The
2010 Volkswagen Routan is a family-style minivan available in three trim levels: S Passenger Minivan, SE Passenger Minivan, and SEL Premium Passenger Minivan. While the Base S trim carries a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the SE and SEL trims get a more powerful 4.0-liter V-6 engine, each married to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Routan is sporty and the interior is posh, with the upper level trims boasting leather seats, a navigation system, a climate control feature, and a rear view backup monitor. The minivan is similar to the Chrysler Town & Country but doesn't include the Swivel n Go seats and other Chrysler brand features. Perfect crash test scores make the Routan a great choice for safety, but its fuel economy is just average at 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway.
New for 2010
For 2010 the Volkswagen Routan received no major changes.
Essentials
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Engines: 3.8L V-6, 4.0L V-6
Body Style: Minivan
Trims: S Passenger Minivan, SE Passenger Minivan, SEL Premium Passenger Minivan
On the Outside
Volkswagen Routan shares side doors with the Town & Country are the side doors, but VW contributes front and rear valences, lighting, and badges.
From the Inside
The Volkswagen Routan's interior shares its switchgear, headliner, gauge cluster, and audio/nav system with its Chrysler cousin, but luckily virtually everything else is a VW makeover.
Driving Performance
With a suspension makeover featuring 50-percent stiffer springs and shock absorbers, the Volkswagen Routan boasts an improved driving experience, which also includes revised power steering for better on-road feel. While the base 197-horsepower 3.8-liter engine is underpowered and a little unrefined, the 4.0-liter 253-horsepower engine in the SE and SEL trims performs well.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Volkswagen Routan include driver and front passenger multistage front airbag, side curtain airbags front and rear, and stability control.
Gas Mileage
S, SE: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
SEL, SEL Premium: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
Plusses
- Comfortable interior
- Perfect crash test scores
- Powerful optional V-6 engine
Minuses
- Lacks Chrysler's better features
- Slow, inefficient base engine
Rating
Safe minivan with interior comfort and lackluster base engine
People Who Like the 2010 Volkswagen Routan Also Like
- Chrysler Town & Country
- Dodge Grand Caravan
- Honda Odyssey
- Toyota Sienna