Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Sharan MPV (2010-2022) - Engines, drive & performance

One of the best MPVs to drive, the Volkswagen Sharan combines powerful engines with agile and responsive handling

Carbuyer Rating

3.6 out of 5

Owners Rating

2.8 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Engines, drive & performance Rating

3.5 out of 5

The VW Sharan is based on the same underpinnings as several other models in the Volkswagen range, so although it’s a large, tall car with seating for seven, it feels lighter and more agile than you might expect. The steering has a reassuring weight to it and there isn’t an excessive amount of body when you go around corners. As with other VWs, the Sharan boasts a strong range of efficient and responsive petrol and diesel engines.

Volkswagen Sharan diesel engines

Sharan buyers have a choice of two 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines – one with 148bhp and one with 175bhp. The former is our favourite, as it offers a good balance between the performance you need to haul a full carload of people and luggage around, and the efficiency you want to keep your running costs down. It’ll do 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 124mph.

Moving up to the 175bhp version will increase you running costs slightly, but the 0-62mph time improves to 9.3 seconds. This engine is only offered with a DSG automatic gearbox and not available on the entry-level trim level.

Petrol engine

The petrol range consists of a single engine – a 1.4-litre TSI with 148bhp. We think this engine really punches above its weight and is a great match for the Sharan, taking it from 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Honda Prelude coming in 2026 with hybrid tech and simulated gear shifts
Honda Prelude front quarter
News
17 Dec 2024

New Honda Prelude coming in 2026 with hybrid tech and simulated gear shifts

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
20 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Ford Capri review – a comfortable, well-built EV
Ford Capri UK front quarter cruising
In-depth reviews
20 Dec 2024

Ford Capri review – a comfortable, well-built EV

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024