Volkswagen Sharan (2010-2021) Review
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Huge interior, very flexible
- Seats five very comfortably and seven well
- Upgrades in 2015 and 2019 brought big improvements
Cons
- Can be cumbersome to drive
- Can be expensive to run
- Long running model - feeling old
Verdict: Is the Volkswagen Sharan a good car?
"The Volkswagen Sharan is one of Volkswagen's longest-serving models. Only discontinued in 2021, the Sharan was one of the default choices in the MPV sector, but as buyers turned towards SUVs and crossovers, the whole MPV sector faded. The truth is, few cars can match a genuine MPV like the Sharan for space efficiency and sheer versatility."
People carriers (or MPVs as they’re sometimes known) have fallen out of favour in recent years, with buyers preferring cars like the Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008 and Volkswagen’s very own Tiguan Allspace, which all offer seven seats in a more conventional body style.
As a result, many car manufacturers discontinued their people carriers. Volkswagen's Sharan was one of the last options if you were looking for a ‘proper’ people carrier and something with two sliding side doors, but don’t want to buy a car-derived van (for instance a Ford Tourneo Custom or Volkswagen Caravelle). As a result, it’s a good used buy and one that you shouldn’t discount just because it’s slightly unfashionable these days.
There was a reason why Volkswagen Sharan was one of the last standing - it’s always been one of the very best MPVs. This version, originally launched in 2010 and substantially upgraded in 2015, is no different.
Part of the Volkswagen Sharan’s appeal was how easily it transformed from a seven-seater to a five-seater to a two-seater. If you’ve ever owned an older people carrier, you’ll be well aware of what a faff it can be to remove seats - both in how heavy and awkward they are and how difficult they can be to store.
Not so with the Volkswagen Sharan. Since its launch, the rear five seats have folded effortlessly to create a flat floor and an incredibly useful load area. It’s easy to do, too, by just pulling a couple of handles and straps. Of course, should you need the space, those seats can come out (but, be warned, they are heavy).
There was also a neat middle booster seat option. Opt for a car with a panoramic glass roof, and the interior will feel even more spacious, thanks to the amount of light filling the interior.
Now, back to that 2015 facelift. Initially, there was a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, with the 140PS 2.0-litre TDI being described as the most popular and efficient engine to be fitted to a car of this size. However, buyers opting for the refreshed option benefit from welcome changes. Engines were upgraded, and the diesels were revised and brought up to Euro 6 standard, meaning more power and efficiency.
On the road, it’s as you’d expect for a car of this size. A bit of a handful around town or tighter roads, but nothing that should put you off, and much more happy and confident on the motorway. Steering is light, it corners well for its size, and the ride soaks up all but the worst lumps and bumps in the road.
From the exterior, you’d struggle to tell the facelifted Volkswagen Sharan apart from its predecessor. In fact, from the front, it's almost impossible to tell the two models apart. Tweaks included new bumpers and lights, and new rear light clusters, which feature LEDs.
Further standard equipment included touchscreen infotainment, three-zone climate control, Bluetooth and automatic post-collision braking.
The Volkswagen Sharan benefited from more upgrades in 2019, designed to prolong the model’s life into the early 2020s. Discover Navigation was offered as standard across the range, there was a blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert and lane assist - ideal as the car is so long - and dynamic road sign assist that brought up things like speed limit signs onto the info screen on Volkswagen Sharan’s instrument cluster.
Worth noting this Volkswagen Sharan - originally launched in 2010 - has been around long enough to be Euro NCAP crash tested twice, once in 2010 and again in 2019 - it’s pretty unusual for a model to be tested twice in its lifespan. First time round, it was a five-star car, but was only rated as four-star by 2019 - the goalposts had shifted by this point and gaining that five-star rating was much, much more difficult.
Because it’s been on sale for a while, the Volkswagen Sharan offers plenty to buyers in this market, with a wide range of trims, engines and price points. If you’re after a car for a larger family, this may just be it.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Volkswagen Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of VW Sharan MPVs for sale.
Is the Volkswagen Sharan right for you?
The Volkswagen Sharan is an attractive used proposition for anyone after a seven-seat car or, specifically, a people carrier. Its styling may not be as appealing as more modern seven-seat options, but the Sharan is practical, flexible and has been around long enough to suit almost every budget.
