2009 Volkswagen Routan FWD 4.0L

Overview

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan represents a unique chapter in the brand’s North American history. Developed through a partnership with Chrysler, the Routan was designed to provide Volkswagen with a competitive entry in the minivan segment, a category the company had not occupied since the discontinuation of the Eurovan. Built at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, the vehicle shared its platform and mechanical architecture with the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Positioned as a more upscale, European-styled alternative to its domestic counterparts, the Routan featured unique exterior sheet metal, a revised interior dashboard, and suspension tuning intended to mimic the driving dynamics associated with the Volkswagen brand. Despite these efforts to differentiate the product, the vehicle remained fundamentally a product of the Chrysler minivan lineage. It was marketed to families seeking the utility of a traditional minivan but desiring the brand cachet and aesthetic sensibilities of Volkswagen.

The 4.0-liter V6 engine option served as the top-tier powertrain for the 2009 model year, offering increased power compared to the standard 3.8-liter unit. While the Routan was intended to bolster Volkswagen’s market share in the United States, it faced stiff competition from established rivals. Production eventually concluded in 2012, marking the end of Volkswagen’s direct participation in the North American minivan market.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Routan FWD
Model Year	2009
Generation	1st Generation
Trim	SEL / Highline
Body Style	Minivan
Vehicle Segment	Minivan
Vehicle Class	Minivan – 2WD
Market	USA
Platform	Chrysler RT
Assembly Plant	Windsor Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Country of Origin	Canada
Production Start	2008
Production End	2012
VIN Identifier	–
Base MSRP	$33,700
Destination Charge	$720
Total MSRP	$34,420
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	Chrysler SOHC V6
Engine Name	4.0L V6
Engine Code	–
Engine Configuration	V6
Displacement	4.0 Liters
Bore x Stroke	96.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Sequential Multi-Port Injection
Valve Train	SOHC, 24 valves
Engine Block Material	Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	5.5 qt
Oil Specification / Viscosity	5W-20
Horsepower	251 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	259 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Redline	6400 rpm
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic 6-spd
Final Drive Ratio	3.16:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	17
EPA Highway MPG	25
EPA Combined MPG	20
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	–
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	20.5
Estimated Driving Range	450 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$2,300
CO₂ Emissions	445 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	–
Smog Rating	–
Performance
0-30 mph	–
0-60 mph	8.2 seconds
0-100 mph	–
Quarter Mile	16.3 seconds
Top Speed	120 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	135 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.76g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	–
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	202.5
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	76.9
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	–
Height (in)	69.1
Wheelbase (in)	121.2
Front Track (in)	65.6
Rear Track (in)	64.8
Ground Clearance (in)	5.7
Curb Weight (lbs)	4550
GVWR (lbs)	6050
Towing Capacity (lbs)	3600
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1500
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	163
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	32.3
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	144.4
Turning Circle	39.1 ft
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash	5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash	5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover	4 Stars
IIHS Award	–
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	6.5-inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Analog
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	Premium Sound System
Speaker Count	6
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Trenton Engine Plant
Transmission Supplier	Chrysler
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	–
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	150
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is often viewed by the used car market as a functional, value-oriented minivan that benefits from the proven mechanical architecture of the Chrysler platform. While it offers a more refined interior aesthetic and firmer suspension tuning than its domestic counterparts, prospective buyers should be aware of common issues associated with the Chrysler-sourced electronics and transmission components of this era. Reliability is generally considered average for the segment, though regular maintenance of the 4.0-liter V6 is essential to prevent premature wear. Today, the Routan appeals to budget-conscious families who prioritize interior space and utility but prefer the Volkswagen brand identity over traditional American or Japanese minivan offerings.