Volkswagen Routan (2008–2013) Overview: Specs, Generations and Which to Buy
Volkswagen Routan specs and buying guide: a 2008–2013 minivan with 197–283 hp, one generation, automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
The Volkswagen Routan is a minivan produced from 2008 to 2013, offered with engines from 197 to 283 hp, automatic transmission and front-wheel drive only. Anyone comparing volkswagen routan specs across trims will find a simple lineup: a single generation with three modifications, all sharing the same body style and drivetrain layout — a straightforward choice for family duty.
Volkswagen Routan generations
1 generation (2008–2013)
The first and only generation of the Volkswagen Routan was built from 2008 to 2013 exclusively as a minivan. Its power range spans 197 to 283 hp across three modifications, every one of them paired with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Two versions stand out in the data. The Volkswagen Routan 4.0 AT (2008–2012) is the mass-market choice: a 3952 cc engine producing 251 hp, accelerating to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds with fuel consumption of 11.8 l/100km. The Volkswagen Routan 3.6 AT (2008–2012) is the most powerful version: a 3600 cc engine with 283 hp, the same 8.9-second acceleration, and slightly lower consumption at 11.7 l/100km.
Which Volkswagen Routan to buy
- 3.6 AT (1 generation): the most powerful option at 283 hp, yet it records the lowest fuel consumption of the notable versions at 11.7 l/100km and reaches 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.
- 4.0 AT (1 generation): the mass-market version with 251 hp from a larger 3952 cc engine, matching the 3.6 AT's 8.9-second acceleration with 11.8 l/100km consumption.
On the used market, every Volkswagen Routan comes from the same 2008–2013 generation, so there is no older-versus-newer platform decision to make — condition and history matter more than model year. The single-generation, automatic-only, FWD-only lineup also keeps the search simple: any question about volkswagen routan reliability comes down to how a specific car was maintained rather than which variant was chosen.
Which Volkswagen Routan to avoid
The data shows the Volkswagen Routan 4.0 AT (251 hp, 11.8 l/100km) is dominated on paper by the 3.6 AT: the smaller 3600 cc engine delivers 32 hp more (283 vs 251), identical 8.9-second acceleration, and lower fuel consumption (11.7 vs 11.8 l/100km). If both are available in similar condition, the numbers favor the 3.6 AT — though the 4.0 AT's status as the mass version may make it easier to find.