Initial Quality – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the 2009 Volkswagen Routan received 2 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings.

Performance and Design – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL), the 2009 Volkswagen Routan received 4 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings.

Predicted Reliability – The Volkswagen Routan is a new model and has not yet been included in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. However, based upon the performance of all Volkswagen models during the past three years in both our Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, the Routan’s Predicted Reliability Power Circle Rating is 2 out of 5. Perhaps more instructive is the Predicted Reliability Power Circle Rating for the Dodge Grand Caravan, which is 2.5 out of 5.

Fuel Economy – EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan are 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway with the standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine on S and SE models, and 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway with the 4.0-liter V-6 engine on SEL models. During our test driving, the Routan SE averaged 18.2 mpg.

Safety – The 2009 Volkswagen Routan gets 5-star crash test ratings in both frontal and side-impact crash testing. The Routan also received a 4-star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Routan a Good rating in frontal offset crash tests, a Good rating in side-impact crash tests, and a Marginal rating in rear impact crash tests.

Environment – According to the EPA, the 2009 Volkswagen Routan S and SE consume 19 barrels of petroleum annually, resulting in a carbon footprint rating of 10.2 tons of air pollution per year. The Routan SEL consumes 17.1 barrels of petroleum annually, resulting in a carbon footprint rating of 9.2 tons of air pollution per year. The EPA did not list a national air pollution score or a California/New England air pollution score at the time this review was published.