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.

840 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£16,498

2L
29.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill MS / Fiat / Abarth / BYD

01313702482 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
97.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Town Autos

01234987579 *

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

Low Mileage

£36,990

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - HIGHLINE TDI 4-Door

£2,295

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

£2,999

1.6L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cars 4 Trade

02890021463 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,699

Finance available £306 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,950

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Windmill Autos Ltd

01767661305 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,490

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Imola Of Bristol

01174407192 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

Reduced

£9,850

Finance available £198 pm

2L
82.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£3,295

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

BROOKE CARS M65 LIMITED

01254457250 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Drew Baxter Car Sales

02890023131 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG

£36,897

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Mercedes-Benz of Winchester

01962676278 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,299

Finance available £619 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Business 5-Door

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.4L
112.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Wootton Motor Company

01553602430 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG + 19' LEEDS ALLOYS + WINTER PACK 5-Door

£37,450

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Passat(64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,500

69.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

GDH Car Sales

01403330806 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT 5-Door

Reduced

£9,999

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Icon Cars

01663798281 *

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

£39,999

1.5L
200.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Preston

01772965524 *

0/5 Stars

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

£13,600

Finance available £231 pm

1.4L
72.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG (FULL LEATHER, SAT NAV)

Low Mileage

£17,988

1.6L
20.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

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

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.

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