Volkswagen Arteon

The Arteon is a midsize liftback sedan with available seating for five. One of the larger sedans in Volkswagen’s lineup, it measures about five inches longer than the compact Jetta and about the same size as the midsize Passat, on which it’s based. The Arteon is a direct successor to the CC, which was discontinued in 2018.

At its 2019 debut, the Arteon was available in three trims: the base-level SE, the mid-range SEL, and the top-of-the-line SEL Premium. A year later, VW added the sporty SEL R-Line and range-topping SEL Premium R-Line trims. In 2022, the Arteon essentially combined the SE and SEL trims into the SE R-Line, which became the new entry-level version. Regardless of trim, the Arteon is packed with attractive features. Heated front seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration have long been standard, as have forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and a rearview camera. An in-car Wi-Fi hotspot joined the standard features list in 2020, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity accompanied the following year. For 2022, the Arteon picked up wireless smartphone charging and front and rear parking sensors as standard equipment; both were previously optional. Leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a sunroof, and a rear seat USB-C charge port are notable options, as are adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera.

The Arteon is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Originally making 268 horsepower, it got a boost to 300 hp in 2022. That same year, it also switched from a standard eight-speed automatic transmission to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox. Power routes to the front wheels unless the model is equipped with available all-wheel drive, which VW calls 4Motion. No hybrid or electric options are available.