Skip advert
Advertisement

Seven-seat MPV shoot-out

How will the all-new Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra fare against the top deck Ford Galaxy in the battle of the seven-seat people carriers?

Seven-seat MPV shoot-out

The vintage buses in this picture must have carried millions of passengers before retiring to the Oxford Bus Museum. VW’s Sharan and SEAT’s Alhambra aren’t quite as old, and won’t have moved quite so many people around, but both models qualify for long service medals – as they have been on sale for 15 years.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Their long-awaited replacements have just arrived in the UK and, as before, they look virtually identical. The cars also share the latest range of VW Group engines, practical cabins and sliding rear doors – and they’re aiming to put both manufacturers back on top in the large MPV class. 

However, in their first test, they face an Auto Express favourite: the Ford Galaxy. The current car was launched in 2006, and it set new standards for comfort, space and handling. It takes on our newcomers fresh from a mid-life update. So, which MPV is just the ticket for practical transport.

Verdict

Big people carriers are a necessity rather than a choice for lots of motorists, but that doesn’t mean they have to be devoid of any appeal beyond their practicality. The cars in this test all prove that seven-seat MPVs can provide a lot more than just space. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

84,859 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £12,200
View Golf
Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

9,913 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £19,400
View Juke
Arona

2020 SEAT

Arona

39,173 milesAutomaticDiesel1.6L

Cash £12,600
View Arona
Q3

2023 Audi

Q3

72,003 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £20,500
View Q3

The SEAT Alhambra and VW Sharan are well built, functional and efficient. With sliding doors and flexible cabins, they offer practicality along with composed handling, impressive refinement and frugal economy. 

However, the Ford has more passenger space in the third row, better visibility and sharper styling. The added sparkle of the driving experience is the icing on the cake that secures it victory. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Choosing between the Sharan and the Alhambra for second place is easy. They’re mechanically identical and the cabins are exactly the same, too. Externally, the small detailing differences don’t give either an advantage in the style stakes, so it all comes down to value for money. Predicted resale values are only 1.3 per cent different between the two, so the SEAT’s £1,100 lower list price relegates the VW to third place.

1. Ford Galaxy

Good to look at, great to be in and brilliant to drive – the Galaxy scores on all fronts. The interior is comfortable, roomy, adaptable and well thought out, plus well equipped. A polished chassis, smooth engine and executive 

car refinement all impress, too.

2. SEAT Alhambra

Sliding doors boost practicality and the seats move with smoothly oiled precision. The SEAT is cheaper than the identical 

Sharan, yet just as well put together, and its options are 

more competitively priced. An accomplished people carrier.

3. VW Sharan

The VW comes third on price – it’s more expensive than its identical stablemate. Blind spots caused by thick A-pillars spoil the driving experience and, as with the SEAT, the third row of seats isn’t as spacious as the Ford’s.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,972
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona - front end

Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle

Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers’ hearts and minds
Car group tests
12 Jul 2025