The Volkswagen Routan 3.8 V6 Automatic, produced from 2008 to 2010, represented Volkswagen’s entry into the North American minivan market. This model was essentially a rebadged Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country, resulting from a collaborative agreement between the two automakers. The Routan aimed to provide Volkswagen customers with a practical, family-oriented vehicle offering a blend of European engineering sensibilities and American minivan functionality. The 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission was positioned as the higher-end powertrain option within the Routan lineup, offering more power and refinement than the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder variant.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Routan |
| Generation | Routan |
| Type (Engine) | 3.8 V6 (197 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 197 Hp |
| Power per litre | 52.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 312 Nm @ 5200 rpm (230.12 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EGH |
| Engine displacement | 3778 cm3 (230.55 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96.01 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 87.12 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12.6 l (13.31 US qt | 11.09 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 4100 l (144.79 cu. ft.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 907 kg (1999.59 lbs.) |
| Length | 5143 mm (202.48 in.) |
| Width | 1953 mm (76.89 in.) |
| Height | 1750 mm (68.9 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3078 mm (121.18 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/65 R16; 225/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 6.5J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Routan 3.8 V6 was the EGH engine, a 3.8-liter (3778 cc) naturally aspirated V6. This engine, sourced from Chrysler, featured a 60-degree V-angle and an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. It utilized a multi-port fuel injection system to deliver fuel to the cylinders. The engine produced 197 horsepower at around 5200 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission, also sourced from Chrysler, was designed to provide smooth and efficient gear changes. This transmission featured a torque converter and electronic controls for optimized shift points. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration were standard for modern minivans, maximizing interior space.
Driving Characteristics
The Routan 3.8 V6 Automatic offered a noticeable improvement in performance compared to the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder model. While not a sports car, the V6 provided adequate power for everyday driving, including highway merging and passing maneuvers. The six-speed automatic transmission helped to keep the engine in its optimal power band, delivering reasonably quick acceleration. However, the Routan’s substantial weight (over 4,000 pounds) meant that it wasn’t particularly nimble or sporty. The automatic transmission, while smooth, lacked the responsiveness of some more modern transmissions. Compared to a manual transmission equipped Routan (which wasn’t offered), the automatic prioritized comfort and ease of use over driver engagement.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Routan 3.8 V6 Automatic was typically offered in higher trim levels, such as the SEL and Limited. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player with auxiliary input, and alloy wheels. Higher trims added features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, a sunroof, and rear-seat entertainment systems. Optional extras included navigation, heated seats, and a backup camera. Interior upholstery was generally cloth on lower trims and leather on higher trims. The dashboard layout was similar to that of the Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country, with a focus on functionality and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Routan’s chassis utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. This setup aimed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. Steering was rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power assist. Tire sizes typically ranged from 225/65R16 to 225/65R17, depending on the trim level. Stabilizer bars were included both front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volkswagen Routan received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, it was often criticized for being essentially a rebadged Chrysler product, lacking the distinctive Volkswagen character. The 3.8 V6 engine was generally well-regarded for its power and smoothness, but its fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder Routan, the V6 offered significantly better performance but at the cost of increased fuel consumption. Reliability was comparable to that of the Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country, with some reports of transmission issues and electrical problems.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Routan was discontinued after only two model years due to lackluster sales and criticism for its lack of originality. While it didn’t achieve the success Volkswagen hoped for in the North American minivan market, the Routan provided a temporary offering for families seeking a seven-passenger vehicle with a Volkswagen badge. Today, used Routan 3.8 V6 models are relatively affordable, but potential buyers should be aware of potential maintenance issues, particularly with the automatic transmission. The powertrain, while generally reliable, may require attention as the vehicles age. The Routan serves as a reminder of Volkswagen’s attempt to compete in a segment dominated by established American and Japanese manufacturers.
