If you're looking for a practical, seven-seat family car, the default choice for many is a large SUV. However, the humble MPV, or people carrier, often does the job better. Volkswagen has long been a master of the genre, and two of its strongest offerings are the Sharan and the Touran.
The Sharan is the full-size option, a van-like vehicle that prioritises maximum space for passengers and luggage above all else. The Touran is its smaller, more hatchback-like sibling, which still packs in seven seats but in a more compact and city-friendly package. Both are sensible, well-built, and designed with family life in mind, but which one is the right fit for you?
Volkswagen Sharan vs Volkswagen Touran
- Practicality
- Driving Impressions
- Technology and Equipment
- Running Costs
- CarGurus Buyer Insights
- Verdict
Practicality
Volkswagen Sharan practicality score: 5/5
Volkswagen Touran practicality score: 5/5
This is the main event for any MPV, and both Volkswagens deliver. The Sharan is the undisputed king of space here. With all seven seats in use, it offers a usable 300 litres of boot space, which is enough for a weekly shop. Fold the rearmost seats down, and you have a cavernous 809-litre load bay. Its sliding rear doors are also a huge bonus in tight car parks.
The Touran is smaller, but it’s a masterclass in packaging. While its 137-litre boot with all seven seats up is only suitable for a few shopping bags, folding the third row away opens up a massive 917 litres of space. The cabin is littered with clever storage spots, too. If you need to carry seven adults regularly, the Sharan’s extra size makes it the winner. For those who only need the third row occasionally, the Touran’s blend of space and more manageable dimensions is compelling.
Driving Impressions
Volkswagen Sharan driving score: 3/5
Volkswagen Touran driving score: 3/5
Neither of these cars is designed to set your pulse racing. Instead, the focus is on providing a comfortable, quiet, and easy driving experience. The larger Sharan feels solid and composed, particularly on the motorway where it settles into a relaxed cruise. Its size can make it feel a bit cumbersome on narrow roads or in town, but the handling is safe and predictable.
The Touran feels much more like a regular hatchback to drive. Its smaller size makes it more agile and easier to park, which is a big advantage for city dwellers. The ride is supple, and it handles neatly, even if it’s not what you’d call fun. Both cars offer a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, with the diesels being the better choice for hauling a full car. In essence, the Sharan is the better long-distance cruiser, while the Touran is the superior all-rounder.
Technology and Equipment
Volkswagen Sharan technology and equipment score: 3/5
Volkswagen Touran technology and equipment score: 3/5
Inside, both cars feature Volkswagen's typically solid build quality and logical dashboard layouts. The materials are durable rather than plush, which is arguably what you want in a hard-working family car. As these models have been around for a while, don't expect the huge, slick touchscreens you'll find in the latest VWs.
Instead, you get functional infotainment systems, typically between 6.5 and 8.0 inches, with features like DAB radio and Bluetooth. Post-2015 models often include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a must-have for many buyers. Higher trim levels add desirable features like three-zone climate control and panoramic sunroofs. The technology is perfectly adequate, but it does show the age of the underlying designs compared to newer rivals.
Running Costs
Volkswagen Sharan running costs score: 4/5
Volkswagen Touran running costs score: 4/5
Compared to an equivalent seven-seat SUV, both of these MPVs should be more affordable to run. Their more aerodynamic shapes and efficient engines help with fuel economy. The Touran, being smaller and lighter, is the more frugal of the two, with its 2.0-litre TDI diesel capable of over 50mpg. The Sharan’s equivalent diesel will likely return figures in the mid-40s in real-world driving.
Volkswagen's reliability record is average, so it's important to check for a full service history when buying used. The brand’s DSG automatic gearbox requires regular fluid changes to remain healthy, and some earlier 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines in the Touran had issues, so be sure any recall work has been completed. Overall, with sensible driving and proper maintenance, neither car should present any major financial headaches.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
| Volkswagen Sharan | Volkswagen Touran | |
|---|---|---|
| CarGurus expert rating | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* | 29.6% | 33.6% |
| Overall CarGurus rating | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Volkswagen Sharan Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2/5
Volkswagen Touran Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3/5
Both the Volkswagen Sharan and Touran are excellent examples of the MPV breed, offering huge practicality and sensible running costs. Choosing between them comes down to how you prioritise space versus everyday usability.
However, based on our comprehensive CarGurus data, it's the smaller Volkswagen Touran that takes the narrow victory. It scores slightly higher with our users and has a greater percentage of good and great deals available on CarGurus. Its brilliant balance of a spacious, seven-seat interior with the driving manners and manageable size of a family hatchback makes it an incredibly versatile and appealing package.
This doesn't mean you should discount the Sharan. If your primary need is carrying six or seven people and their luggage on a regular basis, its sheer size and space are unmatched. For those big family holidays or airport runs, it's the better tool for the job. But for the day-to-day school run and supermarket trip, the Touran’s more compact dimensions and slightly better running costs give it the edge for most buyers.
Volkswagen Sharan Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vast interior and boot space | Can feel cumbersome in town |
| Comfortable and refined motorway cruiser | Dated infotainment system |
| Sliding rear doors are a practical bonus | Less fuel-efficient than the Touran |
Volkswagen Touran Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent balance of space and size | Third-row seats are best for kids |
| Easy to drive and park | Small boot with all seven seats up |
| Clever and flexible interior | Unexciting to drive |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.