Used 2021 Volkswagen Arteon Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Arteon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Arteon since its last redesign.
Premium At a good price
Angad Singh, 06/18/2019
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SE 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
The Arteon is a beautiful car for enthusiasts looking for a spacious sedan. Based on it’s size it is right up there with the Audi A5 Sportback. The power is sufficient enough to coast through a highway at good speeds. The 260 Pound feet torque at low rpm makes it easy to take over. The car is huge on space. I am 6 feet tall and never had an issue with the space. The back seat is humongous and it could easily fit 3 at the back. The boot is spacious and stylish. The digital cockpit will be a nice addition along with an already excellent 8 inch infotainment screen with Carplay standard. It is easy to maneuver in the city and an excellent drive on the highway. It’s a true Grand Touring Car.
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A German Touring Sedan As The New RoadMaster?
Scott in PA, 08/09/2022
updated 03/06/2023
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
This is one fine piece of machinery. From the nicely-weighted door-closing thunk to the integration of high tech features, the driving experience ticks all the right boxes. It is not a sports sedan, but it is not sedate. It's not a canyon carver, but you'll exit your apex with confidence as you search for the next one. And all this with a cavernous hatchback area that swallows up cargo on par with SUV's and station wagons. I have the line-topping SEL-P R-Line AWD. The Good Interior Seats: on the same par as my Audi A8. Comfortable, supportive, infinitely adjustable and ventilated. Nice Nappa leather. Excellent contour. HVAC is exceptional. Recent 2500 mile trip to FL and hardly ever had to adjust the temperature. Fan does not blow excessively high on start-up, and the cabin maintains its temperature. Windows: there is no wind thump when you roll one down at speed. Nice! Dash: Not as gimmicky as the A5, much friendlier than the Volvo, and visually a delight to look at. The high degree of customization will ensure you find the right combination of what you want to see. Easily adapted for long-tripping, ripping around town, or visiting Grandma. Learning curve a bit steeper than you'd like. Engine/Transmission I have not wanted for power, although who wouldn't want more? The Edmunds ding on slow downshifts is NOT justified. If you are in Eco mode, of course you have to stabby stabby the accelerator, otherwise it responds just fine. The paddle shifters are nicely placed and just the right size. Steering/Braking/Suspension The adjustable dampers, along with your adjustments to throttle and suspension, make this a near-Audi in every sense. And you can save your favorite combo for future use. I find turn-in a breeze, the tires hold the line well, and stomping on it at exit does not loose the back end. Of course, another 30-40 ponies might change that. Tech We have a winner! Adaptive Cruise is just as Edmunds described: not too hard on the brakes, and a little slow to regain speed. Otherwise it works very well in all conditions. Lane Keeping also performs admirably. Drive Assist is a low-level autonomous system that kind of helps you along vs taking over. I like that. Touch screens are the future, and the future is now. Again, there is a learning curve. Once you've found how to do what you want to do, it is rather intuitive. Road Characteristics There is virtually no wind noise below 80 mph. The occasional tire thump comes through, but with 245/35-20's you have to expect that with tiny sidewalls. Gas mileage is as advertised.. I got 32.9 on the FL trip. --March 2023 Update-- almost 20k miles in 9 months. This is one great highway cruiser. Replaced front rotors at 21k, a known VW concern. Local indy much less expensive than dealer. Replaced OEM Conti's with Michelin Pilot Sport 4AS, changing size from OEM 245/35/20 to a 235/40/20 configuration. Wanted a little more sidewall to help with potholes. Two side effects: the Speedo now runs 2-3mph below actual at highway speeds, so I have to remember that when setting the ACC. Secondly, my MPG trip computer is now accurate to within 1-2 tenths. Recent FL trip produced trip computer MPG numbers that exactly matched manual calculations on 3 of 4 tanks, and the 4th was .02 off. No squeaks or rattles as I've zoomed past 25k. Thank you VW for providing a full-size matching spare.... I rashed up a wheel and it is now my spare tire! --- end update. **Special Commendation** to the headlights. They are nothing short of miraculous. The adaptable beam pattern illuminates everything ahead of you, regardless of corners or hills. Cornering lamps and fog lights wrap up the package. What a safety boost! The Not-As Good Steering wheel angle is only column-adjusted, so the wheel itself does not pivot independently. I'd like another 1" of drop, but that is purely subjective. Cubby for the phone is awkwardly located above the shifter and you need to learn to contort your fingers to remove it. Charge is very slow. Also, the only USB ports are USB-C, I had to upgrade my cables. Lastly, the glove box is so small the Owners Manual will not fit in it. Oh, and whoever designed the OM should be fired... it is very poorly laid out, making your learning curve a bit harder than it needs to be.
