The 2010 Routan And Its 4.0 Engine

All new in 2009, the Volkswagen Routan minivan has no powertrain changes for 2010. The Routan is a restyled version of the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, and shares their Chrysler-designed V6 engines.

S and SE models are powered by a 3.8-liter V6. Known as the EGH, it is a 12-valve pushrod engine, with a cast-iron block and aluminum heads. This engine was introduced in 1991, although it has been progressively updated since then. In 2006, Chrysler retuned it for stronger mid-range torque, at the cost of some top-end horsepower. In the Routan, the 3.8-liter engine is rated at 197 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque.

Standard on SEL and SEL Premium models is a 4.0-liter V6. This SOHC engine, known as the EGQ, is the latest iteration of a Chrysler engine family that dates back to 1993. It shares some basic architecture with the EGH engine, but it has an aluminum block with iron cylinder liners, four valves per cylinder, and belt-driven overhead camshafts. The 4.0-liter version first appeared in 2007, sporting various minor refinements intended to reduce noise and vibration. The version in the Routan is rated at 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.

The 3.8-liter V6 has adequate power, but only the 4.0-liter engine can rival the muscle of the 250-horsepower Honda Odyssey or the 265-horsepower Toyota Sienna. Naturally, the Routan's performance is very similar to a Dodge Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country with the same engine. Neither Chrysler engine is as smooth or refined as its Honda and Toyota rivals, but engine noise is well subdued.

EPA fuel economy ratings are actually better for the 4.0-liter engine, an estimated 17/25 city/highway, compared to 16/23 for the 3.8-liter. However, the 3.8-liter engine burns regular gasoline, while Volkswagen recommends mid-grade fuel for the 4.0-liter.