Volkswagen Routan Review

2010 Volkswagen Routan SEL Premium Minivan Shown

Volkswagen has a long history of building small vans. There was the Microbus, of course, as well as the more recent Vanagon and Eurovan. However, the "hippie van" was always just that, and the later vans were just too funky to catch on with a mainstream audience. Consequently, VW has never really had a competitive modern minivan. To rectify this situation, the company introduced the Volkswagen Routan.

The Routan is actually a rebadged and reworked version of Chrysler's latest minivans. Its general shape doesn't stray far from the Chrysler formula, but the Routan's redesigned front and rear suggest a Teutonic makeover. Other changes inside produce a more upscale feel, including more supportive seating and a partially reworked dash featuring VW's signature red and blue backlighting. Below deck, Volkswagen engineers have retuned the suspension for a more refined and responsive driving experience.

Although we find the Volkswagen Routan to be more desirable than its Chrysler siblings, its plebian roots are unfortunately all too visible. Chrysler's spotty quality record also remains a concern over the long haul for the Routan. All in all, we think minivan buyers will probably be happier with competing models.

Current Volkswagen Routan

Debuting for 2009, the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Routan is a seven-passenger minivan available in S, SE and SEL trim levels. Base S models include 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a removable second-row bench seat, a foldaway third-row split-bench seat, a CD/MP3 audio system and the usual assortment of modern conveniences. Stability control and a full complement of airbags are also standard.

The SE adds larger alloy wheels, power side doors, a power driver seat, upgraded cloth trim, tri-zone climate control, second-row captain's chairs and an upgraded CD changer audio system. The SEL gets you leather seating, a power liftgate, heated seats and Bluetooth connectivity. Many items are available à la carte, and several equipment packages offer items like xenon headlights, a power-folding rear seat, rear-seat entertainment and a hard-drive-based navigation system.

Routan S and SE models are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 197 horsepower, while the SEL features a stronger (and, surprisingly, more economical) 4.0-liter V6 that puts out 253 eager horses. Both engines are backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.

In reviews, we've found the Volkswagen Routan's base engine to be sluggish and overmatched -- the SEL's larger V6 offers much livelier performance, and so equipped, the Routan is one of the fleetest minivans available. It's the way to go if you can swing the SEL's higher price. The Routan's ride and handling are a cut above ho-hum Chrysler fare, but the van's overall dynamics still aren't segment-leading.

Anyone who has spent time in a Town & Country or Grand Caravan will instantly recognize the Routan's cheap-feeling switchgear, dash-mounted shifter and basic overall design. To VW's credit, though, the layout is clearly more sophisticated than what the Chrysler twins offer. The Volkswagen Routan version lacks the Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go second-row seats, but at least its conventional seats are nicely shaped. The third-row bench folds flat into the floor, while the second-row bench or captain's chairs can be removed for serious hauling duty.

SELECT A SPECIFIC VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.