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2021 Volkswagen Arteon for sale near you
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- SEL Premium R-Line 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $24,98063 mi away
- SE 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $25,29194 mi away
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A refined sport sedan that can bring the muscle!
Anthony, 07/07/2019
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD w/19" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
40 of 42 people found this review helpful
I purchased one of the first available fully loaded SEL Premium R-Line Arteon in New England. I was drawn by the shape, design, and performance of the Arteon. Car and Driver magazine selected the Arteon as one of the 15 most beautiful cars for 2019. If you don’t want the looks and stares from people or for them to come up and ask you about this car, I would say buy something else! When you get tired of the “comfort mode” and want performance just put it in the “sport mode” and use the paddle shifters for a more aggressive driving experience. The Arteon was rated at 27 mpg on the highway, but I have found surprisingly good fuel economy on the highway. Over the first 3K miles I am averaging between 32-34 mpg. It has an amazing cargo space with more than 27 cubic feet and with the seats down more than 50 cubic square feet. My favorite features include: the digital cockpit, 4Motion all-wheel drive, ventilated and massaging driver’s seat, 700 watt Dynaudio sound system, 360 degree camera, Apple Car Play, adaptive chassis control, and adaptive cruise control. All in all I am very pleased with the car. I would say it is not a true performance sedan, but rather a semi-luxury sedan that can be aggressive when you need it to be. It comes with a 6 year/72K miles limited warranty which is one of the best available. On the down side, I needed to buy a 12V-to-USB converter for the rear seat, as there are no rear seat USB outlets.
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Just what we were looking for
Will Gessner, 07/30/2021
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I read a million reviews on the Arteon before purchasing it this week. The main complaint that came through those reviews is that the car doesn’t handle sharp enough or accelerate enough with blistering speed. Ok maybe so when compared to a V6 Audi or the like but enough is plenty enough. I put 1,000 miles on it this first week. It’s a great highway cruiser and handles nicely on back roads. It’s quiet and smooth and inspires confidence.
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2nd go Around
JaxGMO, 09/06/2021
updated 09/08/2022
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought a Sel in 2019 and loved it before it was totaled by a hit and run driver! Bought a SUV (Lincoln Corsair) nice interior, but it was no where near as comfortable, or drove as well as the Arteon. After 3 months traded it for the 2021 Lapiz Blue(Kudos on the color VW) Sel-R Arteon, a lot of great upgrades with the tech and materials from the 19 model I had! I can't understand why this car isn't a best seller! It is not underpowered, it was designed for highway/autobahn cruising at 70 MPH+ and it does that well!
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Wow. This is a sleeper GEM
J Brown, 08/09/2021
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
Was looking for a decent sedan in an ever decreasing sedan market. So glad I noticed the Volkswagen Arteon. Its about the only sedan in the current market climate that is still heavily incentivized, still offering 72 months 0 % interest financing. It is a hatchback, but you would never know from the outside. 265 horsepower and loaded with tech ( True Drive assist) , full digital dash, available 4 wheel drive, and selective chassis dampening..... not to mention many others. Ride is magnificent. Backseat legroom is near limo "roomy". Its essentially an Audi A7 for $40,000 less. Volkswagen refreshed the Arteon exterior and interior for 2021. While not as plush as the A7, it is still very, very, nice. Research and test drive, I would challenge you not to agree. Handles like its on rails for a car of its length, especially with the 4 Motion 4 wheel drive. Its a hidden gem in a a sedan market that has been challenged by the SUV.
