2020 Volkswagen Arteon review
Volkswagen Arteon highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Sleek design
- Plenty of cargo space
- Extensive list of available features
Cons
- Lots of road noise on the highway
- Transmission can be slow to downshift
- Interior doesn't feel as luxury as it should
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 29 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Good looks and powerful performance
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon has a classic fastback shape that's instantly recognizable—this car looks like nothing else on the road. This five-passenger, four-door hatchback is more practical and versatile than the average sedan, hidden beneath a thoroughly modern exterior. Not only does the fastback design look great, but it also improves highway aerodynamics and allows more room for cargo. You'll love getting into the minimalist and modern interior that's classy without edging into brash luxury. The engine has a performance edge to back up the sporty looks of the 2020 VW Arteon R-Line. If poor weather is a concern, the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is a commuter's hero, with available all-wheel drive. This VW Arteon review covers everything you need to know before hopping in for a test drive.
All Volkswagen Arteon years
What is new for the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon?
- The SE R-Line and SEL Premium trims have been discontinued for 2020.
- Arteon trims have been upgraded with Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment this year.
- The SEL trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
- The SEL Premium R-Line trim now comes with 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment.
- The SEL R-Line trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
2020 Volkswagen Arteon trims
SE:
Includes turbo 2.0L engine with an eight-speed auto and front-wheel drive, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, heated front seats, VW Car-Net® vehicle health and diagnostics system, and more.
SEL:
Adds digital cockpit in place of driver gauges, eight-inch infotainment screen, power side mirrors with memory, automatic high beams, leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and more.
SEL R-Line:
Adds R-Line exclusive interior and exterior enhancements, 20-inch polished wheels, rain-sensing wipers, performance monitor, heated front seats, and more.
SEL Premium R-Line:
Unlocks standard all-wheel drive, 20-inch gloss black wheels, massaging driver's seat, heated/ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon® premium audio system, adaptive lighting, and more.
Volkswagen Arteon photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon
1. Plenty of cargo space
The shape of the 2020 VW Arteon increases the rear cargo room, with 27.2 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats—more space than the average sedan. Fold the rear seats down and the Arteon's cargo space jumps to 56.2 cu-ft, comparable to a compact crossover. This means you can easily carry sports gear, bulky bags, or your latest shopping finds.
2. The Racing Line
The 2020 VW Arteon R-Line adds swagger to an already attractive package. The R-Line adds a sportier front bumper and grille, rear spoiler, stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob, paddle shifters, and black headliner. Whether you want to enhance your commute, stand out in the parking lot, or just add some pizzazz to your day-to-day errands, the R-Line is a great choice.
3. Capable AWD
The capability of a modern AWD system can get you to work in all kinds of weather. Fortunately, all trims of the 2020 VW Arteon offer optional AWD—except the top-tier SEL Premium R-Line, where AWD is standard. On top of this, you'll get a slightly more engaging driving experience, with the AWD providing extra grip on fun mountain roads.
4. Higher IQ
On the 2020 Arteon, you can drive with the peace of mind offered by VW's IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assistance features. Every drive gives confidence, with automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
5. Adapting to you
The 2020 VW Arteon has adaptive suspension as standard on all trim levels. This cool tech feature adjusts the car's performance and handling to meet your driving style. Or you can just select Comfort, Normal, or Sport mode whenever the mood strikes you.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Smooth and sophisticated, the 2017–2021 Audi A5 features modern technology and a refined interior. Available in three trims and as a four-door Sportback or two-door Convertible body. At the top, the 2017–2021 Audi A5 Prestige trim is packed with adaptive cruise control, a heads-up display, a top-view camera, and a 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen® 3D sound system. Finally, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard can get customized to fit your taste, switching between classic and virtual mode.
At the entry-level, the 2017–2021 Audi A5 Premium includes standard features like:
Tri-zone automatic climate control
QUATTRO® AWD
Ten-speaker sound system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®
Panoramic sunroof (Coupe and Sportback)
Power tailgate (Sportback)
The Mazda6 is a comfortable car that checks a lot of boxes. From 2018, there's an available turbocharged engine that offers 250 hp, making it a great option for road trips and long stints on the highway. But it's not just the engine options that make the Mazda6 a great car. Inside, you get a wealth a creature comforts, too. From 2018, there's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus a center command control that allows you to access the features on the screen, with ergonomic controls placed within close reach. Since the cabin was designed around the driver, everything is exactly where you'd expect, so you can drive in comfort wherever the journey takes you.
All 2018-2019 Mazda6 Sport models include:
17-inch alloy wheels
Dual-zone climate control
Rearview camera
Blind-spot monitoring
Bluetooth connectivity
The BMW 3 Series offers a smart combination of impressive performance, high technology, and numerous comforts. The 2017-2019 BMW 330i continues that trend with a 248-hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine and a choice of an eight-speed automatic or a fun six-speed manual transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with AWD available on the 330i xDrive model. The 2017-2019 BMW 330i interior features 10-way power sport seats and anthracite wood trim with pearl chrome accents.
