Owner reviews for the Volkswagen Sharan
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Overall rating 4.5/5If family space and flexible seating are high on your list, the Volkswagen Sharan delivers. Known for its clever sliding rear doors and no-nonsense practicality, it’s ideal for active families managing school runs, shopping trips and holidays with ease.
London
London
AA finance available
London
AA finance available
Croydon
London
London
AA finance available
Stevenage
Norwich
Norwich
Loughborough
Loughborough
Grantham
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4.5/5The Volkswagen Sharan is a dependable seven-seat MPV built with comfort, safety and space in mind. Popular with UK families since the 1990s, the second-generation model launched in 2010 and remained in production until 2021. These later models brought a roomier cabin, modern features and refined engines. Sharans from this era are especially sought-after for their flexibility, solid build and those signature sliding doors – a stress-saving feature in tight car parks. You'll get versatile seating for up to seven, generous luggage space and strong safety credentials. Entry-level cars are practical, while higher trims add satnav, smartphone connectivity and electrically operated doors.
The Volkswagen Sharan is well-equipped for family safety, with ABS, electronic stability control and up to seven airbags (including a driver knee airbag on many models). It earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with 96% adult and 80% child occupant scores. ISOFIX child seat points are fitted in multiple rear seats, and newer versions offer lane assist and automatic emergency braking on some trims.
Second-generation models (2010–2021) are offered with a 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel in various power outputs. The diesels are particularly popular for their torque and economy, especially on long trips or when carrying heavier loads. Both manual and DSG automatic gearboxes are common.
Most models come with a touchscreen infotainment system, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB ports. Mid-to-high trims add satnav, smartphone mirroring (App-Connect), parking sensors and rear climate controls. Some later models offer electrically operated sliding doors and a rear-view camera, though entry versions are more basic.
Fuel economy varies by engine and driving conditions. The 2.0 TDI (150PS) diesel with DSG is one of the most efficient options, averaging around 42.5 mpg in real-world driving, with some drivers seeing closer to 53–54 mpg in optimal conditions. The 1.4 TSI petrol returns an official 39.2 mpg combined, though typical real-world figures are lower — closer to 30 mpg, especially with heavier loads or around town.
Look out for car park scrapes and damage to the sliding door mechanisms. Check that all seats fold and slide as they should, and test the infotainment and climate control systems. Earlier models may have electrical faults or issues with the DSG automatic gearbox. A full service history and The AA Vehicle Inspection are well worth considering.
The Volkswagen Sharan is generally durable, but some older models have reported issues with electrics (e.g. satnav, air-con) and DSG gearboxes. It ranked below average for MPV reliability in some WhatCar? surveys. That said, well-maintained examples with regular servicing tend to prove dependable. Prioritise cars with a documented service record, particularly for timing belt and transmission care.