Dodge Grand Caravan vs. Volkswagen Routan Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Volkswagen Routan to the dealership as the Dodge. As far as fuel economy, the Routan is a bit better than the Grand Caravan, but not by much. The Dodge Grand Caravan is tremendously less expensive than the Routan when it comes to MSRP.

Utility
The Dodge Grand Caravan and the Volkswagen can accommodate the same number of passengers. The Dodge Grand Caravan outpulls the Volkswagen by a sizeable margin.

Convenience
You likely won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Dodge Grand Caravan than with the Volkswagen Routan, because both offer similar mileage ranges.

Comfort
The Dodge Grand Caravan is not particularly roomier for your passengers than the Volkswagen Routan.

Dimensions
The Dodge Grand Caravan's tank is approximately the same size as the Volkswagen Routan's, though the Volkswagen Routan's is slightly bigger. The Grand Caravan and the Volkswagen Routan compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
With respect to horsepower, the Volkswagen Routan packs quite a punch and will knock the Dodge Grand Caravan down a few rungs. However, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their similar turning circles, the Volkswagen Routan and the Dodge Grand Caravan quite certainly handle almost the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Dodge Grand Caravan's engine is significantly smaller than the Volkswagen Routan's. Note that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; on the other hand, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Volkswagen Routan is significantly more powerful than the Dodge Grand Caravan.

Warranty
The Routan and the Dodge have the same basic warranty.