Vehicle Overview
The Routan, Volkswagen’s version of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, is more upscale than both its siblings, but it skips some of their versatility. With seating for seven in three rows, competitors include the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Nissan Quest.
New for 2013
There are no changes for 2013.
Exterior
The Routan shares the same boxy shape as the Town & Country and Grand Caravan, but its face wears Volkswagen’s sloping grille and lower air dam. The headlights incorporate rounded sections for the outboard bezels. Exterior features include:
- Optional power sliding doors
- Optional power liftgate
- Optional xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Optional fog lights
- Optional roof rack
Interior
The Routan’s dashboard has two distinct sections separated by metallic trim. The Routan has a multifunction steering wheel, but it doesn’t telescope. Interior features include:
- Standard removable second-row captain’s chairs fold onto themselves but not flat into the floor
- Standard three-seat third row drops flat into the floor
- Optional backseat entertainment system with two flip-down screens
Under the Hood
Volkswagen says it tuned the Routan’s suspension and steering for a sportier, more European ride than the minivan’s U.S.-brand counterparts. Like both of them, the Routan received a new 3.6-liter V-6 for 2011. An Eco dashboard button optimizes shift points for the six-speed automatic transmission for better gas mileage. Mechanical features include:
- 3.6-liter V-6 with 283 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque
- Maximum towing capacity of 3,600 pounds
Safety
Safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags
- Active front head restraints