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IT'S A "BO DEREK!"... (an absolute "10!") LOL
T Ryman, 05/13/2020
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback w/20" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I'm now 6 weeks into my lease of a new 2019 VW Arteon SEL R-Line. I've read every YouTube and car magazine review, test drove the Arteon and sedans like it multiple times... and then saw the deal being offered directly by VW (the best way to go into a dealer for a lease or purchase). The "incentive" offered on this model, spec'd as I wanted it (SEL & an R-Line), was $10,200(!) off MSRP (or cap reduction for lease) of $43,225. Sold. Sold. Sold! I have not seen a 2020 Arteon in any Phoenix VW dealer yet, so their inventories are of the 2019s. Everything about this car is top shelf. Fit and finish is superb, as you expect fr the Germans, gas mileage has exceeded the EPA estimates, and handling is like a car costing $20K more. The tech and safety is state-of-the-art, and oh yeah... the bumper-to-bumper warranty on the 2019s is 6 yrs/72,000 miles. What?! Lol. Pure joy to drive short or long distance (in whatever mode you're feeling: Economy, Comfort, Sport, or "Custom") and, I have effortlessly done 120mph when these flat, never-ending Arizona highways are Covid empty. Might even buy a SirriusXM subscription after my 3-month trial runs out... the music system sounds that good. Also enjoy the large sunroof, the paddle shifters when I gotta beat the BMW 3-series anything, and the digital dash ("gauge cluster" - those Germans!) In conclusion, no I do not work for VW, or any company related to, or working with VW in any way whatsoever. I just think it's an awesome car, (now) at a great price. Like one of the other reviewers commented, its a stunningly attractive body shape, unique, with folks constantly admiring it, asking me about it, saying, "that's a VW?" I smile, nod, and remotely start & unlock the car. Prost! ("cheers" in German).
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The (Few) People's Car
Darren, 06/08/2021
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
25 of 28 people found this review helpful
My wife and I once owned a 2011 Camry (the last year of the that body style). It was comfortable, efficient, reliable, and affordable (YAWN!). It was also difficult to pick out in a crowd, since there were 1.9 million of 7th-gen Camrys sold in the US. That's one reason my wife loved driving a 2014 Volkwagen CC. It was sleek, just as efficient as the Camry, and considerably sportier (with the DSG). The trunk was a bit cramped, and interior room was not as generous, but it was easy to pick out on a crowd. Regular dealership service visits meant I got to see the Arteon when it first came to the US, and the service guys eventually persuaded us into trading her beloved CC in on a 2021 Arteon SE. Our local VW dealer only had three Arteons in stock. Even if my wife had had wanted a black-on-black car (which, she did not), she did not go for the SEL R-Line since it simply had too many bells/whistles to take herself seriously (Haptic steering wheel controls? Multi-color interior LED lighting? Really?). Her base Arteon SE is a gorgeous Urano Gray, with two-tone interior seating. The sound system is great, the passenger seat leans ALL the way back (practically becomes a bed for her to nap in during long road trips), and she does not feel like she is driving an appliance the way she did with her Camry, or one of our former Honda sedans. Plus, VW had helpful incentives (dealer cash back and 0% financing, and our dealer gave us more for our trade than we had expected). Overall, it made it the Arteon a purchase we felt good about making. Other than its looks, here are the five things I have admired about the Arteon: 1. It generates >30% more power out of the same 2.0-liter displacement as our 2014 CC. 2. Using an Aisin 8-speed auto, the Arteon puts delivers twist-to-the-ground in a thoroughly satisfying manner. It is not blisteringly fast, just...quick. And, it should cost less to maintain than the DSG did. 3. It's roomy without feeling massive. (We drove a VW Atlas loaner vehicle while we had our old CC in for service, and the Atlas was nice, as far as it goes, but it was Just.Too.Big. Also, the Atlas was Just.Another.SUV.) 4. The quality of the interior surfaces is far more gratifying than similarly-equipped cars from other manufacturers. 5. It's more efficient than our 2014 CC, which had already been impressive. On a road trip in the Arteon from Knoxville to Atlanta (I-75, cruise control at 70mph), we drove more than 200 miles before the fuel gauge even moved. I felt compelled to do a little mental math (adding elapsed trip mileage to estimated remaining range). The sum went as high as 730 miles at one point. Our old CC never made it beyond 600 miles on a fill up, even though it had a slightly larger fuel capacity and the theoretically-more-efficient DSG. So, why the Arteon? It is a beautiful, sporty, efficient, well-engineered, well-built liftback sedan. It is not for everyone, which is precisely why we love it.
