VW Sharan 7N Engines

The second-generation Volkswagen Sharan (7N) was presented in 2010 as the successor to the first Sharan and quickly established itself as one of the leading MPVs in the European market. The VW Sharan 7N engines are characterized by a balanced mix of efficiency, performance and reliability, with Volkswagen continuously implementing technical improvements over the production period. From the first TSI and TDI units to the latest Euro 6-compliant engines, the engine range reflects the Group's technological evolution.

VW Sharan 7N engines - market launch and first facelift (2010-2015)

The first phase of the VW Sharan 7N engines was characterized by proven Volkswagen units that had already proven their reliability in other models of the Group. This generation typically achieved mileages of between 250,000 and 350,000 kilometers, with major maintenance work usually occurring between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers. The 2.0 TDI with 140 PS (CFGB) was regarded as the absolute highlight of this generation, as it combined optimum driving performance with low fuel consumption and high long-term reliability. Technically, the engines were based on the proven EA888 and EA189 platform, whereby the diesel versions were developed before the emissions scandal and are therefore considered to be particularly robust. In a market comparison, the Sharan and its engines were positioned between the sportier Ford S-Max and the more comfort-oriented Citroën C8.

VW Sharan 7N TSI petrol engines: first generation (2010-2015)

The TSI engine range of the early VW Sharan 7N engines comprised three power levels of the proven 1.4 TSI unit. The entry-level engine with 150 PS (CAXA) already offered sufficient performance for everyday family driving, while the 170 PS version (CAVD) offered additional power. The top model was the 1.4 TSI with 180 PS, which impressed with its sporty set-up. All variants were based on the EA111 block with turbocharging and direct injection. The strengths lay in the spontaneous throttle response and the smooth torque curve, while the typical weak points at higher mileages were the timing chain (from 120,000 km) and occasionally the turbocharger wastegate (from 150,000 km). Fuel consumption was between 7.5 and 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

VW Sharan 7N TDI diesel engines: first generation (2010-2015)

At the heart of the early VW Sharan 7N engines were the TDI units, which were available in four power levels. The 2.0 TDI with 115 PS (CFHC) served as an economical entry-level engine, while the 140 PS engine (CFGB) offered the optimum balance between performance and efficiency. The two more powerful variants with 163 hp (CFGC) and 170 hp (CFFE) were aimed at customers with higher performance requirements. All engines had common-rail injection and complied with the Euro 5 standard. The smooth running and high torque even at low engine speeds made these engines ideal partners for the heavy Sharan. The EGR valves occasionally proved problematic from 180,000 kilometers and the turbocharger geometry occasionally from 200,000 kilometers in the more powerful versions. The average fuel consumption was between 5.8 and 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers.

VW Sharan 7N engines - facelift and Euro 6 conversion (2015-2020)

With the 2015 facelift, the VW Sharan 7N engines received a comprehensive update, which primarily affected emissions standards and efficiency. Reliability remained at a high level with expected mileages of 280,000 to 380,000 kilometers, although the Euro 6 changeover initially led to isolated AdBlue problems with the diesels. The revised 2.0 TDI with 150 PS (DFLA) established itself as the new reference engine, as it combined the proven characteristics of its predecessor with state-of-the-art exhaust technology. The petrol engines benefited from the introduction of the EA888 engine, while the diesels received the sophisticated SCR catalytic converter technology. In the competitive environment, the Sharan continued to hold its own against rivals such as the revised Seat Alhambra and the new Renault Espace.

VW Sharan 7N TSI petrol engines: Facelift-Generation (2015–2020)

The revised VW Sharan 7N petrol engines are now based on the more modern EA888 unit. The new 1.4 TSI with 150 PS (CZDA) offered improved efficiency and smoothness compared to its predecessor, while the 2.0 TSI with 220 PS (CHHB) was introduced as the new top model. This powerful engine originated from the Golf GTI and offered the Sharan true sports car performance for the first time. The technical improvements included optimized combustion chamber geometry, reduced internal friction and refined turbocharging. Weak points occasionally appeared in the piston rings of the early EA888 engines (from 100,000 km), which could lead to increased oil consumption. Fuel efficiency improved to 7.0 to 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers.

