If you need a car that can carry seven people but don't want a bulky SUV, the traditional MPV is still a great choice. Two of the most popular options on the market, however, couldn't be more different in their approach. In one corner, we have the Dacia Jogger, a car that has redefined value-for-money with its low price and clever packaging.
In the other, there's the Volkswagen Touran, a stalwart of the MPV class that offers a more premium, car-like experience, but with a price tag to match. One is the undisputed king of budget family transport, while the other brings a touch of class to the school run. So, should you save your cash with the Dacia or spend it on the Volkswagen?
Dacia Jogger vs Volkswagen Touran
Practicality
Dacia Jogger practicality score: 5/5
Volkswagen Touran practicality score: 5/5
This is the main event for any seven-seater, and both cars score top marks. The Dacia Jogger is a masterclass in packaging. It has stadium-style seating, where each row is slightly higher than the one in front, giving everyone a good view out. The third-row seats are surprisingly usable, even for adults on shorter trips, and can be removed completely (they only weigh 10kg each) to create a van-like 1,819-litre boot.
The Volkswagen Touran feels more conventional but is just as clever. It features seven individual seats, and the five in the back can be slid, folded or reclined independently, offering huge flexibility. Access to the third row is easy, and while it's best for children, adults will manage. With all seats folded, the Touran offers a massive 1,857-litre load bay. Both are exceptionally practical, but the Jogger’s removable seats give it a slight edge for outright carrying capacity.
Driving Impressions
Dacia Jogger driving score: 2/5
Volkswagen Touran driving score: 3/5
There's a clear difference between these two on the road. The Dacia Jogger is based on the same platform as the Sandero supermini, and it drives like it. The steering is light, the suspension is soft, and its main priority is comfort. It’s perfectly pleasant for cruising around town or on the motorway, but it’s not a car you'd call engaging. The entry-level petrol engine can feel strained when the car is fully loaded, though the hybrid model is smoother and more responsive.
The Volkswagen Touran, based on the same underpinnings as the Golf, feels much more like a conventional car to drive. The ride is composed and comfortable, it handles corners with confidence, and it feels secure and stable at high speeds. It’s a more refined and relaxing experience all round. It might not be exciting, but it’s competent and gives the driver more confidence than the Jogger.
Technology and Equipment
Dacia Jogger technology and equipment score: 2/5
Volkswagen Touran technology and equipment score: 3/5
This is where the Jogger's budget price becomes most apparent. Entry-level models don't even have a radio; instead, you get a clever smartphone cradle and an app that turns your phone into the infotainment system. Higher-spec models get a simple 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the cabin is a sea of hard, durable plastics. It’s functional, but it’s not fancy.
The Touran is a step up in quality and technology. Even older models feature a slick touchscreen infotainment system as standard, and the materials used throughout the cabin feel more solid and upmarket. You get more creature comforts and a wider range of available safety features, such as adaptive cruise control. While a brand-new, top-spec Jogger might have more modern features than a ten-year-old base-model Touran, the VW generally offers a more sophisticated environment.
Running Costs
Dacia Jogger running costs score: 5/5
Volkswagen Touran running costs score: 4/5
The Dacia Jogger’s biggest selling point is its price. Brand new, it costs significantly less than any other seven-seater on the market, and used examples represent a bargain. It’s not just cheap to buy, either. The efficient petrol engines and the self-charging hybrid model (which can return over 55mpg) mean fuel bills will be low. Insurance and maintenance costs are also at the budget end of the scale.
The Volkswagen Touran is more expensive to buy, both new and used. However, it holds its value well, which means you could get a good chunk of your money back when you come to sell it. Its petrol and diesel engines are efficient, with the diesels being particularly frugal on long motorway runs. While parts and servicing will be more expensive than for the Dacia, the Touran is far from a costly car to run for its size and quality.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Dacia Jogger |
Volkswagen Touran |
| CarGurus expert rating |
3 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
0.0 out of 5 |
4.8 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
30.7% |
33.6% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
3.8 out of 5 |
4.3 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Dacia Jogger Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8/5
Volkswagen Touran Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3/5
This is a battle between value and quality, and while the Dacia Jogger makes an incredibly strong case for itself, our numbers show the Volkswagen Touran is the better all-round car. It wins here thanks to its higher expert and user ratings, reflecting its superior refinement, more composed driving experience, and higher-quality interior.
The Touran feels like a classier, more substantial product. It’s the MPV you choose if you want the practicality without compromising on the comfort and quietness of a good family hatchback. It proves that you can have a sensible seven-seater that still feels reassuringly solid and pleasant to drive.
That said, the Dacia Jogger is a remarkable achievement. If your budget is tight and you simply need the most space for the least money, it’s in a class of one. Its practicality is undeniable and its running costs are minimal. But for those who can afford to spend a little more, the Volkswagen Touran’s extra quality and refinement make it our winner.
Dacia Jogger Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Unbeatable value for money |
Basic interior and technology |
| Hugely practical and versatile |
Uninspiring to drive |
| Very low running costs |
Poor one-star Euro NCAP safety rating |
Volkswagen Touran Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| High-quality, solid-feeling interior |
Significantly more expensive to buy |
| Refined and comfortable driving experience |
Conservative styling |
| Flexible and spacious seating |
Infotainment can feel dated on older models |
*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.
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