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More features than many $50k; ignore the MSRP
J.Small, 01/13/2020
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
I searched and searched for a stylish sedan with important features like AWD, suspension- and steering-adjusted driving modes (not just transmission shift points), keyless entry, driver memory, a real back seat, etc. and couldn’t find anything that wasn’t priced over $50,000. Then I was surprised to discovery that no one (within a 200 mile radius) actually sells the Arteon anywhere near the MSRP or invoice. So many reviews of the reviews of the Arteon compare it to cars that sells for $10,000 more (actual sales price, TMV) or that are no where nearly as stylish or sporty. Not to mention the 6yr/72k warranty. I also find it strange how reviewers don’t seem aware of many features. Most seem to cut-and-paste generic descriptions f the Driving Modes, reading as if they simply change the way the transmission behaves, though mention is sometimes made of the adjustable DCC suspension. But no one mentions the way the steering can be adjusted in the Driving Mode, let alone the behavior of the climate control and adaptive headlights. Even VW seems to hide details on its website and brochures. For example, try to find a description of the auto-dimming and auto-folding side mirrors. How about the auto-recline seat entry? I tried to spec out and Audi A4 with comparable features before realizing the Arteon has equipment that cannot be found on a fully loaded A4 (remote start, for example). I would agree that some of the interior details are not as nice as, say Volvo’s or Audi’s, but pretty much on par with the entry level Mercedes and BMWs. But I also think the Arteon virtual cockpit display is vastly superior to those in other luxury brands. I also agree that the silly R-Line appearance package be avoided, and the oversized wheels just roughen the ride and make road noise louder. Not a smart move for VW to provide R-Lines to reviewers! The Arteon is not a sports car. It’s a sporty sedan. Once properly setup (not just selecting the Sport mode), the Arteon provides a near perfect balance of not only sport and comfort, but also utility with spacious rear seats and a huge hatch opening trunk. I
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Sport and style in a beautiful package
Dan Koch, 08/22/2021
updated 05/22/2024
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
We just traded our '19 Tiguan for our beautiful King Red Metallic SEL Rtype. The incentives are incredible, couldn't find anything else in this category this good. We have been VW customers for 8 years with a Passat, Tiguan and now the Arteon. We took a long ride today and we were turning heads where ever we went as it does not blend in with the Toyotas, Nissans, Kias etc. We owned a Cadillac XTS in 2013 and it was not as comfortable as this Arteon. Update: We now have 30K miles on the Arteon. Still a pleasure to drive and the only problem that has come up is the Travel Assist feature turns off from time to time and it happens several times a week. VW of Tucson has another Arteon in their shop with the same problem and are having a problem diagnosing.
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Great Looking & a Pleasure to Drive
Dan G, 08/10/2019
updated 10/13/2020
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SE R-Line 4dr Hatchback w/20" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
18 of 21 people found this review helpful
My 2019 Manganese Gray Arteon SE R-Line is not only a good looking sedan but an overall pleasure to drive. The MSRP is a little steep on this car but you should be able to get a good price with a little effort making this a bargain for the quality and features that comes with this car. The engine is more than powerful enough to meet your everyday needs and effortlessly accelerates when needed. I was originally worried about driving on the 20” Rosario wheels but the suspension and multi-mode DCC adaptive chassis control make for a smooth drive unlike any of my previous cars. In addition, I have not experienced any Turbo lag as noted by a few professional reviewers who stomp on the gas expecting once again the performance of a VW Golf R - the Arteon is a GT not a Sports car. I was also impressed by how well the stock sound system performed, ease of use of the infotainment system, and all the space available in both the front and back seats along with the in creditable 27+ sf of rear cargo area available due to the Arteon being a Hatch/Liftback – who needs to drive a compact SUV when you have that much space in a great looking sedan. I am extremely happy with my purchase and once again have a smile on my face being in a car that is a true pleasure to drive.
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What a sleeper car and great gas mileage
Al, 04/10/2021
updated 10/19/2022
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback w/20" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have had this car now for two years and driven it twice across the country. Love love the gas mileage it gets 36 to 40 mpg! I am not going to change anything in my first review except for the gas mileage. This is the best car I have ever owned! I purchased this car in 2020 it was a leftover model. Don’t let the reviews fool you this car will move. It is Sel R line w/20” tires 2 wheel drive. Silver with black interior. Love the gas mileage 30-35 Mpg if you keep your foot out of it. Very comfortable to ride in and blast to drive!!!!
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Almost perfect car for the price
Arteon Owner 3485, 01/01/2020
updated 07/06/2022
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD w/20" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful
First .. don't be fooled by the MSRP prices. Dealers very willing to heavily discount. More than 10% as we closed out 2019. With the discounts we are at pricing similar to a high end Accord or Camry or an Outback. And much nicer car than these with much more exclusivity. Why compare to an Outback? Because interior cargo space is in similar ballpark. Not as big but incredible for a great looking sedan like vehicle. The car is beautiful from almost every angle and the interior is first rate. Ignore some of the reviews saying interior is not up to Audi standards. I liked the Arteon more than the Audi A5 and the leasing costs were much much less than the Audi. Power is amazing when you use the paddle shifters. Just OK when the automatic transmission does it. I love the car. Rides much better than the Volvo S90 I just turned in, off lease. Only real complaint .. initial quality is just OK. Two weeks after delivery I have it in the shop for some minor fixes including an annoying vibration sound. But VW is great. They think it is the sunroof and are considering replacing the roof to eliminate the sound. Overall .. I highly recommend the car. Incredible cargo space, very fast if you do the shifting yourself, beautiful interior and exterior and pricing in hi end Honda and Toyota range after discounts.