VW Sharan 7N TDI diesel engines: Euro 6 and SCR technology (2015-2020)

The Euro 6-compliant VW Sharan 7N diesel engines received a fundamental overhaul of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. The 2.0 TDI was now available in three power levels: 115 hp (DFLA), 150 hp (DFLA) and 184 hp (DFLA), with all variants based on the same basic engine. The new SCR catalytic converter technology with AdBlue injection made it possible to comply with the strict Euro 6 limits. While the engines themselves remained very reliable, there were occasional problems with the AdBlue dosing unit in the first few years, mostly occurring between 80,000 and 120,000 kilometers. The DPF regeneration functioned more reliably than in its predecessors, and fuel consumption fell to between 4.9 and 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers. The 184 hp variant offered the best combination of performance and efficiency.

VW Sharan 7N engines - final phase and end of production (2020-2022)

The last years of the VW Sharan 7N engines were characterized by further detail improvements and the gradual phase-out of the model. Reliability reached its peak with expected mileages of over 300,000 kilometers with proper maintenance. The mature 2.0 TDI with 150 PS in its final evolutionary stage was regarded as the reference for long-distance suitability and economy. In technical terms, the engines were given final optimizations in engine management and improved materials for greater durability. With the focus on the ID.Buzz as the electric successor, production of the Sharan was discontinued, bringing a successful era of VW Sharan 7N engines to an end.

VW Sharan 7N TSI petrol engines: Final evolutionary stage (2020-2022)

In the final phase, the range of VW Sharan 7N petrol engines was limited to the tried-and-tested 1.4 TSI with 150 PS, which was now available in its most mature form. The experience gained over the years was incorporated into improvements to details, which primarily concerned long-term durability. The problems with the piston rings of the early EA888 generation were largely resolved and the timing chain was given a reinforced design. The engine now offered an optimum balance between performance, consumption and reliability. With a standard consumption of 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers and a performance that was sufficient for all applications, it was a worthy conclusion to the gasoline engine era.

VW Sharan 7N TDI diesel engines: Mature Euro 6d technology (2020-2022)

The final VW Sharan 7N diesel engines represented the pinnacle of TDI development. The 2.0 TDI with 150 PS and 184 PS were still available, both now with Euro 6d approval and optimized SCR technology. The AdBlue systems worked reliably and DPF regeneration was virtually maintenance-free. The 150 hp engine in particular impressed with its balanced characteristics and ability to deliver constant power even at high mileages. The fuel efficiency achieved top values of 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle. Today, these engines are regarded as the benchmark for modern diesel technology in MPVs.

Conclusion: The best VW Sharan 7N engines of all generations

The development of the VW Sharan 7N engines over twelve years impressively demonstrates the continuous improvement of modern drive technology. From the first proven TSI and TDI units to the highly efficient Euro 6d engines of the final phase, Volkswagen succeeded in constantly optimizing reliability, efficiency and driving performance. The engine range always offered the right solution for different requirements and budgets.

• Best VW Sharan 7N gasoline engine:

The 1.4 TSI with 150 PS in its final evolutionary stage (2020-2022) combines optimum driving performance with low fuel consumption and maximum reliability with minimal weak points.

• Best VW Sharan 7N diesel engine:

The 2.0 TDI with 150 PS in Euro 6d version (2020-2022) is regarded as the reference for modern diesel technology with outstanding long-distance capability and economy with virtually maintenance-free operation.

• Most reliable VW Sharan 7N engine:

The 2.0 TDI with 140 PS from the first generation (2010-2015) impresses with proven technology without complex exhaust gas aftertreatment and easily achieves mileages beyond 400,000 kilometers.

You can find high-quality spare parts and wear components for all VW Sharan 7N engines at AUTODOC to ensure the reliability and longevity of your vehicle.