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.

769 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI 150 BHP BLUEMOTION DSG AUTO ESTATE 5DR

£9,689

Finance available £194 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Vanstar

01977803297 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£16,998

1.4L
58.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Ayr BYD

01292432784 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
104.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

£31,875

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 Tdi Se Business 65K MILES FSH T.BELT DONE ULEZ FREE 4-Door

Low Mileage

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Edinburgh Autos Ltd

01412601433 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

£1,750

1.6L
212.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,945

Finance available £263 pm

2L
63.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£14,999

Finance available £303 pm

1.4L
58.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

02037808144 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI Highline Plus DSG Euro 5 5dr

£1,195

2L
182.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AIR Cars

01616720432 *

Volkswagen PassatR-Line Tsi Dsg

Low Mileage

£14,995

29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£11,490

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door

Low Mileage

£34,995

1.5L
5.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

ADAM G CARS

01302986312 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £221 pm

2L
70.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,000

Finance available £268 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PRO AUTOCARS LTD

01256587054 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 Passat SEL TSi Evo Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,900

Finance available £218 pm

1.5L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£7,695

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hallmark Automotive

01268204249 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£15,700

1.4L
71.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£36,998

1.5L
2.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat(65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,999

67.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

RCS Car Sales

01905953512 *

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.