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Fabulous car
Jff, 05/18/2020
updated 11/19/2021
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD w/19" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I find the value quotient of this car to be compelling (albeit at the highly discounted price I paid). Many small things are provided on this low trim level. A rear seat ski pass through, power emergency brake, sun glass cubby, angled easy insert seat belts, exact read tire pressure monitor, oil temperature gauge, covered cup holders, and automatic air recirculating are all nice touches. The car is gorgeous! It handles well with excellent steering. Ride quality equals the Audi A6’s I have had. The hatchback design creates a huge and versatile cargo area. The blind spot warning indicator in the mirror is the biggest and most noticeable I’ve come across. no need to pay for a Navi with apple CarPlay. Gas mileage is better than expected, beats EPA figures, and is over 30 on the highway. What’s not to like: could be a little quicker/sportier, could have larger glove box and cabin storage, could have higher level plastics if you are a car plastic connoisseur. I liked my first Arteon so much that I upgraded to the top of line. Of note, I kept the 18” wheels. This makes the ride supremely comfortable over rough roads. Brakes and steering are excellent. It could be a bit sportier and faster, but the 2022 is adding some horsepower. Get a new one quick. 2023 may be the last offered in the USA.
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Fun & Comfy
James, 07/04/2022
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The Arteon is the perfect daily driver. Its comfortable and zippy (besides some noticeable turbo lag). Its not mind-blowing fast but its more than sufficient, and the adaptive dampers are something I don't think I will ever be able to go without. Ive never had a car that can change so much based on the drive mode.
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Arteon-a piece of art
VW Fan, 03/22/2020
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD w/19" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
If you are intrigued, don’t wait. This car is fantastic. It’s everything I have been hoping would return to VW. Comparing to Passat (I have only driven Passats since the 90’s except for my Phaeton), the Arteon is more upscale and has a lot more options. The critics are wrong about this car! I’m glad to see the Arteon is bringing back some of the things that I have missed in the Passats as they were being Americanized, The Arteon is by far the best VW since the Phaeton left in 2006 ( I still have mine). I think the Arteon must be VW’s answer to bringing back the Phaeton. The Arteon is a better alternative than its Audi counterpart. The reviews on the 4 cylinder engine have been mixed but it is perfect for everyday driving and provides enough ooomph to satisfy the average driver. Also the MSRP reviews are mixed but I was able to secure one with 10% off and 0% financing so I was happy. The warranty is unmatched. You can’t compare this car to an Accord or Camry or Stinger. Just not in the same class. This car has a class of its own (that’s what I used to say about the Passats from 2000-2006). Fantastic drive and ride and it’s a looker for sure. I test drove it three times before I bought....glad I did.
Beasty!!!
don wilks, 04/08/2021
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
This car is like an audi a6..just about 25,000 dollars jeaper.
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VW Arteon SE has been a pleasure
HowieA, 09/14/2021
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've owned for about 3 months and so far have really enjoyed. My past cars have varied from Mini Paceman, Saab 9-3, Saab 9-5, and a few others. I find the VW Arteon a very smooth, powerful, and slick car to drive. I flew from Chicago to Minneapolis to pick up a certified with 4k miles, so as close to new for a used car as you can get. The seats are very comfortable with highest daily hours at 5, multiple other drives at 3+ hours. Highway gas mileage with speed of 70-80mph has been around 32mpg(almost same as my Paceman). Storage and versatility is terrific... with the hatch design, seats down I can put my roadbike in without removing tire. This was one of main reasons I started looking at Arteon and just makes this car the complete package. Now they just need to figure out how to get Americans to buy something other than SUV/Crossover/trucks. Way to go VW!!
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Arteon Art In Motion
OG Florida , 07/18/2020
updated 01/20/2021
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback w/19" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Traded the VW Atlas(good SUV) for the Arteon SEL, It is nice to be back in a sedan! The Arteon is a beautiful piece of German styling. The ride is smooth and comfortable, the tech is fantastic, and regardless what reviewers say this car can move when pushed. The Arteon interior is well laid out and very comfortable. I got this car for way under asking price 8k, what a bargain for a car of this caliper. It is sad that VW does not promote this car more than it does currently, I think they will stop sales after the 2021 model due to slow sales. That is a shame...I do not regret getting rid of the SUV for this Arteon!!
