2010 Volkswagen Routan — Full Specifications
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The 2010 Volkswagen Routan is a van/minivan offered with 2 engines (3.8L 6-cyl, 4L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 22–24 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Routan workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 4L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3.8L 6-cyl · 4L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Van/Minivan |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 20 urban / 30 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 17 city / 25 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 276 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,350 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan across 2 engines (3.8L 6-cyl, 4L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 18 to 20 mpg (US), or 22 to 24 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (16/23) | 307 | $3,700 |
| 4L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/25) | 276 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan
Running Costs: 2010 Volkswagen Routan
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2010 Volkswagen Routan at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2010 Volkswagen Routan Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2010 Volkswagen Routan (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Electrical system — campaign 15V194000, reported 1 April 2015. Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering,…
- Electrical system — campaign 11V151000, reported 1 March 2011. Risk: AN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (150), Engine (45), Service brakes (23). Complaints include 5 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 12 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 63 complaints across the 5 Volkswagen Routan model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (2 recall campaigns · 150 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (45 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (23 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Steering (23 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Volkswagen Routan compare to similar van/minivans? Van/Minivans in our database average around 24 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 0 mpg. Its 276 g/km CO₂ figure is 16 g/km lower than the 292 g/km average for van/minivans on this site. This comparison is based on 157 van/minivans in our dataset.
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2010 Volkswagen Routan's 24 mpg is 9 mpg below that make average. Its 276 g/km CO₂ figure is 63 g/km higher than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan: 3.8L 6-cyl, 4L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 4L 6-cyl with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 22 to 24 mpg.
How much does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2010 Volkswagen Routan (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
Among the 240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (150 complaints), Engine (45 complaints), Service brakes (23 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Volkswagen Routan's fuel economy good for a van/minivan?
It returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 24 mpg among the van/minivans we track.