2009 Volkswagen Routan

2009 Volkswagen Routan Price Range: $25,200 - $38,500

Handling
With its tighter turning circle, the Volkswagen Routan is most certainly more maneuverable than the average minivan/van, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, bear in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Routan's engine is a little smaller than the average minivan/van's, but not terribly so. The Routan could learn a lesson or two from the average minivan/van when it comes to pickup. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the average minivan/van is significantly more powerful than the Volkswagen Routan.

Utility
The Volkswagen Routan and the typical minivan/van can accommodate the same number of passengers. The average minivan/van is a better choice than the Volkswagen Routan when it comes to hauling capacity, especially if you often need to carry a lot of cargo or big dogs. Towing is significantly more the typical minivan/van's forte than it is the Volkswagen Routan's.

Convenience
You'll quite certainly have to take the Volkswagen Routan for a fill-up more often than the average minivan/van because of its tank size and fuel economy.

Comfort
Taller drivers will considerably enjoy the extra head room in the typical minivan/van's front cabin compared to the Volkswagen Routan. The average minivan/van offers more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Volkswagen Routan does.

Dimensions
The typical minivan/van is considerably more bulky than the Volkswagen Routan. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the average minivan/van than the Volkswagen Routan because of its bigger tank. The Volkswagen Routan and the average minivan/van compete for the same parking spaces. The average minivan/van's longer wheelbase will likely result in a smoother, more stable ride; on the other hand, the Volkswagen Routan may give a nimbler feel in daily traffic.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Routan is considerably cheaper to get to the dealership than the typical minivan/van. With respect to fuel economy, the Routan and the typical minivan/van don't differ much. The Volkswagen Routan isn't much costlier than the average minivan/van in terms of MSRP.

Warranty
The basic warranty that comes with the Volkswagen Routan isn't quite as generous as the typical minivan/van's.