Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Routan Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Routan

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Model Year	2009	2009	2009	2009	2009	2009	2009
Model	Forester	Forester	Forester	Forester	Routan	Routan	Routan
Trim	2.5 X	2.5 X L.L. Bean / Limited	2.5 XT	2.5 XT Limited	S	SE	SEL
Engines (hide)
OHV-v hp lb-ft
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 224 hp@5600 226 lb-ft@3600
3.8L V6 OHV-2v 197 hp@5200 230 lb-ft@4000
4.0L V6 OHC-4v 251 hp@6000 259 lb-ft@4200
Transmissions (hide)
5-speed manual
4-speed manually-shiftable automatic
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
AWD
FWD
Tires (hide)
215/55HR16 tires
225/55HR17 tires
225/65R16 tires
225/65R17 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 80W, 4 speakers
Kenwood, 140W, 6 speakers
Unbranded, 6 speakers
Unbranded, 506W, 9 speakers
Accessories (hide)
AC power outletPowers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier.   [?]
Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier.
Cruise control
Dual power sliding doorsBoth sliding doors can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.   [?]
Both sliding doors can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Power flip-out rear side windows
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power liftgateLiftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.   [?]
Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Power-adjustable pedalsPedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel.   [?]
Pedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote startStart the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.   [?]
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.
Sunshades, second rowGreatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.   [?]
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.
Sunshades, third rowGreatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the third-row side windows. Retract into rear side panels.   [?]
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the third-row side windows. Retract into rear side panels.
Tilt steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Rearview cameraRearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.   [?]
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.
Rollover sensorDeploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.   [?]
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Side curtain airbags, three rowsAirbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo area partition netNet extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops.   [?]
Net extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops.
Cargo cover
Cargo net
Cargo tray
Class II trailer hitchHitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.   [?]
Hitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Console with shifter
Overhead console storage compartments
Overhead sunglass holderUsually part of an overhead console.   [?]
Usually part of an overhead console.
Removable console
Roof railsNo crossbars.   [?]
No crossbars.
Second-row under-floor storage
Sliding center consoleCenter console top slides to transfer items between rows.   [?]
Center console top slides to transfer items between rows.
Storage beneath cargo floorLarge storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.   [?]
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.
Trailering equipment (4 wire)Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.   [?]
Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rear air vents with automatic controlsMaintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls.
Rear air vents with manual controlsFan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.   [?]
Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Rear HVAC unitA second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater.   [?]
A second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater.
Rear wiper
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Wiper de-icerHeating elements defrost area where front wipers rest.   [?]
Heating elements defrost area where front wipers rest.
Engine / Motor (hide)
Additional engine coolingNo value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
No value because no way to compare across models.
CA/NE emissions (extra-cost)Only included if California/Northeast emissions equipment costs extra.   [?]
Only included if California/Northeast emissions equipment costs extra.
Engine-block heaterPlugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold.   [?]
Plugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold.
Oil coolerOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Exterior (hide)
Bodyside moldingsMoldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.   [?]
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Bright-finished mirror housings (optional)Chrome or aluminum mirrors. Only listed if optional or not standard on the base trim.   [?]
Chrome or aluminum mirrors. Only listed if optional or not standard on the base trim.
Deep-tinted rear windows
Hood scoopScoop on the hood, often not functional and purely decorative.   [?]
Scoop on the hood, often not functional and purely decorative.
Mud guardsFlaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.   [?]
Flaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.
Rear bumper protector
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Skid platesPrevent underbody damage when off-roading.   [?]
Prevent underbody damage when off-roading.
Sunroof
Sunroof, largeReplaces and includes value of smaller sunroofs.   [?]
Replaces and includes value of smaller sunroofs.
Wheel-lip moldingsExtensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.   [?]
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.
Infotainment (hide)
A/V input jacksJacks for a video camera, game console, or other device with A/V output.   [?]
Jacks for a video camera, game console, or other device with A/V output.
Additional screen for entertainment systemAn additional ceiling-mounted screen for third-row passengers.   [?]
An additional ceiling-mounted screen for third-row passengers.
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD changer, in-dashIncludes CD player.   [?]
Includes CD player.
CD player
DVD-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.
Entertainment system, ceiling-mountedA DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.   [?]
A DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.
iPod integrationIntegrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.   [?]
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.
Media driveBuilt-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.   [?]
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
Satellite radio - one year subscriptionXM or Sirius with one-year subscription.   [?]
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription.
Second DVD player for entertainment systemSecond DVD player allows two different DVDs to be played simultaneously.   [?]
Second DVD player allows two different DVDs to be played simultaneously.
Subwoofer (add on)No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
No value because no way to compare across models.
Surround sound
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Voice recorder
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
Automatic-off headlightsHeadlights automatically turn off.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn off.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Conversation mirrorEnables driver to view rear passenger compartment without turning around.   [?]
Enables driver to view rear passenger compartment without turning around.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Interior lights, additionalOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Upgraded instrumentsOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Visor mirror, driver
Visor mirror, passenger
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Second-row 2-person bench
Second-row buckets
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
All-weather floor matsAll-weather floormats.   [?]
All-weather floormats.
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Floor mats
Foldaway tray table, second rowErects between the seats; in vans stows against a seat to open up walk through; in sedans stows in a console.   [?]
Erects between the seats; in vans stows against a seat to open up walk through; in sedans stows in a console.
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Heated second row seats
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual fore-aft adjuster, second row seatsSeat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area.   [?]
Seat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area.
Manual height adjuster, driver seat
Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seatManually adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Manual recliner, second row seats
Manual recliner, third row seats
Memory system, driver seat
Metal pedals
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power lumbar adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power recliner, third row seats
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power-stowing third row seatsSeat powers into a well completely beneath the floor level to enlarge cargo area. Also powers back upright. Replaces manual stowing seat, and includes the value of that feature.   [?]
Seat powers into a well completely beneath the floor level to enlarge cargo area. Also powers back upright. Replaces manual stowing seat, and includes the value of that feature.
Stowable third row seatsSeat stows in a well completely beneath the floor level.   [?]
Seat stows in a well completely beneath the floor level.
Tailgating position, third row seatsThird-row seat can be flipped over to face out the rear of the vehicle, for use with the tailgate open.   [?]
Third-row seat can be flipped over to face out the rear of the vehicle, for use with the tailgate open.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Alloy wheels
Auto-leveling rear shocksRear shock absorbers that automatically level the rear ride height.   [?]
Rear shock absorbers that automatically level the rear ride height.
Wheel locksLug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.   [?]
Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.
Transmission (hide)
Short-throw shifter (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Transmission coolerOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.

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