Built by Chrysler in its Windsor, Ontario plant, the 2009 Volkswagen Routan is available only in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. According to critics, the 2009 Volkswagen Routan is just like any other American “minivan” but with a few unique styling differences. Absent is the boxy rear-end styling of most Chrysler minivans and the interior is uniquely Volkswagen with high-quality switchgear, well coordinated trim, and glossy looking gauges. The Routan offers only two engine options including its standard engine, the 3.8-liter V-6 with 197 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque and the 4.0-liter V-6 with 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque (optional).
According to Volkswagen of America, Inc. the Routan’s suspension is tuned to deliver “European” ride and handling. Volkswagen hopes that this, along with styling that sets it apart from other minivans, will convince buyers that the 2009 Volkswagen Routan is “a true European van.”
2009 Volkswagen Routan Performance
The 2009 Volkswagen offers three trim levels and two engine options: the standard engine -- 3.8-liter V-6 with 197 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque and the 4.0-liter V-6 with 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The 2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL features the 4.0-liter V-6 with 251HP and the Routan SE and Routan S feature the standard 3.8-liter V-6 with 197 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. Although both engines are more than adequate, the 4.0-liter V-6 with 251HP shaves more than a second from the 0-60 time. The 4.0-liter V-6 accomplishes this on less fuel and with an EPA estimated city/highway/overall mileage of 17/25/20 in comparison with the 3.8-liter’s 16/23/18. With both engine options, the six-speed automatic is efficient, smooth, and fast.
The 2009 VW Routan shares suspension architecture with Chrysler minivans, deploying MacPherson struts in front and a twist-beam axle at the rear. Volkswagen engineers altered the suspension bushings, springs, steering, and shock dampers to shift handling away from the typical minivan driving experience and towards a driving experience that is unlike any minivan around. This means that the 2009 Volkswagen Routan performs several steps above the average family transportation vehicle.
2009 Volkswagen Routan Body and Interior
The body and interior of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan are its main attractions. The Routan features the Volkswagen’s signature styling complete with chrome-trimmed grille and unique-shaped headlights. The rear-end keeps its distance from the boxy rear-end stylings of the Chrysler minivan, but it is truly a Volkswagen, with the signature taillights and curve to the liftgate glass.
The interior of the Routan offers either six- or seven-passenger seating in 2/2/2 or 2/3/2 configurations. The seat design is exclusive to VW as well as the unique foam used in the Routan's seat construction. The second row of captain's chairs is foldable and removable. The sections of the split bench can be tilted back 90 degrees or they can be tucked away inside the floor. All positions in the SE and SEL offer tons of space and the cloth in both models offer extreme comfort. Dual sliding doors are available on all models. Routan SE and SEL models offer power-operated sliding doors and on the SEL the liftgate and third row seat are also power-operated.
2009 Volkswagen Routan Safety
The Routan features VW-specific suspension and steering tuning which improves maneuverability as well as four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist and ESP stability control system. In addition, the 2009 Volkswagen has all of the usual safety features that you would expect from a Chrysler minivan such as curtain side airbags, child-seat restraints, and safety harnesses.
2009 Volkswagen Routan Options
All 2009 Volkswagen Routans feature a dual-screen entertainment system, 13 cupholders, and a touchscreen navigation system with a 20MB hard drive. Option availability increases with trim level. New owners may add a rear-seat entertainment system to the Routan S or they can opt for luxury style with leather and a high-end audio/DVD navigation package for the Routan SEL, in addition to its standard power side doors and liftgate.
The 2009 Volkswagen Routan offers a maintenance program that features free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, along with regular checkups every 6,000 miles or 90 days. Called the “Carefree Maintenance Program,” Volkswagen claims that its maintenance program is the only maintenance program of its kind among its competitors.
2009 Volkswagen Routan Price and Value Assessment
Prices for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan are as follows: 2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL, MSRP $33,600; 2009 Volkswagen Routan SE, MSRP $29,700; and 2009 Volkswagen Routan S, $25,200. Named one of Consumer Digest Magazine’s 2009 Best Automotive Buys, the Routan offers the perfect blend of safety features, comfort, and convenience for families, at an affordable price.
The mid-range Volkswagen Routan SE is expected to be the best seller among the three trim levels.
Comparable Vehicles
Similar vehicles in this class include: Chrysler's Town & Country, Dodge's Grand Caravan, Honda's Odyssey, Toyota's Sienna, Hyundai's Entourage, and the Kia Sedona