Five Cool Rides for Touring Denver

Volkswagen Routan

The Chrysler sourced 251 horsepower (making 259 lbs feet of torque) 4.0 liter V6 moves the Routan along with authority (there is a 3.8 liter that has less power, but gets slightly better mileage). Better still is the fantastic 6-speed automatic that kept the shifts quick and crisp when I put the hammer down. This allows the VW Routan to easily keep up with traffic.

The Volkswagen Routan is an easy drive despite its size and weight. Windows are big and seats are supremely comfortable; this is a sightseer’s dream to ride in. Very good climate control, window shades and optional power-folding rear seats impress all who ride.

At 4,621 lbs, I achieved average 0 to 60 times of around 9 seconds while averaging around 23 mpg and that was while driving aggressively. Prices for the Volkswagen Routan start at $25,000 and upper trim Routans can easily move into the $40,000 range once options are added. This keeps it in close quarters with the other minivan on this list, the Toyota Sienna (which has an option for AWD that the Routan does not).

Still, this is one of the most comfortable minivans I’ve driven. Every passenger I drove was pleased with the accommodations, even those sitting in the 3rd row.

Best of all, the Volkswagen Routan feels like a Volkswagen.

Mazda CX9

With prices starting at about $31,000 for the base, front-drive model and moving up to about $42,000, the Mazda CX9 offers a lot for the money.  A powerful 273 horsepower, 3.7 liter DOHC V6 power-plant and a smooth 6-speed automatic with a manual shift mode are standard. Optional Active Torque Split AWD helps make the Mazda CX9 a fantastic all weather companion.

Accolades have followed the CX9 for its lauded driving characteristics. Indeed, this is one of the most sporting crossover SUVs I’ve driven. The driver orientated cockpit is great on a long haul and on a twisty back country road. The Second row is comfortable, especially when skinned in the soft leather option. Even the 3rd row is comfortable (for passengers under 5’8”) and easy to access.

Mileage is competitive for its size and class; I averaged 19 mpg combined while trying to break the sound barrier. You and your passengers will be much more comfortable with the optional 18” wheels which provide a more comfortable ride while maintaining good traction.  The 20” wheels look nice, but impart a harsh ride.

Dodge Journey

The 235 horsepower, (which makes 232 lbs feet of torque) 3.5 liter V6 with a 6-speed auto-stick and AWD is a great start. The 4,300 lbs Dodge Journey moves well in traffic and drives effortlessly on the highway. 

The Dodge Journey has optional seating for up to 7. The 3rd row is tight and best used for children. The main selling point for me is the incredible storage options. Parents can use the right passenger and both center row seats for serious storage (the cushions flip up revealing lots of room). There are storage bins in the floor that can hold a 12-pack and ice.

Cool.

The second row can be equipped with built in child booster seats that are a breeze to operate. You can leave the bulky toddler seats at home! If you get the leather option, the seats are extremely hard, though I have been told they loosen up after a few months. The rest of the Dodge Journey is very logically set up and makes for a great family hauler.

Base price, $27,285 – price as tested, for the R/T. The aggressive looking 225/55R 19 inch touring tires and wheels look great and impart a little more sport to your drive. All in all, it’s a fairly tame vehicle that is easy to park and cheap to own.

Base models start at about $22,000 and fully loaded the R/T comes in just under $30,000.

Remember: Dodge (and all of Chrysler LLC) are offering HUGE discounts – like several thousand off and a killer lifetime warranty.

KIA Borrego

One of the major selling points for the KIA Borrego is its 7,500 lbs tow rating (best in class) and its standard 3-row seating.

KIA did a commendable job putting together a comfortable, almost luxurious interior. It competes (and in some cases is better than) the ubiquitous Ford Explorer.  Most of the materials impart a feeling of quality and the seating surfaces are very cozy.

This is not a hard-core off road vehicle as it has street-biased, 4-wheel independent suspension and rather low clearance. Still, on thick mud, rutted roads and deep snow, the KIA Borrego was as solid as a rock and easy to control (the automatic setting for the 4WD works quite well).  

I recommend the impressive 4.6 liter, 337 horsepower V8 which was sourced and reworked from the Hyundai Genesis. The base model’s 3.8 liter, 250 horsepower V6 is also from the Genesis and only gets 1 mpg better mileage. Both engines are good, but the V8 is smoother and more enjoyable.

KIA Borrego prices start around $26,000 for a V6 rear wheel drive LX.  Fully loaded, expect prices to be around $40,000 for a Borrego EX V8.  

Toyota Sienna

One way to look at the (AWD) Toyota Sienna, it can do just about everything a crossover SUV can do while providing maximum passenger comfort and space. This is a very logical family (or tourist) mover.   

A 266 horsepower (that makes 245 lbs feet of torque) 3.5 liter DOHC 24 valve V6 is the only power plant. The Toyota Sienna has a 5 speed automatic transmission that seamlessly transmits power to either front wheels or all wheels.

In fact, the Toyota Sienna is (currently) the only minivan in the United States that offers an AWD option. That’s very good for Denver especially in snowy months.  

Economy figures are about 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. The AWD Toyota Sienna rides on a firmer feeling suspension than its FWD brother. Street performance is unremarkable though usually comfortable. Seating is comfortable and the driver’s ergonomics are quite good.

Prices start at about $25,000 for the base model FWD CE and hover around $40,000 for a Lexus-like, well equipped Limited AWD Sienna.