2011-2014 Volkswagen Routan 3.6L

Overview

The Volkswagen Routan was a minivan marketed by the German automaker between 2009 and 2014. Developed through a partnership with Chrysler, the vehicle was built on the Chrysler RT platform alongside the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. Production took place at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Volkswagen introduced the Routan to fill a gap in its North American lineup, aiming to provide a family-oriented vehicle that retained some of the brand’s design language, particularly in the interior and suspension tuning.

For the 2011 model year, Volkswagen replaced the previous engine options with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. This engine provided a significant increase in power and improved fuel efficiency compared to the earlier 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter units. The 3.6-liter engine was paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. Despite its mechanical similarities to its Chrysler counterparts, the Routan featured unique exterior body panels, distinct headlight and taillight designs, and a Volkswagen-specific dashboard and seat configuration.

Market positioning for the Routan focused on consumers who desired the utility of a minivan but preferred the aesthetic and brand identity of Volkswagen. However, the vehicle faced stiff competition from established rivals and the brand’s own crossover offerings. Sales remained modest throughout its lifecycle, leading to the discontinuation of the model after the 2014 model year. Today, the Routan is recognized for its combination of Chrysler-derived practicality and Volkswagen-specific interior ergonomics.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Routan
Model Year	2011-2014
Generation	1st Generation
Trim	S, SE, SEL, SEL Premium
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	2014
VIN Identifier	1V1
Base MSRP	$27,020
Destination Charge	$895
Total MSRP	–
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	Pentastar
Engine Name	3.6L V6
Engine Code	–
Engine Configuration	V6
Displacement	3.6 Liters
Bore x Stroke	96 mm x 83 mm
Compression Ratio	10.2:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Sequential Multi-Port Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Oil Specification / Viscosity	5W-20
Horsepower	283 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Redline	6,800 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 / 8.1
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	20.5
Estimated Driving Range	410 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$2,300
CO₂ Emissions	440 g/mi
Greenhouse Gas Score	3
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	3.2 s
0-60 mph	8.1 s
0-100 mph	22.5 s
Quarter Mile	16.2 s
Top Speed	120 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	132 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.76 g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.06 hp/lb
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)	4,600
GVWR (lbs)	6,050
Towing Capacity (lbs)	3,600
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,450
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	4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash	4 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	6-speaker / Premium Sound
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 / 120,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Trenton Engine Complex
Transmission Supplier	Chrysler
Gear Ratios	4.13, 2.84, 2.28, 1.45, 1.00, 0.74
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	11.0 qt
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	150
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The Volkswagen Routan is often viewed as a niche choice in the used minivan market, offering the familiar Pentastar V6 powertrain reliability found in Chrysler products wrapped in a more European-inspired interior. Owners generally report that the 3.6-liter engine is robust, though common issues include electrical gremlins related to the sliding door modules, suspension bushings, and occasional transmission shift quality concerns. Because it shares most mechanical components with the Dodge Grand Caravan, parts availability is excellent and maintenance is straightforward for independent mechanics. For buyers seeking a budget-friendly family hauler with a unique aesthetic, the Routan represents a functional value, provided that the specific vehicle has a documented service history and the electronic systems have been verified for proper operation.