Volkswagen Routan
20 MPG The 2014 Volkswagen Routan is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2010–2014 run it averages 19.8 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3100 | 456 | 1 |
| 2013 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3100 | 454 | 1 |
| 2012 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 2011 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 2010 | 19 MPG | 16.5 | 24 | $3275 | 469 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 20 minivan - 2wd models tracked here, the Volkswagen Routan ranks 11 on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Entourage (21), Kia Carnival (21), Kia Sedona (21), Chrysler Pacifica (22), Chrysler Voyager (22).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 456 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Routan get?
The 2014 Volkswagen Routan is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 25 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 19.8 MPG, ranging from 18 to 20 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Routan cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2014 model is $3100.
Has the Volkswagen Routan become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19 MPG in 2010 to 20 in 2014 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 5% across 5 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Routan efficient for its class?
It ranks 11 of 20 in the Minivan - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG. That is 1.4 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.