The 2017-2019 BMW 330i delivers:
LED headlights and paddle shifters
Sixth-generation iDrive infotainment system
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Ratings & reliability
Volkswagen Arteon features and specs
SEL R-Line 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Spoiler
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
268
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
17.4
Wheelbase
111.7"
Overall length
191.4"
Width
73.7"
Height
56.5"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 40.2"
Head room
F 37.7"/R 37"
Front tires
P245/35HR20
Rear tires
P245/35HR20
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Volkswagen Arteon FAQ
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is nearly the same length and height as the VW Passat, but the Arteon has a longer wheelbase. The Arteon is also a couple of inches wider, contributing to its low, sporty look.
The sole transmission in the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is an eight-speed automatic. This is an excellent transmission for quick shifts in city driving and low engine speed on the highway. This transmission drives the front wheels as standard and is also fitted to AWD Arteon models.
While the 2020 VW Arteon looks impressive inside and out, it is not technically a luxury car. The Arteon interior is finished with upscale materials, offering a quiet ride and plenty of power. The closest descriptor is probably “near-luxury," featuring fine craftsmanship and design elements without all the opulence of a luxury vehicle.
It's hidden well behind sleek lines, but the VW Arteon is a hatchback. However, this isn't like the tiny subcompact hatches you're used to seeing—the Arteon has long lines and what appears to be a traditional trunk, until it lifts up to offer huge storage capacity.
More about the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon
Color options
Exterior colors:
Deep Black Pearl
Manganese Gray Metallic
Pure White
Pyrite Silver Metallic
Urano Gray
Interior colors:
Moonrock Gray
Titan Black
Interior details
Getting into the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon, you'll see how it's the small details that make all the difference—starting with the large and comfortable seating, with design elements that mix sport and luxury. You can feel the large amount of space, with 41.2 inches of legroom and 38 inches of headroom.
Leatherette surfaces and brushed aluminum accents cover the dash, with long horizontal lines running the length. One cool visual element of the 2020 Arteon is how the air vents mimic this look, making the essential equipment blend completely into the artful design. The digital gauges behind the steering wheel are bright and easy to read, as is the prominently displayed eight-inch infotainment screen, featuring the right amount of buttons so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. It's topped by a fancy analog clock. The center console between the front seats is wide, with an impressive amount of hidden storage. The 2020 VW Arteon R-Line interior adds paddle shifters, contrast stitching, and a black headliner.
Child seat details
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon interior seats five adults comfortably. Alternatively, you can fit two child seats in the rear seating area. While there is a third center seat, due to the deep sporty design of the seats and large side bolstering, adding two child seats makes the center seat only available for occupants without a child seat, or only those using a booster seat.
The rear left and right seats accept LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. The outer two rear seats have ISOFIX guides, making connecting a cinch. The tether points on the rear of the seats are easy to find and connect to. The 2020 VW Arteon makes hauling kids and all their stuff an easy everyday task.
Performance
2020 Volkswagen Arteon horsepower tops out at 268 hp at 5,500 rpm, while the max torque is 258 lb-ft at just 1,950 rpm, making acceleration a breeze. All this comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, standard at all Arteon trim levels. The engine connects to a smart eight-speed automatic transmission for shifting duties, although you can do it yourself with the R-Line's paddle shifters.
Power transfers to the front wheels, with optional all-wheel drive. The AWD Arteon is good for a zero to 60 time of 6 seconds, while FWD models need 6.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The 2020 VW Arteon completes a quarter-mile in approximately 14.5 seconds, on its way to a theoretical top speed of 149 mph (all according to the manufacturer, when new).
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined for AWD models, and an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined for FWD models.
Year comparison
2019-present Volkswagen Arteon (first generation)
The Volkswagen Arteon debuted in North America in 2019, and it stayed essentially the same for 2020. Some minor trim differences with the 2019 Arteon are smaller 18-inch wheels on the SEL model, and 19-inch wheels on the SEL Premium R-Line. As a bonus for the 2019 Arteon, this was the last year of Volkswagen's six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon gained interior and exterior upgrades. The 2021-present VW Arteon features revised bumpers and headlights, different wheels, and the new VW logo. King's Red offers a pop of color to the paint options, while the R-Line has Oryx White and Lapiz Blue. Inside, look for subtle upgrades like touch-sensitive controls and adjustable ambient lighting. 2022 models have performance improvements, with the 2.0L engine pumped up to 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for faster shifting. Plus, AWD is now standard on the Arteon SEL R-Line for 2022.
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