The Chrysler-based 2009 Volkswagen Routan is stylish for a van but too expensive.
Advertising for the new Volkswagen Routan minivan boasts of its German engineering, but don’t be fooled; it’s a Chrysler under the skin, mechanical twin to the Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. (VW got the Routan in exchange for some diesel engines Chrysler uses in Europe.) But although the Routan costs significantly more than those vehicles, its advantages over them are primarily cosmetic.
Volkswagen’s repeated references to the “German-engineered” Routan squeaks through the Pinocchio test only on a technicality: that Chrysler was German-owned while the Grand Caravan was developed. But the basis to Volkswagen’s claim is the changes it made to the Routan: it differs in its interior and exterior styling and its suspension tuning..jpg)
The implication in all the mentions of German engineering is that the Routan is sportier than most minivans. It isn’t. Different suspension tuning from the Grand Caravan is evident in the drive in slightly harsher impacts over bumps, but it’s otherwise similar to that decidedly unsporty vehicle. The Honda Odyssey is still the minivan to beat for sharp handling.There was also no German engineering effort on the engines. Most models make do with a 3.8-liter Chrysler unit that dates back more than 15 years. This engine is slow to get the van moving from a stop and doesn’t improve much at speed, it’s harsh and noisy, and it returns unspectacular gas mileage. The 4.0-liter V6, a newer design also from Chrysler, should offer significant improvement in all three areas, but is limited to high-end SEL Routans.
But where Volkswagen clearly dedicated most of its effort – exterior and interior cosmetics – it did a commendable job making the Routan into a passable Volkswagen. In a front view in particular, the Routan’s Volkswagen styling cues don’t look like afterthoughts retrofitted onto the Chrysler design; it even has a sense of grace about it that’s lacking from most other minivans.
The interior’s quality is a significant step up from the cheap-feeling Grand Caravan. The design is more attractive – it looks like a Volkswagen rather than what has been unlovingly described by some other reviewers as looking like a Dell desktop computer tower – and most of the interior materials feel more substantial. The cloth seats could use an upgrade to be at the level of other Volkswagens, however, and moving parts like the retractable cupholders feel clunky.A bigger problem inside is that Chrysler kept one of the best Grand Caravan selling points to itself: the configurable rear seats. As with all other modern minivans, the Routan’s third row seat stows into the cargo floor, but the Grand Caravan offers the same trick with the middle row as well. The Routan does not; its middle seats must be removed from the vehicle to maximize cargo space, as in most other minivans. Nor do the Routan’s middle seats spin to face the third row, another unique Grand Caravan option.
But the Routan’s biggest problem is its price: it’s much more expensive than comparably equipped Dodge Grand Caravans.
The Grand Caravan doesn’t only have lower sticker prices, but dealers seem to be willing to deal on it more. Fitzgerald Auto Malls, DC regional chain that sells both Volkswagens and Dodges at no-haggle prices, lists its Routan inventory at about 3-5% off its sticker prices, while 2009 Grand Caravans were closer to 10%, and remaining 2008 inventory was around 25% off.
The Routan is also no strong value against the established minivan class leaders, which offer superior refinement, driving dynamics, safety ratings, and interior comfort and opulence.
With the Routan, you get a modified version of an acceptable but unremarkable van, minus one of that van’s best features, at a high price. It’s sharp-looking for a minivan, but that’s it’s primary advantage in its class. The Honda Odyssey leads the minivan class in driving dynamics, the Toyota Sienna offers the most luxury, the Dodge Grand Caravan offers the most versatility, and the Hyundai Entourage and Kia Sedona offer the best value.
That’s four types of substance in which the Routan is outdone by its competitors. And in a minivan, substance trumps style. Look to those other vans before the Routan.
Vehicle tested: 2009 Volkswagen Routan SE
Vehicle base price: $24,700
Vehicle price as tested: $30,045
Test vehicle provided by: Darcars Volkswagen of College Park, Md.
For more info: http://www.vw.com/routan/en/us/
Comments
You obviously haven't driven both vehicles and haven't a clue what you speak of. Typical though - probably got your information 2nd hand from a Honda dealer.
you sir are about as unbiased as Dan Rather
You missed the mark on comparison with the Town & Country. The VW second row seats are designed for greater comfort and are much larger than the T&C, and still offer storage under the floor.
Every sheet metal panel except for sliding doors are different. Besides the handling refinements, you also failed to mention that VW's come with free scheduled maintenance as part of standard warranty.
I agree with previous post.You might want to take a closer look before you review vehicles.
Rick,
The Town & Country and Routan have the same rear seats if you choose the Chrysler's "Swivel 'N Go" feature instead of "Stow 'N Go." You still lose versatility.
Free scheduled maintenance is nice, but it doesn't compare to the significant difference in purchase price.
I didn't say anything negative about the stylistic changes between the two cars. That was clearly significant, and I said as much.
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