Overview & Reviews

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. In hopes of rectifying this situation, the company introduced the Volkswagen Routan.

The Routan was actually a rebadged and reworked version of Chrysler's minivan. Its general shape didn't stray far from the Chrysler formula, but the Routan's redesigned front and rear suggested a Teutonic makeover. In the Routan's first two years on the market, the cabin had a more upscale feel than the Chrysler vans, including more supportive seating and a partially reworked dash featuring VW's signature red and blue backlighting. Below deck, Volkswagen engineers retuned the suspension for a more refined and responsive driving experience.

As such, we found the Volkswagen Routan to be more desirable than its Chrysler siblings in these early years. However, by 2011, those siblings had implemented a series of changes that actually made them more similar to the Routan, and that previous advantage Volkswagen enjoyed was largely erased. Ultimately, the Routan was discontinued after four years of production.

No matter what year you're looking at, it's hard to make a case for buying what was essentially a Chrysler minivan from Volkswagen. Not only does Chrysler's spotty quality record remain a concern over the long haul, but competing used minivans like the Odyssey and Sienna are better buys in most respects.

Most Recent Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan was introduced for 2009 and produced through 2012. A seven-passenger minivan, it was available in S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium trim levels.

Base S models included 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, second-row captain's chairs, a foldaway third-row split bench seat, a touchscreen-operated audio system and the usual assortment of modern conveniences. Stability control and a full complement of airbags were also standard.

The SE added larger alloy wheels, power side doors, a power driver seat, "leatherette" seating trim, heated front seats, rear sunshades and Bluetooth. The SEL got you tri-zone climate control, leather seating, a rearview camera, heated second-row seats and an iPod interface. The SEL Premium added a variety of luxury items like xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, driver memory settings and an upgraded sound system. A rear-seat entertainment system and a hard-drive-based navigation system were available on all but the base trim.

In its first two years on the market, the Routan S and SE trim levels were powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produced 197 horsepower, while the SEL featured a stronger (and, surprisingly, more economical) 4.0-liter V6 that put out 253 hp. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive were standard. For 2011 and '12, every Routan was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 283 hp.

Anyone who has spent time in a Town & Country or Grand Caravan will instantly recognize the Routan's switchgear, dash-mounted shifter and basic overall design. The materials quality moved closer to that of its Chrysler siblings, but still remained a bit disappointing compared to most of Volkswagen's other models. The Volkswagen Routan version also lacked the Stow 'n Go second-row seats, but at least its conventional seats were nicely shaped. The third-row bench folded flat into the floor, while the second-row bench or captain's chairs could be removed for serious hauling duty.

In reviews, we found the Routan's original base engine to be sluggish and overmatched -- the SEL's larger V6 (and the later 3.6-liter V6) offered much livelier performance, and so equipped, the Routan was one of the fleetest minivans available. The Routan's ride and handling were a cut above the contemporary Chrysler minivans, but the van's overall dynamics still weren't segment-leading.

There were other less significant changes. For 2009 and '10, the base S came standard with an uncomfortable second-row bench seat that was later replaced with standard captain's chairs in upper trims. These early years also lacked the Routan's standard Chrysler-sourced touchscreen stereo interface and available Garmin navigation system.

User Reviews:

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  My wife and I love this minivan! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Laine Adrian - March 4 - 7:20 pm

  We looked and looked for 3 months prior to settling with the VW. I am a German car fanatic and had only owned Mercedes and VWs in my recent past. My wife was more open so we looked at the different brands. The need for a minivan came apparent when our second child arrived and between two child seats and all the "stuff" that you need, our sedan had been outgrown. The Routan felt more comfortable, more powerful, my wife really likes the amenities that it has and how it handles. VW, Honda and Toyota models do compete however, the VW takes the title for looks, comfort, performance and style. Ive seen cites comparing the Routan with Kia and honestly, they arent even in the same league.

