion Tech 150PS 5dr

£6,950

Finance available £133 pm

2L
108.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

William Coates Cars

01262410927 *

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 Passat2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,462

Finance available £379 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Strada Cars

01642262600 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£13,799

Finance available £286 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£14,498

1.4L
72.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Morecambe)

01524938898 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£37,335

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
99.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Phillips (Lisburn) Ltd

02892791480 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£34,990

1.5L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

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 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£38,980

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

2L
248.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
81.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£11,675

2L
68.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Honda Boston

01205335098 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BMT Executive Style 5dr + SAT NAV / 35 TAX / DAB / LEATHER

Low Mileage

£8,375

Finance available £165 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,299

1.6L
108.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£10,499

2L
49.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Swindon Car Sales Ltd

01793680986 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,950

Finance available £267 pm

1.4L
65.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Auto Pro X

02895908086 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr DSG

£18,498

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Fiat/Abarth (Glasgow)

01416118816 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£7,850

Finance available £153 pm

2L
112.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MATS LTD

01405800334 *

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