The Volkswagen Arteon: A Full-Size Sedan That Stands Out
The Volkswagen Arteon is a full-size sedan that offers a unique combination of style, performance, and practicality. It’s designed to stand out from the crowd without being too flashy, and it offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. However, despite its many strengths, the Arteon has struggled to compete with the popularity of crossovers and SUVs. Volkswagen has announced that the 2024 model year will be the last for the Arteon, as the company shifts its focus to vehicles that are in higher demand.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
The Volkswagen Arteon has received positive reviews from critics, who praise its sleek design, comfortable interior, and strong performance. However, it hasn’t been able to match the sales numbers of its crossover and SUV counterparts. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Arteon is currently ranked #6 in the luxury midsize car category, behind popular models like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series.
What’s New for 2024?
Unfortunately, there won’t be any major updates or changes for the 2024 Volkswagen Arteon, as it will be the final model year for this full-size sedan.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Volkswagen Arteon is available in three trim levels: SE R-Line, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. The estimated starting price for the SE R-Line is $45,000, while the SEL R-Line is expected to start at $49,000 and the SEL Premium R-Line at $52,000.
Car and Driver recommends the SEL R-Line as the best value for most buyers. It offers a good balance of style and features, including real leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive, which provides better traction and handling in challenging weather conditions.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Volkswagen Arteon is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base SE model is front-wheel drive only, while the SEL and SEL Premium come standard with all-wheel drive.
The Arteon offers strong acceleration and responsive handling, thanks to its powerful engine and adaptive suspension dampers. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 103 mph. However, it’s not as sporty or agile as some of its competitors, such as the Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the front-wheel drive Volkswagen Arteon will get 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive models will get 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. These are respectable numbers for a full-size sedan, but they’re not as good as some of the more fuel-efficient crossovers and SUVs on the market.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Volkswagen Arteon has a spacious and comfortable interior that can accommodate up to five passengers. The front seats are supportive and roomy, while the rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom. The hatchback design provides easy access to the cargo area, which offers 27 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and up to 56 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The Arteon comes standard with heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add features like real leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, built-in navigation, and a premium audio system.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Volkswagen Arteon’s infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display and wireless smartphone integration. It also comes with two USB ports and touch-sensitive controls on the heated steering wheel. Higher trims add features like built-in navigation, a premium audio system, and additional connected services through Volkswagen Car-Net.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Volkswagen Arteon comes standard with a wide range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and front and rear parking sensors. It also has a road sign recognition system and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims add features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon for crash safety, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the highest rating of Good in all crash tests. It also received a Superior rating for its front crash prevention system.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volkswagen offers a competitive warranty package for the Arteon, including a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. However, it falls short of some of its rivals in terms of powertrain warranty coverage.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Arteon is a stylish and practical full-size sedan that offers strong performance and a comfortable interior. However, it has struggled to compete with the popularity of crossovers and SUVs, and Volkswagen has announced that the 2024 model year will be the last for this model. If you’re in the market for a full-size sedan, the Arteon is definitely worth considering, especially if you value style and performance. However, if you’re looking for a more practical and versatile vehicle, you may want to consider a crossover or SUV instead.
