Volkswagen Sharan
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a seven seater that doesn’t compromise on quality or comfort? The Volkswagen Sharan might be exactly what your growing family needs. This premium MPV delivers genuine luxury and space in a practical package that’s built to handle the demands of family life. It’s the car for families who want something more refined than a basic people carrier.

From the outside, the Sharan looks purposeful and elegant rather than van-like. Its clean lines and quality build give it a premium presence that rivals like the Ford Focus or Seat Alhambra struggle to match. But step inside and you’ll understand why families choose this over cheaper alternatives. The cabin feels genuinely upmarket with soft touch materials and thoughtful design throughout. Every surface and control feels like it’s been engineered to last.

The Sharan excels at making family journeys comfortable and stress-free. All seven seats are properly usable, not just emergency perches. The engines are smooth and refined, making long trips feel effortless rather than exhausting. It handles more like a large estate than a traditional MPV, giving you confidence on winding roads. While it commands a premium price, you’re investing in German build quality and engineering that will serve your family for years to come.

What's the Volkswagen Sharan Like to Drive?

The Volkswagen Sharan prioritises refinement and comfort over outright pace. The engine range includes efficient TSI petrol units and torquey TDI diesels, all designed for smooth family motoring. The popular 1.4 TSI produces around 150 horsepower, providing adequate acceleration for daily use and confident overtaking. For those wanting more power, the 2.0 TSI delivers 220 horsepower with genuinely brisk performance. The diesel options, particularly the 2.0 TDI, offer excellent torque and fuel economy.

What impresses most about the Sharan is how composed it feels on the road. The steering is precise and well weighted, making this large MPV surprisingly easy to place accurately. The suspension setup manages the tricky balance between comfort and control excellently. It soaks up bumps and road imperfections to keep passengers comfortable, while remaining stable and secure when cornering. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, creating a calm environment that makes long family journeys genuinely relaxing.

How Comfortable Is the Volkswagen Sharan?

Open any door and the Sharan’s premium credentials become immediately apparent. This is one of the finest interiors in the MPV class. The dashboard design is clean and logical, dominated by a crisp infotainment display. Materials throughout feel substantial and well chosen, from the soft plastics on key touchpoints to the solid feel of every switch and control. Even lower trim levels feel genuinely upmarket compared to many rivals.

Seating comfort is exceptional across all seven positions. The front seats offer excellent support with plenty of adjustment to suit different drivers. The second row provides genuine adult space with individual seats that slide and recline. Even the third row is usable for adults on shorter journeys, not just children. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, DAB radio, and smartphone integration. Higher specifications add luxuries like leather upholstery, heated seats, and premium audio systems that transform the cabin into a genuine luxury environment.

The Volkswagen Sharan represents the premium end of the MPV market, delivering genuine quality and refinement that justifies its higher price. The interior is beautifully crafted with materials and build quality that shame many rivals. On the road it’s composed and comfortable, making family journeys a pleasure rather than an ordeal.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Volkswagen Sharan Expensive to Run?

As a premium German MPV, the Sharan comes with higher running costs than mainstream alternatives, but they’re reasonable considering the quality on offer. The efficient engines help keep fuel bills manageable. Diesel models can achieve over 50 MPG in real world driving, while petrol versions return around 35 to 40 MPG. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, though higher than for a basic family hatchback.

The main cost consideration is the initial purchase price. The Sharan commands a significant premium over rivals like the Seat Alhambra or Ford Galaxy. However, this premium buys you superior build quality, better materials, and stronger residual values. Maintenance costs are typical for Volkswagen models, with servicing best handled by specialists familiar with the brand. For families who value quality and refinement, the extra cost represents good value, especially with car finance options making ownership more accessible.

Volkswagen Sharan Practicality & Boot Space

The Sharan excels at family practicality while maintaining an upmarket feel. Boot space varies dramatically depending on seating configuration. With all seven seats in use, you get 300 litres of luggage space, enough for shopping and school bags. Fold the rear seats and this expands to over 2,200 litres, creating a vast cargo area. The loading lip is reasonably low and the tailgate opens wide for easy access.

Interior storage is thoughtfully designed with cup holders, door pockets, and compartments scattered throughout. The second row seats slide and fold individually, making it easy to balance passenger and cargo needs. Where the Sharan particularly impresses is in build quality and attention to detail. Everything from the seat mechanisms to the interior trim feels robust and well engineered compared to other used Volkswagen cars. For families who regularly carry seven people or need maximum cargo flexibility, few rivals match the Sharan’s combination of space and quality.

The Volkswagen Sharan stands out in the MPV market by offering genuine premium quality in a practical family package. It combines German engineering excellence with thoughtful design and exceptional build quality. While it costs more than basic alternatives, it delivers superior comfort, refinement, and long term durability that make it worthwhile for discerning families.

You choose the Sharan when you want the best rather than the cheapest. Its spacious interior, smooth engines, and quality feel make every journey more enjoyable. It’s perfectly suited to family life while feeling special enough to use for business or social occasions. For families seeking the ultimate blend of practicality and premium quality, especially those considering cars under £10,000 in the used market, the Sharan represents excellent value.