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.

778 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
109.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
104.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Orchard Car Sales Ltd

01256633756 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£13,099

Finance available £262 pm

2L
71.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£17,800

Finance available £323 pm

1.4L
30.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE DSG 5-Door

£17,687

Finance available £358 pm

1.4L
41.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0L SE Nav TDI Semi-Auto Saloon 4dr Diesel Euro 6 (148 bhp)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Pick A Car

01482429234 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Shop For Cars

01582344808 *

Volkswagen Passat(63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

MF Motors Norwich Ltd

01603337394 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - Passat R-line Tdi Bluemotion Technology 5-Door

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

THE HOUSE OF CARS STOKE LTD

01782307837 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (122 ps)

£17,967

Finance available £387 pm

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£38,890

1.5L
10.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG Auto

£33,314

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
109.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AUTOHAUS CHELTENHAM LTD T/a Greatfield Cars & Commercials

01242501609 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,700

Finance available £217 pm

2L
123.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sutton Trade Carz

01216615497 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI (150ps) GT (s/s) Saloon + VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY Manual 4-Door

Reduced

£14,749

1.5L
32.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

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

£14,595

Finance available £316 pm

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£10,999

1.6L
108.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
122.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Mike Fairbanks Ltd

01625461142 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
117.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MMK AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED

01524237300 *

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros