2012 Volkswagen Routan: A Detailed Overview
The 2012 Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged version of the Chrysler Town & Country, offered a blend of European refinement with American practicality in the minivan segment. While sharing its core architecture with its Chrysler siblings, the Routan aimed to differentiate itself with a more upscale interior, distinct styling cues, and a driving character that leaned towards European handling.
Highlights
- Engine Options:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: This became the standard and only engine option for 2012. It's a robust and capable powerplant, delivering a healthy 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It provided ample power for acceleration, merging onto highways, and carrying a full load of passengers and cargo.
- Transmission: Paired exclusively with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain offered a comfortable and composed driving experience.
- Safety Features: The Routan was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, aiming to protect occupants in various scenarios.
- Standard Airbags: Including front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags for all three rows provided broad occupant protection.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This system actively monitors vehicle direction and can automatically apply individual brakes and reduce engine power to help the driver regain control during a loss of traction.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Traction Control: Helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Optional Rearview Camera: A highly beneficial feature for parking and reversing, increasing visibility of the area behind the vehicle.
- Optional Parking Sensors (Front and Rear): Assist in low-speed maneuvering by providing audible warnings when approaching obstacles.
- Trim Levels: The 2012 Volkswagen Routan was offered in three distinct trim levels, each building upon the previous one with enhanced features:
- S: The base model, still offering a good level of standard equipment, including power windows, locks, mirrors, and a decent audio system.
- SE: This mid-level trim added more convenience and comfort features, often including things like a power driver's seat, satellite radio, and a better audio system.
- SEL: The top-tier SEL Premium (often referred to as SEL) represented the pinnacle of the Routan's offerings, typically featuring leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, and potentially a sunroof or rear-seat entertainment system.
- Notable Aspects:
- European-Tuned Ride and Handling: Volkswagen aimed to imbue the Routan with a more European driving feel. This often translated to a firmer, more composed ride and more responsive steering than many of its American competitors.
- Upscale Interior Design: The interior was a key differentiator, featuring a more refined and modern design with higher-quality materials than its Chrysler counterparts. This contributed to a more premium perceived value.
- Flexible Seating: Like all minivans, the Routan boasted flexible seating arrangements. While it didn't feature Chrysler's Stow 'n Go system, its second-row captain's chairs and available third-row bench still offered practicality for passengers and cargo.
What to Expect
Owning a 2012 Volkswagen Routan generally provides a comfortable and practical experience for families. The spacious interior and versatile cargo area make it ideal for daily commutes, grocery runs, and longer road trips. The V6 engine offers robust performance, ensuring it can handle the demands of carrying multiple passengers.
Maintenance: As with any Volkswagen, routine maintenance is important to keep the Routan running smoothly. Expect to follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine inspections. Parts availability is generally good due to the shared components with Chrysler vehicles. However, some specific Volkswagen-branded parts might be slightly more expensive than those for a comparable domestic minivan. Many independent mechanics are familiar with servicing this platform.
Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan will vary based on your location, driving record, chosen insurance provider, and coverage levels. Minivans, in general, tend to have moderate insurance premiums. The Routan's safety features will likely contribute positively to its insurance rating. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.
Potential Considerations
While the 2012 Routan offers many positives, potential buyers should be aware of a few things:
- Lack of Stow 'n Go Seating: Unlike the Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan of the same era, the Routan did not offer the popular Stow 'n Go feature, which allowed the second-row seats to fold flat into the floor. This means removing the second-row seats is required to maximize cargo space, a less convenient process for those who frequently need flat-floor cargo hauling.
- Reliability Concerns: While the Pentastar V6 engine is generally reliable, the 2012 Routan, being a product of the Volkswagen/Chrysler partnership, may exhibit some of the shared reliability concerns that affected both brands during this period. This could include issues with certain electronic components or the transmission, though these are not universal. Thorough pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended.
- German vs. American Parts: While many parts are shared with Chrysler, some components are distinctly Volkswagen. This can sometimes lead to slightly higher parts costs for specific items compared to a purely American minivan.
Overall Summary
The 2012 Volkswagen Routan presented a compelling option for families seeking a minivan with a more European flavor and a more refined interior than many of its competitors. Its strong Pentastar V6 engine, comfortable ride, and comprehensive safety features made it a practical and enjoyable vehicle for everyday use. However, the absence of Stow 'n Go seating and potential reliability considerations that can be associated with its shared platform are important factors for prospective buyers to weigh. For those who prioritize a more upscale cabin and European driving dynamics over the ultimate in cargo flexibility, the 2012 Routan remains a solid choice in the used minivan market.
