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SHOWDOWN
Family-sized fun: Comparing the Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan, and Citroen SpaceTourer
The Ford Galaxy takes the crown in our family vehicle showdown, proving that practicality can indeed be stylish! We tested the Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan, and Citroen SpaceTourer, evaluating comfort, space, performance, and tech. The Galaxy stood out with its thoughtful interior and spacious seating, making it a top pick for families who need room to breathe. While the Sharan has a bit more flair, the Galaxy's balance of function and comfort makes it the ultimate family-friendly ride.
| Styling | Comfort & Space | Performance | Tech & Infotainment | Overall | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Galaxy | 6 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 30 |
| Volkswagen Sharan | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 32 |
| Citroen Spacetourer | 5 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 27 |
Is it right for you?
The winner on paper might not be the winner for your life.
When it comes to transporting the family circus, you need a vehicle that can juggle it all—comfort, space, and a bit of pizzazz. Enter the trio of unsung heroes in the family vehicle category: the Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan, and Citroen SpaceTourer. These machines may not have the glam of luxury sports cars, but they do have the heart and soul of good family vehicles. Let's dive into how these three giants stack up in terms of style, comfort, performance, tech, and of course, the all-important price.
Ford Galaxy
6
Volkswagen Sharan
7
Citroen Spacetourer
5
The Ford Galaxy sports a more traditional MPV appearance, with functionality prioritized over flair—think sensible shoes rather than red carpet heels. The Volkswagen Sharan has a utilitarian yet slightly polished aesthetic that says, 'I might be a family car, but I can still turn heads at the school pick-up.' Meanwhile, the Citroen SpaceTourer is as boxy as it comes, not necessarily attractive but certainly practical. If you want a car that boldly states 'I'm here for the families!'—the SpaceTourer fits the bill.
Overall, while the Sharan edges ahead in style with its blend of utilitarian design and family-friendly vibes, the Galaxy and SpaceTourer hold their ground. In this category, it's all about practicality over panache.

Ford Galaxy
9
Volkswagen Sharan
8
Citroen Spacetourer
9
Tons of room and a cabin that makes you feel at home—well, sort of. The Ford Galaxy's interior is laid out thoughtfully, although it lacks some pizzazz compared to its rivals. The Sharan’s interior is no-frills but high quality, a true VW hallmark. The Citroen SpaceTourer, though functionally brilliant, feels a bit cheap inside, almost like an afterthought.

Ford Galaxy
8
Volkswagen Sharan
9
Citroen Spacetourer
7
All three model choices come with diesel engines, with the Galaxy offering flexible power outputs (150hp or 190hp). Sharan’s engines are well-balanced for performance and economy, keeping both your wallet and the family happy. The SpaceTourer is a functional beast with options that do the job but aren't particularly exciting.
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Ford Galaxy
7
Volkswagen Sharan
8
Citroen Spacetourer
6
The Ford Galaxy's 8-inch touchscreen is much improved yet can still lag at times. The Sharan triumphs with its more user-friendly interface and slightly better response times, making it the family IT guy’s dream. Meanwhile, the SpaceTourer’s infotainment system is decent but lacks the polish found in its rivals.
All three cars include essential tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit the Citroen’s package is more basic. Expect plenty of charging ports and seats that adjust like they're auditioning for a dance show.
Boot space is where the Galaxy shines, with 300 liters at the ready even with all seats up. The Sharan, while spacious, holds slightly less so it's a close contest. The SpaceTourer can swallow a mountain of luggage but might require other passengers to board like they’re entering a clown car.
Ford Galaxy
Overall
30
Volkswagen Sharan
Overall
32
Citroen Spacetourer
Overall
27
BOBI'S VERDICT
The Ford Galaxy starts around £10,950 for used models, making it a bargain if family-friendly functionality is the goal. The Volkswagen Sharan kicks off around £29,910, but you're paying for that extra polish. Lastly, the Citroen SpaceTourer swings in at a higher price point for new models, beginning at about £35,524 but adds terrific practicality to the mix.
In the final face-off, the Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan are outstanding choices for good family SUVs, carving out their niches effectively. The Galaxy wins on practicality and comfort, making it fantastic for larger families. The Sharan, with its refined finish and better driving dynamics, finds fans easily—especially if premium materials are more your speed. The SpaceTourer, while incredibly practical, lands slightly lower in the standings when considering the overall driving experience and interior quality. Pick your chariot based on what's more important to your family circus—function or flair!
Ford Galaxy
Overall
30
Volkswagen Sharan
Overall
32
Citroen Spacetourer
Overall
27
With spacious seating for seven, the Galaxy and SpaceTourer deliver like a pizza man on game day. Plus, both provide ample legroom and headspace, ensuring no one feels like a sardine in a tin. The Sharan is right there, too, but it can feel a smidge cramped in the back row compared to its competitors.
The comfort and space offerings of the Galaxy and SpaceTourer are outstanding for a family of seven, making them top contenders among good family vehicles. The Sharan isn't far behind, but slightly less rear-seat space may be a deal-breaker for larger crews.
Driving the Ford Galaxy feels surprisingly nimble for a big hunk of vehicle; it has light controls and good visibility. The Sharan offers a refined drive that feels premium—like it’s just put on cologne for that romantic family outing. On the flip side, the SpaceTourer is easy to maneuver but lacks that kick when you hit the accelerator.
Adaptive cruise control is a nice touch in all three, particularly if you’re hopping onto the highways with kids in tow. Expect a smooth ride, though the Sharan takes the cake for the quietest and most composed drive.
For a family SUV, the Sharan excels in the driving department, while the Galaxy holds its own with supportive capabilities. The SpaceTourer, while practical, is a tad less inspiring; it’s the solid workhorse but perhaps not the racer you're wishing for.
Tech-wise, the Sharan outshines its rivals in usability while the Galaxy does well enough to keep tech-savvy parents content. The SpaceTourer, while practical, gets a bit of the short end when it comes to features and infotainment quality.