Its size will be off-putting to some, both in how cumbersome it can be to drive and the obvious knock-on effects with running costs (i.e fuel consumption, road tax and insurance).
Smaller seven-seat alternatives, like the Touran and Tiguan Allspace, are more appropriate if you only need seven seats occasionally. But, if you need those seven seats, then the Volkswagen Sharan is for you.
Go for a Volkswagen Sharan registered after 2015 if you can - these cars benefited from a major facelift.
What's the best Volkswagen Sharan model/engine to choose?
If you’ve got a decent budget, then any Volkswagen Sharan after 2019 is preferable - this is when it received a series of upgrades and improved equipment. SE Nav and SEL are the two trims to go for. On older Volkswagen Sharans, look for the SE trim. This got chrome roof rails and tinted rear glass, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control among other items, which made driving a Volkswagen Sharan - especially if you’re not used to the size - much easier.
For engines, look for something that’s post-2015. This is when Petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines were redesigned. These turbocharged direct-injection engines were up to 15 per cent more fuel-efficient and conformed to the Euro-6 emissions standard. TSI petrol engines are better if covering lower mileages (less than 12,000 miles per year); go for a diesel if you're doing the miles to justify it.
What other cars are similar to the Volkswagen Sharan?
Three different types of car were similar to the Volkswagen Sharan. There were smaller seven-seaters like the Volkswagen Touran, Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and Peugeot 5008. The former and latter are still around, but the Zafira has been canned.
Other used alternatives are the SEAT Alhambra, Ford S-MAX and, in years gone-by would have included the Renault Espace and Chrysler Voyager.
If you have a bit more cash to spend, new examples include the Volkswagen Multivan and I.D. Buzz. Cheaper alternatives include the Dacia Jogger and Ford Tourneo Connect.
Comfort and design: Volkswagen Sharan interior
"Every Volkswagen Sharan had twin sliding doors (on better-specced cars these are electric, too), which, to certain buyers, will be a real boon. It's easier to fit and remove child seats and get kids in and out of the car. If you are less able or mobile, getting into the car is much easier. Some people will opt for the Volkswagen Sharan for this alone."
If you’re familiar with some of Volkswagen’s other large cars, you’ll feel at home with the Sharan. It looks a lot like the interior of other large Volkswagens, including the Passat and Touareg, has a smart fascia, well-chosen plastics and fabrics and high quality switches and dials.
It feels roomy and light, even when fully loaded, thanks to big windows and the option of a large sunroof that runs for much of the length of the roof, bathing the cabin with light.
With all the rear seats folded, there's up to 2430 litres of space, which is more than enough for the needs of most families. One of the most innovative features of the old Volkswagen Sharan was carried over to the new one - child seats can be incorporated into the main seats in the third row (simply pull out the centre cushion of the seat to reveal child straps), eliminating the need for separate child seats.
Quality and finish
Buying a Volkswagen usually brings an expectation of quality, and for the most part, the Sharan scored pretty well here. Climb aboard, and you won't feel trapped inside a glorified van - the design was typical Volkswagen-sensible but remains attractive, with everything clearly laid out and easy to understand.
The material quality was decent, too, with splashes of matte chrome and piano black here and there. It was otherwise uniformly dark plastic, so not exactly exciting, but it was built to last rather than thrill.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, sat-nav and stereo in the Volkswagen Sharan
The infotainment offered to a Volkswagen Sharan buyer depends on its age. Cars made between 2010 and 2015 had a sat nav system that's not aged well - the world moves on too quickly - imagine using an iPhone from the early 2000s now… In addition, Bluetooth wasn't available across the board, and the standard way to connect a phone was through an aux-in.
The facelift in 2015 updated things with better connectivity, better sat nav and a larger screen. It’s a simple-to-use system with buttons and a clear screen. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth simply and - if you have a car with sat nav - it works well, with easy-to-understand directions.
Sharans from 2019 got Volkswagen’s snazzier sat nav and a system that reads road signs, informing you of upcoming changes to speed limits.
Space and practicality: Volkswagen Sharan boot space
This is the area where Volkswagen Sharan simply excels. Looking for space, practicality and flexibility? The Sharan is still pretty hard to beat. There’s plenty of space for five adults and their luggage or seven adults to be seated. It’s roomy, too.