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The “Art” of the Arteon
Jason S. Davis, 06/17/2020
2020 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
11 of 15 people found this review helpful
It seems this is my forth VW now and my most enticing. All Wheel Drive, hatchback and 300 horses of cornering fun. The exterior is elegant and warrants my cars nickname, ‘The Magic’. You feel special riding inside. Flat through the curves with responsive steering. Intuitive infotainment system with strong sound from the stereo. Finishing touches abound to please and a solid thump when the doors close. A solid build indeed. Criticism? A bit of turbo lag with the transmission which is likely to be expected to push all the power to the wheels. Leave the completion, which is slim in this segment, in the rear view. Put some asphalt behind you and set the drive from a number of drive settings to ‘Sport’ which is a hoot. Drive one, you’ll like and enjoy! See you on the road...
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Back in a V-Dubb!
Kim Willingham, 01/21/2021
2020 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
It’s been a few years of being away from a Volkswagen, I made the journey back. I’m enjoying the ride of my SEL R-line. It’s smooth, comfortable and a stand-out. I can always spot it in a parking lot. My favorite feature is the car-net, having it nice & toasty in the winter is great, my wife enjoys this as well. I can’t wait to take my first road trip when things improve.
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Still like the Arteon after 3 years
Greg, 03/27/2024
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have the ‘21 Premium, so the car was loaded with options found in the higher end Audi. After 30k miles, still really enjoy the car. Other than an AC compressor that was replaced in the first few months of ownership, the vehicle has needed nothing other than regular servicing every 10k miles. The Travel Assist functions as just that, it assists but doesn’t drive the car. She complains when set at 80 and encounters moderate freeway curves. Otherwise, pretty good. Very comfortable, great premium sound, 32 mpg with all wheel drive is common. I always lease my cars, was able to extend this one out to 45 months, might just buy this one.
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Love it
First VW, 11/02/2019
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD w/19" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
Just bought mine a week ago. Switched from an SUV. The digital display is beautiful, and the car handles great. Tight cornering, and the drive modes actually change the experience. Style is unique. Fun to drive, like it way better than the Accord. I can even fit 8' pieces of trim from the hardware store. Buy the SEL Premium w/OUT the R-Line. Save a ton, get better wheels, and only give up HUD. Only complaint - premium fuel and poor-ish fuel economy.
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SEL Premium - Excellent Value
Saltydogmarsh, 03/12/2020
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
My soon-to-be-wife convinced me that I needed a nice car for work. I’ve driven Porsche sedans and coupes, and had a Mercedes C class in the driveway before. People tend to make snap judgments over having a luxury car in the parking spot. But, no one wants to see their boss in a crap car. For me, this car fit a perfect niche. Excellent style and handling and unpretentious branding from VW. I am absolutely loving this car. It handles like an Audi car and deserves luxury car credit.
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Utility of an SUV-Comfort of a Luxury Car & LOOKS
BobSakamano, 08/26/2021
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD w/19" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Was looking for a 2021 Arteon SEL Premium and came across a 2019 SEL Premium R-Line with only 64 miles on the odometer. Had to drive 200 miles to get it, but was able to save more than $15,000 over the price of a 2021 and still get 2019's 6/72,000 mile warranty. I also prefer the 2019 digital cockpit over the 2021. I lose out on Wireless CarPlay, but the savings and better warranty more than make up for it. The SEL Premium has so many great features. I especially love the ventilated seats, Dynaudio sound system and the adaptive headlights. The hatchback with auto open and foot assisted opening allow access to a cavernous cargo area. This car swallows cargo. Also, a full-size spare with matching aluminum wheel is unheard of anymore. My last two cars were a BMW 3 series and a Mercedes C300. They both came with garbage run flat tires. The only CON is the lack of a standard HomeLink transmitter. A $99 tool is available for the Arteon which allows app-based customization of a few irritants that are not necessarily unique to VW's. I was able to disable the annoying auto stop/start and make a few other customizations such as adding more color choices for the beautiful ambient LED lighting. As others have commented on, the Arteon is a beautiful automobile. I've never had a random stranger approach me to ask about my car, like it's an exotic or collector car until now. It's surprising how people react to it. I wish VW sold more of these. I fear that the SUV craze will kill the Arteon like so many other sedans. I love this car and have zero regrets.
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Great Car!!!!!!
