Minivans
2010 Volkswagen Routan S
What it Is: A front-wheel drive full-size seven-passenger minivan.
What's Hot: "Tailgating" position for third row, plentiful cargo room.
What's Not: Must move up to SE to get virtually any optional equipment.
Family Friendly Options: Rear seat entertainment system, navigation, back-up camera (all SE only)
How It Got Its Score: The 2010 Volkswagen Routan minivan is based on the Dodge Grand Caravan, but the base S model scores lower because it offers less standard equipment at a slightly higher price.
The Volkswagen Bus was, according to some, the original minivan, but Volkswagen went to the Chrysler folks for their latest van, the 2010 Volkswagen Routan. Based on the Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town and Country minivans -- and even built in the same factory -- the Volkswagen Routan offers up unique packaging and engineering compared to its Chrysler cousins. We think it's the best looking of the three, and the Volkswagen nose and tail are both quite fetching. However, the base S model comes up short content-wise, with many things not even on the options list. If you want a Routan but want to save money, you'll find better options on the SE, which is available with a DVD entertainment system, navigation, power sliding doors and many other options for $31,400, a competitive price compared to similarly equipped vans from Honda and Toyota. Still, the Volkswagen Routan SEL offers a more powerful and more fuel efficient engine, and may be worth a look, too.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$25,900 |
| Destination |
$800 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
SE ($31,400) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
3.8 liters |
|
Engine Type |
V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
197 hp |
|
Torque |
230 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Front Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
16 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
23 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
18 mpg |
|
Family Friendliness |
8.9 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Three |
|
Passengers |
Eight or more |
|
LATCH Positions |
Four |
|
Cargo Space |
32.3 cu. ft. |
|
Cargo Space (3rd Row Folded) |
82.7 cu. ft. |
|
Max Cargo Space |
143.8 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Good |
|
IIHS Rear |
Marginal |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Not Available |
|
Photos
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