Review Car

2011 Minivans: Volkswagen Routan and Dodge Caravan

When it comes to minivans most people think that they are all alike. However, that is not the case. As with anything each minivan is going to have features that the person likes and those features that they do not like. The key is finding the one that is going to work best for you and your family. Two of the minivans that are making people's heads turn is the 2011 Volkswagen Routan and the Dodge Caravan. Both seat seven and have enough room to haul the entire family and all of the things that they will need in order to get to where they are going.

Performance 

The VW Routan is offering the 2.6 liter, V6 engine that produces 283 horsepower. The gas mileage is through to be around 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway. Compared to the other minivan, this is the higher performing in terms of horsepower that there is to offer. 

The Dodge Caravan is offering a 3.3 liter, V6 engine that produces around 175 horsepower. The gas mileage is around 12 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway. Therefore, the VW gives about the same gas mileage with a bit of better performance. 

Safety 

The safety features of the 2011 VW Routan and the Dodge Caravan are pretty similar. The VW Routan is offering driver and front side air bags protection, passenger side air bag, anti lock brake system, and stability control. 

The Dodge Caravan is offering driver air bag and passenger side air bag, anti lock breaks and stability control as well in terms of safety features. Both are still susceptible to roll over since they are taller than they are wider. And given that they are both made out of the same types of materials, when it comes to safety, neither is really ahead of the other in this category. 

Size and Price 

The size of the two minivans are basically the same. However, the Dodge Caravan offers slightly more headroom in the front of the van. Which for those that are tall, this could be the defining reason why they choose this option. Though the difference is only around an inch or so, the difference could help the tall person out immensely. 

The price of these two are going to differ by around $3,000, give or take a bit. The VW Routan is going to cost around $27,000, while the Dodge Caravan is going to cost around $24,000. So, which is the better option for those that are wanting to buy a new minivan this year? 

Given the reputation of the two, most people seem to lean towards the VW Routan. With more horsepower while still offering the same gas mileage, most people find it to be well worth the extra $3,000 that they are going to pay for the minivan. However, when considering those that budget conscientious the Dodge Caravan is going to be the best choice. Though it may not take off from the line as fast as the Routan, it is a minivan and not really designed to do so.