2012 Volkswagen Routan

The badge says Volkswagen, the guts are all Chrysler

The 2012 Volkswagen Routan is based on the Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country platform. It shares their powertrain and is dimensionally similar. It shares most of its strengths and weaknesses with those models as well; the Routan has the same powerful V6 that critics praise, as well as the same comfortable seating.

No Stow ‘n' Go seating in this variant

While the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is considered one of the better full-size minivans and the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is considered to be the best budget full-size minivan, experts find less to like about the Routan despite the similarities between all of these models. Namely, the Routan lacks the fold-flat Stow ‘n' Go seating for the rear seats, which is often cited as the best feature on the nearly identical Chrysler and Dodge. Ultimately the lack of this key feature diminishes the Routan's appeal against stiff competition, even though testers say it has a slightly nicer interior than its platform mates. It also costs around $6,000 more than the similar 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, and the top-level model starts at over $44,000.

You can do better

Reviewers agree that there are better options when it comes to full-size minivans, like the best-reviewed 2012 Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,225 to $43,675) and the 2012 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570) .

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

- 17 mpg city

- 25 mpg highway

- 20 mpg combined

NHTSA Safety Ratings

- Rollover Resistance: 4 stars

IIHS Safety Ratings

- Front Offset Impact: Good

- Side Impact: Good

- Roof Strength: Good

- Named 2012 Top Safety Pick

See our review of the 2011 model for comprehensive info

Like its Chrysler counterparts, the 2012 Volkswagen Routan carries forward without any significant changes. Our full report on the 2011 Volkswagen Routan (Base MSRP: $26,930 to $43,240)  provides complete details on the model and what experts have to say about all aspects of the vehicle.