When it comes to hauling families and all their associated luggage, few vehicle types can match the sheer versatility of MPVs (or multi-purpose vehicles). Two models from Volkswagen's range that excel in this area are the Sharan and Touran. While both offer clever seating configurations and ample space, they take slightly different approaches.
The Sharan is the larger of the two, prioritising maximum passenger room and cargo capacity. In contrast, the Touran is more compact and city-friendly while still managing to accommodate up to seven occupants. This detailed comparison will evaluate the key strengths of each model to help you decide which better suits your needs.
Volkswagen Sharan vs Volkswagen Touran
Practicality
The Volkswagen Sharan is the larger and more accommodating of these two MPVs. Even with all seven seats in use, it offers an impressive 300 litres of boot space - considerably more than the Touran. Fold the rearmost row into the floor and you're left with a vast 809-litre load bay that can be expanded further by sliding the middle row forwards.
While not as generously proportioned, the Touran is still an immensely practical family vehicle. Five-seat models were offered overseas but all UK versions came with seven seats as standard, with the rearmost pair stowing away into the boot floor. This liberates up to 917 litres of luggage room, or a van-like 1,857 litres with all rear seats folded. With the third-row seats in place meanwhile, the boot space measures 137 litres, so considerably smaller than the Sharan. Cabin storage is excellent too, with large door bins and numerous cubby spaces.
If you need to carry seven occupants on a regular basis, the Sharan's superior third-row space gives it a clear edge. However, the Touran's more compact dimensions make it easier to manoeuvre in tight urban environments. Both offer clever seating flexibility.
Driving Impressions
Neither the Sharan nor Touran were designed with driving thrills in mind. Their focus is on providing a relaxed, fuss-free experience behind the wheel to complement their family-friendly credentials.
The larger Sharan offers a composed ride and secure handling, making it an assured motorway cruiser. Its range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines provide adequate performance, though the diesels strike the best balance of punch and economy. The smaller 1.4 TSI petrol can feel strained under load.
Similarly, the Touran majors on ease of use and a supple ride quality rather than outright dynamism. While not quite as refined as its bigger sibling, it remains an effortless operator that will meet most needs. The 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines offer a sweet spot of performance and efficiency.
In short, both models do an admirable job of insulating occupants from the stresses of driving. The Sharan has a slightly more refined edge, but the Touran's smaller footprint may suit urban families better. Either way, you're unlikely to be thrilled (a Ford S-Max is a more engaging drive), but this is all about being fit for purpose, and on that front both of VW's MPVs do a great job.
Technology and Equipment
As you'd expect from Volkswagen, the cabins of both the Sharan and Touran are solidly constructed from hard-wearing materials. While far from luxurious, the overall ambience is smart and functional.
The Touran comes with a user-friendly touchscreen system ranging from 6.5 to 8.0 inches, complete with Bluetooth, DAB radio and - on higher specs - smartphone mirroring. The Sharan's systems were upgraded post-2015 to match its smaller sibling. However, these are both not quite old vehicles, and so don't expect the kind of huge, glossy screens that you'll find in VW's latest models.
Both models are available with niceties like three-zone climate control, panoramic sunroofs and integrated navigation as you ascend the trim levels. The Sharan's clever integrated child seats are particularly family-friendly.
While the Sharan has a slight edge in terms of outright space and the flexibility of its seating system, the Touran arguably makes better use of its more compact dimensions. Overall, these two MPVs showcase Volkswagen's knack for building appealing, well-equipped interiors geared towards everyday usability.
Running Costs
As MPVs, the Sharan and Touran should prove more cost-effective to run than a comparably sized SUV. Purchase prices tend to be lower, while sleek aerodynamics and efficient engines help keep fuel bills down.
The most frugal Sharan diesel officially returns up to 56.5mpg on the older NEDC fuel economy cycle, though real-world economy is likely to be in the low-to-mid 40s. Petrol versions will see mpg in the 30s. Road tax costs from £125-£150 annually depending on age.
Similarly efficient, the Touran's 1.5 TSI petrol is rated at 42.8mpg, with the 2.0 TDI diesel managing up to 52.3mpg. These WLTP figures are more realistic than the older NEDC data quoted for the Sharan.
Insurance costs should be affordable for both models, while Volkswagen offers fixed-price servicing to help budget for maintenance. As ever, if buying a used model a full service history is recommended to protect long-term reliability.
Overall, there's little to split the two when it comes to day-to-day running expenses, but you can expect the Touran to be slightly more affordable due to it being smaller and a bit lighter.
Reliability
Volkswagen has a somewhat patchy reputation for reliability according to extended warranty data. The brand scored 18th out of the 31 manufacturers included in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, but neither the Sharan nor Touran featured among the top seven seaters.
Some issues have been reported with the Touran's 1.5 TSI petrol engine, including problems with power delivery from cold despite a software update. VW's DSG automatic gearbox can also be problematic if not serviced correctly.
There have been several recalls for both models relating to issues like airbag sensors and fuel tanks, so it's wise to check that any remedial work has been carried out before buying.
Verdict
While the Volkswagen Sharan and Touran share much in common, their differing dimensions give them distinct advantages for different types of buyer.
If your priority is outright passenger space and luggage capacity, the larger Sharan is tough to beat in this class. Its vast interior and versatile seating arrangements make it an outstanding family hauler, even when filled to the brim. Just be mindful that its size can make it unwieldy in tight urban confines.
In contrast, the Touran majors on being an agile, user-friendly MPV that's easy to live with in the city. While not as generously proportioned as its bigger brother, it still offers ingenious flexibility and space for up to seven. Its likely slightly lower running costs are another boon.
Ultimately, there's no outright winner here - it depends on your specific needs. If you'll regularly carry seven and want maximum space, the Sharan makes an excellent choice. However, if you need an MPV that blends versatility with convenient dimensions, the clever Touran could be the smarter pick. Remember, too, that if you're keen on the Sharan you might also want to check out the mechanically identical Seat Alhambra.
