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Basic Specs
| Base Price | TBA |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 4494 |
| City (MPG) | 17 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 25 |
| Horsepower | 283@6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 260@4400 |
| Wheelbase | 121.2 |
| Length (in.) | 202.5 |
| Width (in.) | 76.9 |
| Height (in.) | 68.9 |
Volkwagen’s Routan minivan is based on the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan twins, with which it shares a platform, engine and transmission. Nevertheless, the Routan feels like a unique model thanks to features like distinct exterior styling, upgraded interior materials and a VW-tuned suspension.
For the latest model year, the Routan sees a host of upgrades that keep it competitive with rivals like the fresh Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.
The most noticeable change from the driver’s seat is the implementation of Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter V6 with 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, making the Routan most powerful vehicle (along with its Chrysler kin) in the class. A new six-speed automatic with a manual shift gate helps the Routan return 17 city and 25 highway miles per gallon.
The Routan’s Volkswagen-specific suspension implements new bushings and revised shocks for a more comfortable ride. Heavy-duty rear shocks and coil springs are fitted as standard, while up-market SEL Premium models are equipped with a self-leveling air suspension. Coil sprung models can tow 2,000 lbs., while air suspension models are rated at 3,500 lbs. Front-wheel drive is the only configuration available.
Exterior changes are limited to lightly revised fascias and new stowing roof rack cross rails shared with Chrysler models. Inside, however, the Routan features hefty design upgrades, including substantially higher-quality materials and a more convenient flowing dashboard design.
The Routan continues to offer room for seven, a total of 13 cup-holders and no-charge scheduled maintenance for three years of 36,000 miles. Second row captain's chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.
Occupants in the Routan are protected with standard driver, passenger and side-curtain airbags and electronic stability and traction control systems.
Trim Level Breakdown
Five different trim levels can be had with the Routan: S, SE, SE, SEL and SEL Premium.
The entry-level S is equipped with power windows and locks, three-zone manual climate control and a six-speaker stereo with an auxiliary input jack.
Stepping up to the SE nets Black roof rails with stowing cross-bars, 17" Mervin alloy wheels , a 6-disc CD/DVD player, 8-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support and 4-way manual front passenger’s seat, heated driver and front passenger seats and power-operating sliding doors.
The SEL includes a Power sunroof, 17" Rota alloy wheels, 3-zone automatic air-conditioning with air filter, a power 3rd-row bench seat with tailgating position and a DVD-based navigation system.
The range-topping SEL Premium coddles with additional features like17" Soho alloy wheels, a Premium sound system with 9 speakers and 506-watt amplifier and high intensity discharge headlights.
Both the SE and SEL can be optioned with a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System with 2nd-row 9” LCD video screen, remote control and wireless headphones. For the SE, the entertain system is bundled with a power liftgate with floodlight, a touchscreen CD/DVD player with a 30GB hard drive with USB and music and photo storage and a rearview camera system with on-screen display.
Key competitors
The minivan market is a shrinking market, but it is still a highly competitive one. The Volkswagen Routan does battle with both the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan that it is based upon, as well as the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest offerings. Some may also consider the Ford Flex as an alternative, although it is technically considered a crossover.
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- General
- Body Style: Van
- Size: Compact
- Market Segment: Standard
- Weight: 4494 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 202.5 in.
- Width: 76.9 in.
- Height: 68.9 in.
- Wheelbase: 121.2 in.
- Ground Clearance: 5.6 in.
- Front Track: 65.0 in.
- Rear Track: 64.8 in.
- Weight Distribution: TBD
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 7
- Passenger Volume: 163.5 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: TBD
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 83.0 cu. ft.
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 40.6 in.
- Head Room: 37.2 in.
- Shoulder Room: 63.0 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 36.4 in.
- Head Room: 39.7 in.
- Shoulder Room: 64.7 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
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- Interior - Third Row
- Leg Room: 31.8 in.
- Head Room: 37.9 in.
- Shoulder Room: 62.0 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 3.6L V6
- Power: 283 hp @ 6400 rpm
- Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
- Highway Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 17 mpg
- Forced Induction: None
- Direct Injection: No
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- Chassis
- Layout: Front Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Strut-Type
- Rear Suspension: Torsion-Beam
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- Wheels
- Front: 16" Aluminum
- Front Tires: 225/65 R16
- Rear: 16" Aluminum
- Rear Tires: 225/65 R16
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: 3500 lbs
- Payload: 1200
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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