2009 Volkswagen Routan

Routan marks Volkswagen’s re-entry into the minivan field after an absence of five years. The addition of the new model makes sense; filling one of the few remaining slots in the company’s lineup where they did not field a competitive vehicle. The route taken to develop Routan is unusual for the VW, though not for the industry. Rather than design a new van from the ground up, Volkswagen opted instead to buy an existing platform and adapt it for their use. The company that they chose to partner with was Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler is the acknowledged Minivan Meister. Inventors of the breed in 1984, they’ve been prime players ever since. The most obvious benefit of this approach for Volkswagen is speed to market. It’s far faster to build on established expertise than it is to cut something from whole cloth. The downside is, an off-the–rack offering—however handsomely tailored—will never have quite the individualized fit and feel that a custom-made piece would.

Performance, Pricing, and Dynamics

Routan is available in three trim levels: S (MSRP $24,700), SE ($29,600) and SEL ($33,200). S and SE models share a 197-hp, 3.6-liter V-6, while the SEL gets a 253-hp, 4.0-liter six. Both engines are partnered with a six speed automatic transmission. The SEL is predicted to be the volume leader, and our test drive focused on this model. The front-wheel-drive Routan rides on a 121-inch wheelbase. The chassis is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a twist beam axle in back. The powertrain choices are sourced from the Chrysler catalog, but VW has tweaked the suspension components (springs, dampers, bushings) to impart a more continental feel to its driving and handling.


Volkswagen is positioning the Routan as the Beetle of Minivans, and promoting the fun-to-drive DNA that permeates the rest of the company’s lineup. Of course, minivans have a lot more to do with function than fun, and most will spend far more time traveling to a shopping mall than traversing a slalom. Within the confines of its competitive class, though, Routan handles confidently, with above average steering feel, and a smooth road ride. The 3.8-liter V-6 gets from 0-60 mph in 10.2 seconds. On paper, the number looks leisurely. However, in practice, the powertrain has adequate power for all normal driving duties. It comes off the line well, cruises comfortably at highway speeds and has enough in reserve for a pedal-to-the-metal pass, when need be. EPA rates the Routan’s potential fuel economy at 16/23 city/highway, which is spot on with the competition. We got 19 miles per gallon during our test drive. The SEL can be equipped to tow as much as 3,500 lbs. Standard safety features include front and side curtain airbags, an Electronic Stability Program and ABS with Brake Assist.

Comfort, Cargo, and Versatility

Minivans earn their keep with versatility. Thanks to their basically boxy shape and flexible floor plans, no breed of vehicle holds more people and cargo, while maintaining car-like comfort levels. Routan will seat 6-7, depending on choice of second row seats. Our SEL tester was equipped with captain’s chairs in rows one and two, and a split bench in back. The third row seats have enough room to hold adults, and in max-passenger mode, there’s 32 cubic feet of storage space in back. When not needed for people, the last row of seats folds obligingly into the floor, creating an impressive cargo capacity of 83 cubic feet.