Arteon Owner, 08/09/2021
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Car plenty of power , comfort and technology. Why even look at the Audi , no need to this car is fantastic!!!!
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Amazing German engineering and epic styling!
James H, 11/07/2022
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD w/20" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I’ve had this vehicle for only a week and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. Most trims out there are SEL R-Lines and premiums are a dime of a dozen, so I managed to snag an R-Line with the optional 20” wheels. The car is also black with tinted windows and the overall look has an aggressive and villainous flair. My friends have often joked that they thought someone like the Penguin was going to come out of it. I’m always planked by people about the car and many don’t believe that it’s a VW. Driving it, it is silky smooth and the ride is like a cloud even in the 20” wheels, which came as a surprise. It has four different driving modes that are Eco, Normal, Comfort, and Sport. I often drive in “comfort” mode whenever I’m cruising in the highway and sport on backroads and the car definitely handles like one much smaller and grips like no tomorrow! The tech is still mind blowing and highly customizable and it has to be the first car I’ve ever owned with a fully digital gauge display that has a plethora of information. My only gripe is that the infotainment can get a lot of glare from how slanted it is and I feel like a tablet-sequel design would have been better much like Audi has. I have also noticed that there is no symbol on the dash that indicates if your headlights are on or not. The space is absolutely great with lots of leg room for people and trunk space for groceries or luggage, especially because the car is a hatchback! As for gas mileage, it is actually above what the EPA estimates despite it being a fairly large car. Even with enthusiastic driving, I’ve averaged 24mpg with city/backroad driving and have gotten 31-32mpg straight highway cruising, so it makes me wonder what they tested. I have yet to have any mechanical issues and have yet to reach the mileage for my first oil change, but I have heard that VW engines eat oil faster than other vehicles, requiring more frequent changes around 3,000 miles. I’ve changed my previous car around that mark, so I don’t necessarily mind it, but it is definitely something important to keep in mind to keep your engine from getting damaged. You’ll also be paying a little more at the pump as this car will ONLY take premium and anything less can damage the engine if you don’t use an octane booster. Despite these, the vehicle is absolutely beautiful, an amazing cruiser, and I feel as if mine is one of a kind since I don’t see many out there. I always smile when people ask me about it and always see people looking at it like it’s some sort of exotic vehicle. VW really knocked this one out of the park and the only reason why it didn’t smell was the price. But now, these are an absolute steal.
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Best of luxury
Briam Pichardo, 12/27/2021
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Luxurious,Sleek, comfortable car. Very smooth ride and the massage seats are amazing! 10/10 for sure
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Love the car, not the tires!
Ron, 07/25/2022
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
6 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is part review, part cry for help. We have had the Arteon for 15 months and have had 8 tire replacements at $300 a pop. Though a couple were rather large potholes, some were just 'bumps' in the road or something we couldn't feel. Same pattern every time - the side walls just slices open from the pressure on the rim apparently. We love the way the car drives but would love to have a solution for the tires.
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Wind Noise
Vic, 02/06/2022
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Front passenger window whistles at 60 mph or more. Frameless window. Dealer not sure if they can fix it. Will t4ade out if they cannot. Great car otherwise.
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Great looking car but no fun to drive
Wish is was more, 09/22/2021
updated 09/23/2022
2020 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
5 of 13 people found this review helpful
Pros - Great looking car with nice lines. It has plenty of passenger room in the front and back and the truck is large and overall layout is good . The technology is in the car is up to par and provides a lot of information regarding driving. The dash layout is good and I like the fact you can change the interment cluster. The adaptive suspension is works well however I wish you had more options for customization mode. Steering is good and the AWD system handles well in the rain and grabs the pavement. Type R badging and wheels and tires are very stylish. Cons- if you are looking for a fun car to drive, this is not it. The drivetrain feels underpowered and runs out of steam quick. Under heavy acceleration, transmission is slow shifting and feels jerky. Transmission cannot find correct gear to accelerate from low speeds and suffers from turbo lag. Overall, the interior plastic is a little cheap an you can hear vibration noise from the interment cluster housing. You can also hear vibration in the door area from the speakers when volume is only half up. Gas mileage is about 21 overall living in a city using the freeway and the most I have gotten on a road trip is 28 driving 75-80. Overall- this car is good for a driver who does not need any type of excitement. For the price (43000 or so) you should look at a BMW 3 series, Genesis G 70 or Kia Stinger. I regret buying this car and will trade in as soon as I am even in the lease. I truly hope that the 2022 upgrades to the powertrain make this car more exiting. Owned car for over 6 months and driven 4500 miles.
