CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £11,500

Volkswagen Passat (2015-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Solid build quality – feels premium	Not exactly an exotic choice
Acres of boot space	It's priced against premium rivals
Classless image	Some question marks remain over reliability

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Passat (2015-2023), the eighth-generation model, is a sensibly priced four-door saloon or five-door estate that falls between mainstream rivals like the Ford Mondeo and premium models such as the BMW 3 Series. This all-new generation arrived lighter, sharper, and up to 20% more economical than its predecessor, featuring advanced technologies and a mid-life refresh in 2019. The spacious interior is neatly finished with user-friendly infotainment systems, generous storage options, and a 586-litre boot (saloon) or 650-litre (estate), expandable to 1,152-litres and 1,780-litres respectively with rear seats folded.

The Passat is composed and capable, offering excellent comfort and refinement with precise steering and impressive body control, though it prioritises relaxation over sportiness. Engine options include conventional 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI diesels, quiet 1.5- and 2.0-litre TSI petrol engines, and a punchy plug-in hybrid GTE with up to 35 miles of electric range. Running costs are sensible, with the 1.5 TSI averaging 46mpg and the 2.0 TDI exceeding 59mpg. The GTE delivers an impressive 201.8mpg on the WLTP cycle. Annual VED is typically £155, though higher-specification models may incur a premium. Flexible servicing allows up to 20,000 miles between visits, with fixed-price servicing available for cars over three years old.

Best for: Buyers seeking a comfortable, refined, and practical family car with premium feel; those wanting sensible running costs and flexible servicing; and drivers prioritising relaxation over sportiness.

Not ideal for: Those seeking an exotic or sporty choice; buyers with limited budgets, as prices rival premium competitors; or those concerned about potential reliability issues.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Passat if: You seek a comfortable, refined, and practical family car with premium feel; you want sensible running costs and flexible servicing; or you prioritise relaxation over sportiness.

Consider alternatives if: You're seeking an exotic or sporty choice, have a limited budget, or are concerned about potential reliability issues.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Passat (2015-2023) is a capable and high-quality family car offering excellent comfort, refinement, and practicality with an appealingly premium edge. Whilst its price has crept upwards and now pitches it against talented premium rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, it remains a sensible choice for those valuing relaxation and ease of use. The Skoda Superb offers greater practicality with its hatchback body style and larger boot opening, whilst the Ford Mondeo provides a more affordable mainstream alternative. However, if you can find a Passat that meets your requirements at a sensible price, you'll get a high-quality, capable, and relaxing car with genuine premium appeal.

Read our full Volkswagen Passat Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.