The Volkswagen Sharan is the epitome of practicality, and is a people carrier designed for those who value function over flair. Although sales of new Sharans stopped in 2022, there are plenty of great used exampels that excel in providing ample space and ingenious features for families. In this test it's up against another Volkswagen: the Touran. While smaller, the Touran carves its niche as a capable compact MPV that strikes a balance between space and manoeuvrability. Crucially, just like the Sharan, the Touran features seven seats and bundles of practical features as standard. In this comparison we see which of these VW models suits your needs best.
Volkswagen Sharan vs Volkswagen Touran
Practicality
CarGurus experts rate the Volkswagen Sharan as a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for practicality. This accolade is well-deserved, thanks to its spacious interior and clever design that includes sliding rear dooers. Passengers in the second row get loads of room to stretch out, and even the pair of third row seats are big enough for adults to feel comfortable. The Sharan's boot space impresses, offering 300 litres even with the third-row seats in use. Fold those seats, and you'll have a cavernous two-seater with even more storage options. Plus, optional integrated child seats provide added convenience and safety.
The Touran also earns a solid 5-star rating from CarGurus experts. Despite its more compact size, it does an incredible job of maximising interior space. Front and second-row passengers enjoy generous head- and legroom. The key difference between the Sharan and the Touran is that in the Touran the third-row seats are more suitable for small children or occasional use, and when in place leave a boot that's smaller than the Sharan's, at 137 litres. Fold the third row seats flat, however, and the Touran offers a vast 917-litre load area. Just like the Sharan, the Touran boasts numerous storage compartments, making it family-friendly. Usefully, both cars feature three sets of Isofix mounts in the middle row of seats. And in both cars the seats slide back and forth, so you should find space for three child seats – even substantial ones.
In summary, while the Touran lacks sliding rear doors and the ultimate space of the Sharan, it's still going to be more than practical enough for many families.
Driving Impressions
CarGurus experts rate the Sharan with 3 out of 5 stars for the way it drives. The Sharan offers a range of engines, including petrol and diesel options. The 2.0 TDI diesel engines provide excellent fuel economy, and the 2015 facelift introduced more efficient powertrains. As you'd hope for in a car of this type, the ride is comfortable but the handling is not going to appeal to driving enthusiasts.
The Volkswagen Touran receives a similar 3-star rating for driving impressions. It offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.4 TSI petrol engine strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. The diesel engines, especially the 148bhp variant, offer robust low-end power that's well-suited to this kind of vehicle. The Touran provides a comfortable and confident ride, and is slightly more car-like to drive than the Sharan, which feels a bit more like a van thanks to its high up driving position, increased size, and slower steering.
Technology and Equipment
CarGurus experts give the Sharan a 3-star rating for technology and equipment. Post-facelift models boast improved infotainment systems with better touchscreens and smartphone compatibility via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety features like Automatic Post-Collision Braking became standard. Trim levels also gained more equipment, enhancing value, so these are the models to look for if budget allows.
The Touran shares a 3-star rating for technology and equipment. It features a typical Volkswagen interior in that it's a very sensible design and features solid build quality – indeed, in many ways it's better than the interiors of newer VWs such as the electric ID.3 and ID.4. All models come with touchscreen infotainment systems, with larger screens introduced later in the vehicle's life. However, not all versions include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so check for the specific connectivity options on your chosen model.
Running Costs
It's worth noting that both of these cars offer strong value compared with similarly sized SUVs, simply because people carriers (or MPVs as they're also known) aren't as much in demand.
The Sharan gets a 4-star rating from CarGurus experts for running costs. Diesel engines, particularly the 2.0 TDI variants, provide excellent fuel economy, achieving mid-40s to mid-50s mpg. Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) varies depending on the registration date, with earlier cars enjoying lower rates.
The Touran also garners a 4-star rating for running costs. Again, diesel engines are the economical choice, and are well suited for those who do lots of miles and often carry a full load. The 1.5-litre petrol engine offers decent fuel efficiency, though the 2.0-litre diesel excels. Vehicle Excise Duty depends on the registration date, with post-April 2017 models paying a flat rate.
For both cars it's worth knowing that Volkswagen offers fixed-price servicing at its dealers for vehicles between three and 15 years old. This could be a good option if you want to keep a full main dealer service history.
Reliability
The Sharan isn't the most reliable MPV, but it can still be a solid choice if you find one with a full service history. Common issues include DSG automatic gearbox problems and diesel particulate filters (DPF) clogging as a result of owners doing lots of for short journeys. Ensure all electrics work correctly and watch for parking-related damages.
Volkswagen's reliability record isn't stellar, and that's also reflected in the Touran. Early versions of the 1.5-litre petrol engine had power delivery issues when cold, which were addressed with a software update in 2020. Ensure any potential purchase has had this update applied and check for recalls, of which there have been several. Again, look for a car with a full service history and don't skimp on maintenance.
Verdict
Both the 2010-2022 Volkswagen Sharan and the 2015-2023 Volkswagen Touran score an overall rating from CarGurus experts of 4 out of 5 stars. VW's record for reliability could be better, so for peace of mind it's worth seeking a car that's been well looked after and ideally being sold with a warranty. As to which we'd ultimately recommend, our advice is:
Choose a Volkswagen Sharan if:
- You need maximum space for your family and luggage.
- You're happy with only being able to buy used.
- You prefer a larger, more traditional MPV design.
Choose a Volkswagen Touran if:
- You seek a compact MPV that balances space and manoeuvrability.
- You want a well-rounded family car with a comfortable ride.
- You value a more car-like driving experience.
More than anything, with this comparison it's all about how much space you need. The Touran is a highly practical vehicle that should suit most families just fine. However, if ultimately practicality is your goal and you don't mind spending a bit more and driving a bigger vehicle, then the Sharan's extra space and sliding rear doors make it a winner.