2009 Volkswagen Routan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is an all-new model and Volkswagen’s return to the U.S. minivan market. Its headline change is the debut of a seven-seat family van with Volkswagen-specific styling and firmer suspension and steering tuning than its Chrysler relatives.
About the 2009 Volkswagen Routan
Routan's first and only generation (2009-2014), first model year.
Volkswagen positions the Routan as a family minivan with VW style and a more European-flavored driving feel. The core appeal is simple: room for seven, flexible seating and cargo space, and everyday family convenience, but with Volkswagen-specific styling, firmer seat support, and suspension tuning that aims to feel a little less soft and generic than the Chrysler vans it is related to. It is a practical people mover first, with a slightly more driver-focused personality than many rivals.
The 2009 Routan ranges from the practical S to the fully equipped SEL Premium. The SE focuses on family convenience with power sliding doors and removable second-row captain’s chairs, while the SEL adds a stronger V6, leather, heated seats, Bluetooth, and a power liftgate. The SEL Premium tops the range with a sunroof, power-folding third-row seat, and upgraded nine-speaker audio system.
What changed, by category
2009 Volkswagen Routan specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.8 Liter | V6, 3.8 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 197 hp | 197 hp | 253 hp | 253 hp |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | 230 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 140.6 cu-ft | 140.6 cu-ft | 140.6 cu-ft | 140.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.8 in | 31.8 in | 31.8 in | 31.8 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Sliding Doors | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2009 the first year of the Volkswagen Routan?
Yes. The 2009 model is the Routan’s debut and marks Volkswagen’s return to the U.S. minivan market after the EuroVan.
How many seats does the 2009 Volkswagen Routan have?
The 2009 Routan has seating for seven. The S uses a removable second-row bench, while the SE features removable second-row captain’s chairs; the third row folds into the floor.
Which engines are in the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
The 2009 Routan S and SE have a 3.8-liter V6, while the SEL and SEL Premium have a 4.0-liter V6. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
How is the 2009 Routan different from its Chrysler relatives?
The 2009 Routan has Volkswagen-specific front and rear styling, revised interior trim, more supportive seats, and firmer suspension and steering tuning than its Chrysler relatives.
What distinguishes the 2009 Routan SEL and SEL Premium?
The 2009 SEL combines the stronger 4.0-liter V6 with leather, heated first- and second-row seats, Bluetooth, and a power liftgate. The SEL Premium adds features such as a sunroof, a power-folding third row, and a nine-speaker audio system.