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.

792 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

Finance available £411 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Sam Jordan Cars ltd

01284338959 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,998

2L
33.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 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 Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,945

Finance available £200 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sean O'Hara Cars

02890026918 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
139.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

John Glasgow Car Sales

02893440751 *

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

£5,490

Finance available £100 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NORTON GRANGE TRADE CARS

01642929060 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

£7,675

Finance available £149 pm

1.6L
91.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,965

1.6L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durdar Garage

01228273232 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£5,995

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cardiff Cars Sales

02920028847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£11,195

Finance available £228 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Aspire Automotive Limited

01268219722 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£4,950

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Preseli Car Sales

01834820915 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 4dr

Low Mileage

£18,799

Finance available £398 pm

2L
27.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£34,900

1.5L
4.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,199

Finance available £373 pm

1.4L
38.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,500

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 SEL 5dr DSG

£10,495

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,000

Finance available £241 pm

1.6L
59.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

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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