2010 Volkswagen Routan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 Volkswagen Routan is a light trim-level equipment update, not a redesign. The main change is that touchscreen navigation and a rearview camera became standard on the SEL and SEL Premium.
About the 2010 Volkswagen Routan
1st generation (2009-2014), second model year before the 2011 powertrain update
Volkswagen pitched the Routan as a family minivan with a more European look and driving feel than its Chrysler relatives. The core promise was simple: seven-passenger room, flexible seating, family-friendly storage, and minivan practicality, but with firmer seat support, VW-flavored styling, and a suspension tuned to feel a little more controlled on the road. For most shoppers, the Routan’s appeal was space and family usability first, with a more polished driving character as the differentiator.
The Routan ranges from the practical seven-seat S to the more comfortable SE, which has power sliding doors, heated front seats, Bluetooth, and second-row captain’s chairs. The SEL adds a stronger 4.0-liter V6, leather seating, navigation, and a power-folding third row, while the SEL Premium tops the range with dual rear entertainment screens, brighter HID headlights, and upgraded audio.
What changed, by category
2010 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 & AutoStick | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & AutoStick | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & AutoStick | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & AutoStick |
| 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 | 251 hp | 251 hp |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | 230 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 144.4 cu-ft | 144.4 cu-ft | 144.4 cu-ft | 144.4 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 | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| 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
What changed on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan compared with the 2009 model?
The 2010 Routan received trim-level equipment upgrades rather than a major redesign. The most notable updates were more standard comfort and technology features on the SE, SEL, and SEL Premium.
Did the 2010 Volkswagen Routan get a new engine?
No, the 2010 Routan kept the previous engine lineup. The S and SE use a 3.8-liter V6, while the SEL and SEL Premium use a 4.0-liter V6; both pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Which 2010 Volkswagen Routan trims have standard navigation and a rearview camera?
The 2010 SEL and SEL Premium have standard touchscreen navigation and a rearview camera. These features moved from optional to standard for both trims.
What became standard on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan SE?
The 2010 Routan SE gained standard Bluetooth and heated front seats. It also moved from cloth to V-Tex synthetic leather seating and added power-adjustable pedals.
Was the 2010 Volkswagen Routan redesigned?
No, the 2010 Routan was not redesigned. It remained part of the first generation and carried over without major powertrain, body, chassis, or safety changes.