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  Cool Ride - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Right - March 1 - 8:16 pm

  My wife LOVES the Routon and its cool enough for dad too. Great layout in seats and consoles. Quick, smooth and excellent visibility with reasonable value. It is a family cruiser with class.We have had brakes replaced by VW at NO charge and no hassle. VW people are good to work with

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  Best Car We Have Owned - 2011 Volkswagen Routan
  By carademono - February 16 - 9:37 pm

  We generally move through cars every few years as leases expire etc. This one has been a tremendously fun surprise. We drove the Odessey and the Sienna (owned a 2006) and did not think there was any comparison. The VW is far superior. This car is easy to drive and actually fun. The kids love the room and the dynamic seating arrangements. There is a crazy amount of storage and the included entertainment package is better than expected. Do not understanding the lukewarm reviews on this vehicle. Do yourself a favor and give it a look. You will love it.

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  Been Great - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By TheGoodDriver - February 6 - 9:06 pm

  This is a follow-up from my previous review a yr ago. So far, everythings been great about this vehicle and it now has 15,500 miles, with no electrical/mechanical issues. The Routans interior is the nicest of all minivans Ive test-driven. Best of all, the ride comfort and quietness give me and my family a peace of mind, and I learned how very important it is to be able to carry a normal conversation on a long trip, which you cannot do if youre in other popular (for no real reason) minivans that produce wind/road noise. Chryslers done an awesome job for the Routan and the VWs suspensions just ingenious— makes it a luxury minivan, not an average utility vehicle for a family.

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  Best minivan - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By rich - October 17 - 12:33 am

  I shopped around and this van is by far the best in looks and comfort. It is my first VW but will not be my last.

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  Love it - 2012 Volkswagen Routan
  By n_l_s - October 5 - 1:23 pm

  I really like this minivan. The interior is very appealing - drives very high up on the highway. Like the aluminum pentastar engine as well.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By crimsontidefam - August 21 - 7:37 pm

  Not Sure why some give this "Minivan" a bad reputation. I tested drove all the Minivans out there, and this by far is the best. Town and Country/Dodge might produce this product, but I can ensure you Germans enginnered it. It drives better, looks better, and is night and day compared to the Town and Country/Dodge. You feel as though you are driving a German Automobile. It is Fahrvergnügen.

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  The best minivan in the next few years - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Thegooddriver - August 11 - 9:46 pm

  I researched for months before buying a Minivan and when I decided to, the VW Routan came out. Months prior, I have test-driven other minivans, but most have issues with either road noise/breaks or rattling. Then, I test- drove the Routan; I was impressed for it is very smooth, very quiet and does not produce road noise. The VW suspensions also absorb rough and uneven surfaces very well. Ive been advised to go for the Japanese minivans, which are reliable. Well, they are, but Id rather deal with thinking how long the Routan will last than dealing with road noise and rattling that will surely distract me every time I drive. With VW and Chrysler combined, it must be something…

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  Great Family friendly Vehicle - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Anthony - August 5 - 1:13 pm

  Having 2 small kids, and the endless stuff that goes with them, i knew the days of non-mini van ownership were numbered. I drove the Grand caravan and was very impressed with the engine and transmission performance, Loved the conveniences of all the interior cubbies and storage compartments. I feel that VW addresses the ONLY downfall of chrysler, and thats its interior design. VW nailed the dash setup, the softtouch material looks and feels great. this van is HUGE! with the 3rd row seats folded, i can roll in strollers and bikes and still have room for the weeks groceries. the 3 year maintenance is a great relief. gas Mileage is outstanding!!, im getting 25.1 Highway (62mph)

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  It must be love. - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By unwynde - May 19 - 7:50 pm

  Whats not to love on this vehicle. It has every feature imaginable for a reasonable price. Navigation, mp3, pics, power doors, dvd w/rear ent., satellite radio, wifi, backup camera, hands free phone audio, premium leather, shades. One couldnt ask for more. Mind you, I said I would never buy a minivan. I test drove this vehicle while I waited during the paperwork process for another vehicle. I was sold. My husband, myself, +5 children, and we still have room for the in-laws.