The shape naturally lent itself to good headroom, but there was also plenty of leg and shoulder space in the first and second rows, though the two seats in the back were best for kids - a couple of adults will be fine for shorter trips. Interior space was much better than the Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer or smaller Volkswagen Touran.
The Volkswagen Sharan’s seats were 40/20/40 split, and there was plenty of space for luggage. With all seven seats up, there was enough room for shopping or small cases. Drop down the two seats at the rear into the floor, and the boot was huge, while folding the three in the middle row created the kind of space you’d expect from a van.
With all the rear seats folded, there was up to 2430 litres of space, which is more than enough for the needs of most. A particularly innovative feature was that child seats/boosters can be incorporated into the main seats in the third row (simply pull out the centre cushion of the seat to reveal child straps).
Other storage in the Volkswagen Sharan included cubbies beneath the front seats and in the floor beneath them, fold-down picnic tables on the back of the front seats and integrated sun blinds in the rear doors.
The driver got a comfortable driving position, with decent seat and steering wheel adjustment. The pedals, steering wheel and driver’s seat were well aligned and not at an awkward angle, and the switches and buttons were well situated and easy to use on the move.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Volkswagen Sharan like to drive?
"You got a more car-like drive with the Volkswagen Sharan than almost any other people carrier of this size - only the Ford S-MAX was comparable. It cornered well and had good steering - though it could've been a little more responsive."
The Volkswagen Sharan's ride comfort was good, absorbing all but the very worst lumps and bumps in the road.
DCC adaptive chassis control was optional, which improved the ride comfort and allowed you to soften or stiffen the suspension as you wished. It was pricey and questionable whether it was necessary on a car of this sort.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Volkswagen Sharan?
Original engines for the Volkswagen Sharan included a 150 PS 1.4-litre TSI petrol, it had more than enough poke. The more popular option of the early engines was a 2.0-litre common rail diesel, producing 140 PS or 170 PS.
It may not have been the most powerful, but it offered a decent amount of pulling power and never appeared overwhelmed by the car's size. The gears were spaced to aid efficiency, meaning you may have found yourself in a lower gear than expected, but otherwise, it was a fuss-free engine choice. The 170bhp version swapped efficiency for a little more power.
All of the original engines had the choice of a six-speed manual and smooth dual-clutch DSG gearboxes, except the 2.0-litre petrol with 200PS, which was DSG only.
A 2015 diesel engine revamp brought them up to Euro 6 standards. This meant they were more powerful, more economical and emitted less CO2. As a result, the 2.0-litre TDI had a 10PS power hike to 150PS, while emissions dropped and fuel economy improved.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine was responsive and refined, with 340Nm of torque from 1750rpm, which meant you were never short of low-gear pull.
In short, all of the engines still feel well-suited to the Volkswagen Sharan, though the diesels offered more punch and better flexibility for different types of driving.
Refinement and noise levels
Volkswagen had done a decent job suppressing wind and road noise - the cabin was quiet on the move, and the car was most at home on the motorway. Here, passengers can be assured of smooth, pleasant and quiet journeys.
Ride comfort was decent, too. The suspension did an excellent job of soaking up all but the worst lumps and bumps on the road surface.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Volkswagen Sharan?
The Volkswagen Sharan was always packed with safety equipment - further cementing its family car reputation. Its comprehensive list of standard safety features included curtain airbags, knee airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points (plus built-in child seats and booster seats on some versions), and tyre pressure monitoring.
It also had auto-dipping headlights, lane-keeping assistance, parking assistance, and an automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically initiated braking after a collision. Options included an ambient traffic monitoring system, Front Assist with integrated City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), 3rd generation Park Assist (for assisted parking and exiting from parking spaces) and Blind Spot Monitor, which warned the driver of overtaking vehicles.
The Volkswagen Sharan was crash-tested by Euro NCAP twice, once when it was originally launched in 2010 and then again in 2019. The first time around, it scored five stars, but the goalposts were moved nine years later with stricter criteria, and it was awarded only four stars.
It’s worth noting that the second crash test generated a few headlines as the side door of the Volkswagen Sharan being tested fell off on impact. Euro NCAP docked the model one point for this flaw and said that although the overall performance of the vehicle was not compromised, there could be, in extreme circumstances, a risk of ejection.
