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.

772 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,990

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mi-Next Car

01158384494 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed] ESTATE

£6,495

2L
214.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Hi Spec Motors Limited

01282506563 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr

Low Mileage

£18,990

1.5L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

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 Passat2012 - SPORT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

£2,995

2L
182.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Staverton Cars Ltd

01242501515 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG 360 Camera Sunroof VIRTUAL COCKPIT

£8,495

1.4L
129.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£5,995

1.6L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Brothers Car Lot

01726219474 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

£4,690

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jenson Cars

01733794308 *

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

£40,250

Finance available £806 pm

1.5L
367.0
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI Comfort Line Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£7,995

23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£16,699

Finance available £329 pm

1.4L
48.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
65.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Starrett 4x4

02871220960 *

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

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
79.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (G3) - 2.0 GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

£5,990

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Compact Car Centre Ltd

01216615579 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Reduced

£5,495

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mark Vickers Car Sales

01246381035 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,699

Finance available £328 pm

1.6L
41.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£15,700

Finance available £322 pm

1.4L
58.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£17,340

1.4L
57.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Nissan Doncaster

01302245278 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr 1 OWNER / 8 VW SERVICES / ULEZ / SAT NAV / H/SEATS

£9,475

Finance available £189 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='g1Gl6ZQuRls']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/g1Gl6ZQuRls/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='g1Gl6ZQuRls']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.