The Volkswagen Passat has been named the UK’s best used hybrid at the 2026 What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards – adding to an already impressive list of honours for the current-generation model.
What Car? experts praised the Passat for its driving manners, refinement and classy interior, as well as for its electric-only range and overall value for money when bought nearly new.
“We are delighted to give the Volkswagen Passat our Used Hybrid of the Year award,” said Mark Pearson, What Car? Used Cars Editor. “The plug-in eHybrid version is not only smooth and refined and a great long-distance cruiser, but it can also run on electric-only power for up to 82 miles. Inside is a high-quality interior with bags of room – even the tallest will be able to stretch out in the rear – and the boot is huge.
“What really seals the deal for us is the Passat’s incredible value when bought nearly new. It’s an exceptional all-rounder, and for anyone looking for a smart and capacious estate car with a strong reliability record, we can’t recommend it highly enough.”
The What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards are designed to make life easy for prospective buyers, by selecting one car in each body style category that offers all the factors people look for in a used car.
Mark Pearson added: “We’ve taken all our expertise in road testing new cars and evaluating used ones at various ages and price points to bring people what we believe to be the best examples available today. As a result, we’re confident our awards will help buyers choose the right car.”
This latest award comes less than a month after the Passat was named Best Used Hybrid Estate at the What Car? Electric Car Awards, and it is the 14th honour for the current-generation model since its UK launch in April 2024.
Awards for the Volkswagen Passat since April 2024
- Best Hybrid Estate Car at the What Car? Electric Car Awards 2024
- Tow Car of the Year and category win (caravan weight 1,550 to 1,699 kg) at the What Car? Tow Car Awards 2024
- Estate of the Year at the 2025 What Car? Awards
- Tow Car of the Year at the 2025 What Car? Awards
- Safety Award at the 2025 What Car? Awards
- Best Hybrid Estate at the 2025 What Car? Electric Car of the Year Awards
- Category win (1,150kg to 1,169kg) at the What Car? Camping and Caravanning Club Tow Car Awards
- Overall Tow Car of the Year and categories (Family Tow Car and caravan weight 1,300kg to 1,500kg) at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Tow Car Awards
- Estate Car of the Year at the 2026 Professional Driver QSI (Quality, Service, Innovation) Awards
- Best Used Hybrid Estate at the 2026 What Car? Electric Car Awards
- Used Hybrid of the Year at the 2026 What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards
About the Volkswagen Passat
Q: What type of car is the Volkswagen Passat?
A: The Passat is a spacious estate car designed for families and drivers who regularly cover long distances, combining practicality, comfort and reliability.
Q: What engine options are available?
A: The Passat is available with petrol and plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) powertrains, giving customers the choice between traditional petrol power and electrified driving. The high-voltage battery alone offers a range of up to 82 miles (WLTP combined).
Q: What are the Passat’s standout practical features?
A: The Passat offers a large, versatile interior with generous luggage capacity – up to 690 litres with the rear seats up (loaded to the height of the rear bench seat backrest) and a massive 2,027 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The car’s tow bar load limit is 90kg and its trailer load limit is 2,000kg (braked 12-per-cent incline).
Q: What technology does the Passat feature?
A: The Passat is packed with modern technology including Digital Cockpit Pro, a head-up display (standard on Black Edition only), infotainment and navigation systems, the IDA voice assistant, and a range of advanced driver assistance features.
Q: What makes the Passat particularly comfortable?
A: Comfort is a major focus, with features such as ergonomic seats with massage functions, climate control, ambient lighting and a refined cabin designed to make long journeys relaxing.
