Volkswagen Sharan vs. Volkswagen Touran: which is better?
Can't decide between Volkswagen's two large MPVs? Read more to find out if you're better-suited to the Sharan or Touran
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If you’re in the market for a practical family car that suits active kids, camping holidays and that has lots of cabin space, then there’s nowhere else to look but these two Volkswagens.
The now-discontinued Volkswagen Sharan is larger than the Touran in every metric, but both serve a similar purpose for those who need large MPVs for dogs, people and luggage.
You can find both used Volkswagen options at great prices on the pre-owned market - especially handy for the discontinued Sharan.
But which should you consider? Read our helpful guide to see which suits you better.
Styling
 "Volkswagen Sharan vs Volkswagen Touran")
If you’re expecting these to look like Lamborghinis, then you may need to rethink your next car (and budget) because MPVs aren’t famed for their good looks as they favour function and practicality over everything else.
What these two vehicles harness perfectly is the ‘boxy design life’, which Volkswagen has pulled off very well.
The best way to think of them is as elongated Volkswagen Golfs with taller roofs, and boots so large they make Peter Crouch’s shoes look tiny.
If you favour style, then the smaller Touran is probably the one for you because it’s been refined to be as sleek as possible without compromising on interior space.
It’s by far the more stylish of the two, but it can’t fit as much stuff inside.
What are they like to drive?
 "Volkswagen Sharan vs Volkswagen Touran")
Families love the Sharan for one main reason: the driving. At first you may be intimidated by its size, but when you sit in the driver’s seat it doesn’t feel as large, offering a high driving position and plenty of visibility thanks to its boxy greenhouse design.
There are also some excellent petrol and diesel engines on offer, with economy figures ranging from 31.4-44.8mpg.
The Touran is very similar in many ways to the Sharan, but driving it is even easier because it’s shorter and narrower.
It can be had with either a petrol or diesel engine, but the latter has proven to be the more popular over the years, returning up to 53.3mpg.
Interior and technology
 "Volkswagen Sharan vs Volkswagen Touran interior")
If you’ve spent any time in or around Volkswagen Golfs or Polos, then the two interiors of the Sharan and Touran won’t be anything drastically different.
But what makes them so appealing is the simplistic and clean nature of the buttons and touchscreens, making it easy for everyone to use.
If you don’t fancy learning Volkswagen’s own built-in infotainment system, then you can always hook up your smartphone and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which work excellently.
Aside from that, you may also find some fancy added extras such as a panoramic sunroof, an improved sound system and even folding tables so those in the rear two rows can work or eat with ease while on the move.
Boot space and practicality
 "Volkswagen Sharan vs Volkswagen Touran boot")
If there’s one thing you need to take away from this comparison, it’s that both cars are splendid for boot space and practicality.
The Sharan offers 300 litres of boot space, growing to a massive 2,297 litres when the rear rows are folded flat.
The smaller but still practical Touran gets 197 litres with all the seats up and an impressive 1,857 litres when all rear seats are folded flat.
When all seats are in place, both vehicles offer up to seven seats, meaning you can easily take your family or a bunch of mates on a camping trip or weekend away.
Even if there are taller passengers, they’ll have plenty of headroom, and legroom is good too considering each car can seat so many people.
Safety and reliability
 "Volkswagen Sharan vs Volkswagen Touran safety and reliability")
MPVs aren’t small cars, and these two are no exception. Aside from practicality purposes, the size also helps with safety.
Following their most recent Euro NCAP crash tests, both cars scored 4/5 stars, which is more impressive as the test becomes stricter by the year.
This means both adult and children will be safe in the event of an accident – but let’s not even think about that.
When it comes to reliability, you shouldn’t have any major concerns with these two cars because they’re modern, German-built family MPVs that are made to last.
Their robust engines and impeccable build quality make them stand out from their rivals.
Size and dimensions
Volkswagen Sharan
Length: 4,854mm
Width: 1,904mm
Height: 1,720mm
Boot space: 300-2,297 litres
Volkswagen Touran
Length: 4,527mm
Width: 1,829mm
Height: 1,659mm
Boot space: 197-1,857 litres
Verdict: Sharan vs Touran: which should you buy?
If you’ve read our comparison and are still unsure which MPV is best for you, then hopefully our short verdict will help guide you in the right direction.
Being the larger vehicle, the Volkswagen Sharan is ideal for the explorers among us – the kinds of people who go camping in the Lake District when it’s drizzling and those who take the whole family (plus dog) to the continent over a Bank Holiday weekend.
If you’re that person, then the Sharan is ideal for you. With either a petrol or diesel engine, we can’t see how this isn’t a great option.
However, if you just want something a little bit larger and lower than an SUV, the Touran is the one to pick.
It has the same qualities and features as its larger sibling, and you’re more likely to find a newer one on the used market as VW discontinued the Sharan in 2022.
Either way, you’re going to be ending up with a stellar vehicle that’s suitable for all the family including the dog, be it a chihuahua or a Great Dane.