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 Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£13,498

1.6L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Motorstore (East Kilbride)

01355203632 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GT ESTATE 5dr DSG + LEATHER + PANROOF +,£20 YR TAX + 12 MONTH MOT

Reduced

£8,990

2L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Apex Auto Traders Ltd

01134689005 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - SEL TDI DSG 5-Door

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

CSK Motors

01709288247 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£15,984

Finance available £335 pm

2L
64.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TVS Cars Ltd

01746330685 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
112.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG ++ ULEZ / DAB / SAT NAV / FULL VW HISTORY ++

£17,470

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door

£39,700

1.5L
3.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£19,295

Finance available £376 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Donnelly Mallusk Motorstore

02895908087 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 1.8 TSI Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,350

1.8L
70.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

UM MOTORS LTD

02038934275 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4x4 F.S.H 5-Door

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

2L
114.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Godden Motor Company

02392006095 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Days Cardiff

02920021261 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - SEL TSI EVO 1.5 Petrol Manual 4 Door Saloon 2020 [147 BHP]

Low Mileage

£14,595

Finance available £304 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

M J Wearing

01993463430 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,799

Finance available £299 pm

2L
70.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Store Manchester

01616944756 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£12,799

Finance available £264 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

Reduced

£6,495

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,000

Finance available £370 pm

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

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

£1,795

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AR Cars

01254947703 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£15,300

2L
41.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£31,808

1.5L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

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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