2011 Volkswagon Routan SE with RSE and Navigation (Review)

Volkswagen has introduced an exciting, new full-sized minivan that combines their distinguishable styling and functionality with Chrysler's minivan skillfulness. This unique combination has given the vehicle an attractive, appealing, and sleek appearance that is like no other minivan on the market today.

Many minivans tend to be lackluster in appearance and devoid of advanced technology, but not the Routan. The Routan has stylish upholstery with comfortable seats, push- button recessed LED lighting, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls, and wired technology packages with entertainment options that set it apart from its competitors.

I was given the wonderful opportunity to drive a Volkswagon Routan and have discovered it to be a vehicle that is more than just a van. The Routan is a highly proficient driving machine with automatic power sliding doors and tail gate that open/close with one click of a button. Many van doors have to be opened and closed by pulling back a handle or lever, but with the Routan there is no need for arm wrestling the door handles, just push a single button and voila!, the rear doors and the lift gate open automatically.

The Volkswagen Routan is available in many trims, the S, SE, SEL with RSE, SEL Premium, and SE with RSE and Navigation.

The S trim is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, power rear vent windows, cruise control, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter, rear air-conditioning controls, dual power sliding doors with power windows, second-row captain's chairs, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, power sliding doors, an eight-direction power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, second- and third-row sunshades, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an overhead storage console, a trip computer, Bluetooth and a six-CD changer. The Routan SE with RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment) offers a power tailgate, a rearview camera, digital music storage, a touchscreen audio interface, video screens for the second and third rows, and satellite radio.

A Garmin navigation system can be incorporated into the touchscreen audio interface that comes with the RSE package with remote control and wireless headphones. The SEL trim is equipped with automatic headlamps, a remote ignition, sunroof, rearview camera, automatic three-zone climate control, heated second-row seats, leather upholstery, a power-folding third-row seat, touchscreen audio interface, navigation system, real-time traffic, 30GB hard drive with USB and music and photo storage, voice recognition, satellite radio, and an iPod interface.

On the SEL, the rear-seat DVD entertainment features are optional. The SEL Premium trim offers foglamps, xenon headlamps, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, more chrome trim on the vehicle's exterior, driver memory functions, interior wood trim, eight-way power passenger seat, an advanced trip computer, and a nine-speaker sound system.

The DVD entertainment package for the Routan is amazing. It features screens in both the second and third rows with the ability to plug in video game systems and each screen can show a different game or DVD, including the navigation screen in the front cabin.

Even though the Routan looks very much like a Chrysler Caravan, the minivan has its own unique look with nicer upholstery, an updated console area, advanced technology, and sophisticated interior with a European style. Unlike the Caravan, the Routan does not have Stow 'n Go seats, which make it possible to drop the second-row chairs into the floor, but the third-row seats still fold completely into the floor, the second-row chairs can be folded and removed, and there are storage areas under the floor. With so much space and 260 lbs of torque, an enormous amount of cargo can be hauled in the Routan and when the third-row seats are up, there is plenty of room for groceries, bags, and large boxes.

The interior is spacious, comfortable with pillow top armrests on the chairs, and is available in a variety of colors giving a luxurious appearance. I especially like the sunshades and privacy glass, which keep undesirable light from shining through the windows.

It is a breeze to drive the Routan in many different weather conditions and handles the road very well. The gears automatically shift smoothly in normal mode and become more noticeable in "Eco" mode. When the gas saving "Eco" button is off, the transmission quickly downshifts, the vehicle accelerates faster and the speed is increased. The vehicle yields 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The Routan is very classy, spacious, and comfortable. I especially like that the third-row seats reversible and can face the tail gate area and because the tail gate opens horizontally, you can go to the beach, sit in the back of the van and look at the ocean waves right in front of you. That is something that you cannot experience in any other van that I know of.

While driving, I felt comfortable and secure and the nifty navigation system helped me get where I needed to go without getting lost, saving me a lot of time searching for my destination by not having to use a traditional map and compass.

The DVD entertainment package with premium audio system made me feel like I was in a movie theater. Passengers in the second and third-row seats can watch their favorite movies with or without head phones, and they can use the remote control to change or stop the videos any time they want to. I highly recommend the RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment) package to anyone who has children, because the DVD system can keep children occupied for long periods of time.

I thoroughly enjoyed driving the Volkswagen Routan. The fully loaded SE with RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment) and Navigation System is $35,570, but in my opinion, is well worth the price.

If you want a stylish, comfortable, and spacious van that can carry a large family with ease, is technologically advanced, and can haul a lot of cargo, then you should definitely take a look at the Routan. It may just be exactly what you have been looking for.