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terrible built quality...
E, 06/03/2020
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SE R-Line 4dr Hatchback w/20" Wheels (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
10 of 30 people found this review helpful
rattles, rattles, and more rattles. The interior has numerous rattles. I still can't pinpoint most of them. This is ridiculous for being VW's flagship car. My cheaper 2017 Passat was rattle free and overall felt more solid. The ride is rough with the 20" Rline rims and does not handle rough roads well at all, the car literally feels likes going to fall apart over rough roads. The 2.0T engine is weak and acceleration is dull and the turbo lag is very evident. I know it's not a sports car but I wish it just had a spirited feel like other German cars. The transmission downshifts hard and I'm constantly jerked around especially in stop and go traffic. Just recently my side assist, forward collision, and rear traffic stop working every time it rains. Been to the dealer twice for this. My biggest complaint is the price, I have the SE Rline and for 40k it should have more standard features as the price just doesn't make sense when you can get a Golf R or GTI autobahn with every available option plus more horsepower for less money. My biggest fault was buying the Arteon before driving it but the looks sold me and coming from a VW I didn't think I would be this disappointed. If you are looking for a similar sedan I would suggest looking at the Honda Accord 2.0t.
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Zoomy, roomy, fun to drive more attractive
Path, 07/26/2023
updated 01/29/2024
2019 Volkswagen Arteon SE 4MOTION 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Its like a stretched out Golf R; easy to get in and out, large hatch back like an SUV. Powerful Engine , love the steering and adjustable Isuspension, steering etc I would buy another one!
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Great car
XJ, 01/25/2021
2020 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
I love my new Arteon. It looks great. I drove it to South Lake Tahoe a few times. It is fun to drive this car.
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windnoise
H. Gad, 05/18/2021
2020 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
6 of 19 people found this review helpful
Have my 2020 Arteon for 6 month, only 3000 miles. can't stand driving it. Horrendous wind noise at 50mph+ . Took it Rick Case VW Weston Florida. They confirmed it has excessive wind noise, kept the car for 8 days in shop. Can't find cause of wind noise, therefore can't fix the problem. Stated it's normal for the car. ???Just leaving me hanging and told me to take it up with VW directly. Definitely no Fahrvergnuegen! At Rick Case where "Customers are Friends"! If I treat my friends like that I wouldn't have any.
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Infuriatingly Bad Tire Profile
jgtwentysix, 01/08/2023
2020 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
5 of 17 people found this review helpful
3 flat tires between the time of purchase (Nov '22) and the first week of Jan 2023. I'm in Massachusetts, if you live anywhere with potholes or skinny, windy roads where you may occasionally go slightly off the road when there are oncoming cars, do not buy this car. The car itself is great but you will go through tires like Kleenex.
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Under the radar, but too much "cool" technology
JJ, 07/23/2022
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
3 of 10 people found this review helpful
Owned for less than 6 months. Pros: Better than advertised MPG (in normal mode). Tons of space on the inside; great car for tall/wide people. Very practical with the cargo space. All the tech in a car you could ask for, minus a heads up display and behind the times backup camera resolution. Amazing interior and exterior ambient lighting. Headlights are adaptive and are super "cool". Cons: LANE KEEPING ASSIST... it turns on every time you start the vehicle, and it takes three steps to disable while using finnicky touch controls on your steering wheel. Underwhelming "sport mode" due to lackluster transmission. Lots of QC issues - my passenger window, like another reviewer, also had wind noise at 60 mph and above. Very "cool" car, but way too many touch capacitive buttons/controls - I would definitely not own past the bumper to bumper coverage. Too many exterior proximity sensors that activate randomly, and no answers/fixes from dealership. My ventilated seats would turn on every time I start the car, regardless of outside temperature (no answers or fixes from dealership). The area for the wireless charger was horribly designed, and the charging speed is useless. Overall, it is a great show off car. No one will be impressed though, other than other Arteon owners, and some other VW owners, whose cars will smoke yours in acceleration and handling. Great cruising car for long distances. Not so much around town.
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Over-Promises But Under-Delivers
AV8STL, 05/23/2024
2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
The Arteon is loaded with techy bells and whistles but the basic design and platform are substandard for the price particularly with low-profile tires on city or urban roads. If it weren't for a Discount Tire tire insurance program, we would have spent a small fortune on replacement tire over the past three years. This deficiency alone makes the Arteon an unreliable vehicle from right out of the showroom.
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