2010 Volkswagen Routan 4.0L

Overview

The 2010 Volkswagen Routan represents a unique chapter in the brand’s North American history. Developed as a result of a partnership between Volkswagen and Chrysler, the Routan was designed to provide a European-styled alternative in the competitive minivan segment. Built on the Chrysler RT platform, the vehicle was manufactured at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, alongside its corporate siblings, the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Positioned as a premium family hauler, the Routan featured distinct exterior styling, including Volkswagen-specific front and rear fascias, and a revised interior cabin with higher-grade materials and a firmer suspension tune intended to mimic the driving dynamics associated with the German marque. Despite these modifications, the vehicle retained the functional versatility of the Chrysler architecture, including the widely recognized Stow ‘n Go seating system, though Volkswagen opted for a different seat configuration in the second row to prioritize comfort.

The 4.0-liter V6 engine option served as the top-tier powertrain for the 2010 model year, offering robust performance for highway cruising and heavy loads. While the Routan was intended to capture buyers who desired the utility of a minivan without abandoning the Volkswagen brand identity, it faced stiff competition from established domestic rivals and the brand’s own crossover lineup. Production of the Routan concluded in 2012, marking the end of Volkswagen’s direct participation in the North American minivan market.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Routan
Model Year	2010
Generation	1st Generation
Trim	SEL / SEL Premium
Body Style	Minivan
Vehicle Segment	Minivan
Vehicle Class	Minivan – 2WD
Market	USA
Platform	Chrysler RT
Assembly Plant	Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Country of Origin	Canada
Production Start	2008
Production End	2012
VIN Identifier	1V1
Base MSRP	$33,650
Destination Charge	$820
Total MSRP	$34,470
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)	11.8 L/100 km
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	20.5
Estimated Driving Range	410 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$2,500
CO₂ Emissions	445 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	3
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	3.2 s
0-60 mph	8.2 s
0-100 mph	22.5 s
Quarter Mile	16.3 s
Top Speed	115 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	132 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.76 g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.055 hp/lb
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	202.5
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	76.9
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	88.0
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)	163.5
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	4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash	5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash	5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover	4 Stars
IIHS Award	Top Safety Pick
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 yr / 36,000 mi
Powertrain Warranty	5 yr / 60,000 mi
Corrosion Warranty	12 yr / Unlimited mi
Roadside Assistance	3 yr / 36,000 mi
Complimentary Maintenance	3 yr / 36,000 mi
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Trenton, Michigan
Transmission Supplier	Chrysler
Gear Ratios	4.13, 2.84, 2.28, 1.45, 1.00, 0.74
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	12.0 qt
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	150
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2010 Volkswagen Routan is viewed by the used car market as a functional, value-oriented minivan that benefits from the widespread availability of parts shared with Chrysler’s platform. Reliability is generally tied to the 4.0-liter V6 engine and the 6-speed transmission, both of which require consistent maintenance to avoid common issues like oil consumption or transmission solenoid pack failures. Prospective buyers should inspect the electrical system, as early models were prone to glitches with the power sliding doors and infotainment units. While it lacks the modern connectivity features found in contemporary vehicles, its high cargo capacity and comfortable highway ride make it a practical choice for budget-conscious families. Today, it remains an affordable option for those prioritizing interior space and utility over advanced technology.