2023 Volkswagen Arteon Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$43,010 to $50,175

Original MSRP

7.8
of 10

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(2 reviews)

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Plenty of cargo space

Cons

  • Unimpressive fuel economy

  • Poor ergonomic design

  • Outdated infotainment system

7.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
9/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
9/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
Photo by Christian Wardlaw. 2023 Volkswagen Arteon front-quarter view.

The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon is a terrific car parked in the shadow of more popular SUVs.

We can’t figure out why the Volkswagen Arteon isn’t more popular. Equipped with roomy seating for five people, available all-wheel drive, a large cargo area, and an upscale look and feel, it checks many of the same boxes as a crossover SUV, but with a greater sense of style and better driving dynamics. Plus, it’s a safe vehicle. What’s missing? A tall driving position, extra ground clearance, a third-row seat, and the cachet of a luxury brand. If those things don’t matter to you, get a VW Arteon while you still can.
9/10

Fastback styling is popular, and most sedans now have a dramatically rakish rear window. But the Volkswagen Arteon is different. It also has a huge rear hatch that opens wide to reveal a roomy trunk. In addition, the folding rear seats flatten to provide more cargo space. It’s not as much as you’ll find in an SUV, but the utility in an Arteon is superior to a sedan with a fixed rear window.

In the classic German tradition, the Arteon’s styling is clean, the proportions balanced. It is not trying to grab attention like a modern BMW, and it won’t put you to sleep like newer Mercedes-Benzes. Subtle creases and carvings add visual interest, and the test car’s bold 20-inch wheel design ties the grille bars, fender emblems, and rocker panel trim together. Around the back, the Arteon displays a tidy yet expressive look.

For the 2023 model year, the Arteon comes in SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels, each one with an R-Line designation reflecting a sportier appearance. Prices range from $43,010 to $50,175, not including the destination charge of $1,295. Our test car arrived in SEL Premium trim wearing extra-cost Kings Red metallic paint over a Mistral Gray and Raven leather interior. However, Volkswagen issued a credit for missing items including ventilated and massaging front seats and heated rear seats (due to the microchip shortage). So, our test car cost $51,370, including the destination charge.

Open the driver’s side door, and if not for the VW emblem on the steering wheel, you might mistake the Arteon for an Audi. The theme is cold, technical luxury, with plenty of carbon-pattern trim, metallic accents, and a no-nonsense control layout.

It strays only with regard to touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls rendered in highly reflective gloss-black plastic. They’re sometimes hard to see and use, and are always distracting. For example, on multiple occasions we mistakenly activated the heated steering wheel during a Southern California summer heat wave, and you must look so far away from the road to operate the climate system that we strongly encourage you to set a temperature and leave the panel alone until you need the defog/defrost functions.

Christian Wardlaw
Published Nov 2, 2023 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2023 Volkswagen Arteon

Write a review
User rating:
by Rodney B
Nov 26, 2024
Great car it drives beautifully. Looks way better in person than online. Lots of safety features and driving the Arteon is effortless, I highly recommend considering this car as your next vehicle. Nov 26, 2024
by Alex C
Jul 05, 2024
Been eyeing up the Arteon since the US model launch. Pre-2022 cars with the Aisin Warner AW8F45 dont live up to VW standards, but my 2023 SE R-Line with DSG has been a very smooth and fun large car. Price was always my issue with new Arteons but my used 2023 SE was well within my budget, gets 37 MPG highway with ease, has almost as much space as a Rav-4, has plenty of power, and has plenty of tech. Before buying I contacted VW corporate and learned that the car has a fully transferrable warranty, fully transferrable VW Care maintenance plan, 4 years of free telematics through the phone app, and can receive OTA software updates. Overall, I think the Arteon represents the best used value for a VW that you can get if you need something bigger than a GTI/Golf R but dont want to look like your dad in a Tiguan.Jul 05, 2024

2023 Volkswagen Arteon Pricing

Original MSRP
$43,010 to $50,175
Price range
$31,196 to $32,866
Average price on CG
$32,514
YoY price change
$32,201 to $32,514

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.67

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Illuminated accent: grille · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.67

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Illuminated accent: grille · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 700 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.67

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Illuminated accent: grille · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (3)