No Volkswagen Sharan had a full-size spare wheel. Instead, they came with a compressor and a repair kit. This was fine for smaller punctures but could leave you stranded if there was more substantial damage.
MPG and fuel costs: What does a Volkswagen Sharan cost to run?
"On paper, the diesels were capable of at least 50 mpg. In reality, you’ll be looking at mid-30s, maybe 40 mpg, if you’re on a long motorway run. But, for a car of this size and weight, that’s perfectly respectable."
This is a car capable of long distances without having to fill up. With a 70-litre fuel tank and 40 mpg, you can expect it to go 750+ miles between refills.
Volkswagen Sharan reliability and warranty
The Volkswagen Sharan didn't feature in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, but during its lifespan, reports of faulty windows, central locking, alarms and air conditioning filled forums.
It's also worth noting that DSG gearboxes have been known to cause problems, particularly on early cars where maintenance has not been carried out correctly, so take a close look at the service history.
As a brand, Volkswagen recently finished 21st out of 29 manufacturers in the Satisfaction Index, although they were closer to the top when the later Sharan was on sale.
Volkswagen Sharan insurance groups and costs
There’s a narrow band of insurance groups for the Volkswagen Sharan, ranging from 19 for the least powerful to 25 for the cars with larger and more powerful engines. That compares well to similar used models like the SEAT Alhambra and Ford Galaxy.
Still, this falls short compared to the Dacia Jogger, which starts from group 13 and rises to 16.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Volkswagen Sharan?
Sharans are available under both the older and newer VED road tax systems.
Pre-April 2017 diesel cars, such as a 2.0 Sharan, cost between £190 and £210 to tax. 1.4 TSI BlueMotions are £255. Because it straddles two tax systems, it's worth checking where your car sits before purchasing. Regardless, there are no cheap-to-tax cars here.
Volkswagen Sharan price
"The Volkswagen Sharan has been on sale since 2010 - more than a decade - so there’s a wide spread to suit many budgets. New prices started between £25,000 and £40,000, though as the Sharan became less desirable among new buyers, big discounts were common. "
Earlier Sharans can be had for as little as £1,500. It's worth remembering that these have interstellar mileage and were probably taxis. Again, 2013/2014 diesel cars with sub-200,000 miles go for as little as £2,000.
Expect to pay around £7,300 for a 2014 76,000-mile car or £24,000 for a 2021 14,000-mile example.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Trims from launch were S, SE and SEL.
The entry-leve Volkswagen Sharan S featured an alarm with interior monitoring, parking brake with auto hold, electric child locks on the rear doors, front and rear electric windows, driver and front passenger airbags, driver's knee airbag, side airbag along all three rows of seats, driver's seat-height adjustment, front centre armrest, Climatronic air conditioning front and rear, a CD stereo with eight speakers, connectivity, DAB digital radio receiver and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Volkswagen Sharan SE models benefitted from a multi-function steering wheel, auto dimming rear-view mirror with rain sensor, under-seat drawers for the driver and passenger, height adjustment for both seats with electric back rest adjustment, ‘load-through' function for front passenger seat, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, chrome trim and 16-inch ‘Memphis' alloy wheels.
Volkswagen Sharan SEL was the range-topping model and added sport comfort seats with Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, tinted glass, heated windscreen washer jets, brushed aluminium inserts, cruise control, a CD autochanger, front fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, chrome roof rails and 17-inch ‘Sydney' alloy wheels.
From 2015, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Bluetooth phone connection and three-zone Climatronic air conditioning became standard across the range, Volkswagen Sharan SE trim gained chrome roof rails and tinted rear glass, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control among other items, while the range-topping Volkswagen Sharan SEL trim got Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, panoramic sunroof, Alcantara upholstery and Discover Navigation with CarNet Guide and Inform.
The Volkswagen Sharan SE Navigation model joined the range. Based on the mid-range SE trim, it added Discover Navigation with CarNet Guide and Inform for an additional £675.
A further refresh in 2019 brought Discover Navigation as standard across the range, plus a blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, including lane assist and dynamic road sign display. Due to the standard fitment of Discover Navigation, SE trim was removed, meaning the Sharan range from this date begins with S and moves up to SE Nav, then SEL.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
Is the Volkswagen Sharan being discontinued?
Is the Volkswagen Sharan a good car?
What is Volkswagen replacing the Sharan with?
Volkswagen Sharan Alternatives
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