“Final decision was the ease of entry and the roominess in front. My husband's disability allows him to drive but requires extra space to get settled. Dependability and reliability of vehicle were also top priority.”
2020 Volkswagen Arteon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is a streamlined trim lineup: the range-topping model is consolidated as the SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion, making R-Line styling standard at the top. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with no redesign or engine change.
About the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon
1st generation (2019-2023 U.S.), second model year; no redesign.
Volkswagen positions the Arteon as its flagship car: a sleek four-door liftback that mixes near-luxury style with everyday usefulness. Its core appeal is the combination of a dramatic coupe-like shape, a roomy rear seat, large hatchback cargo access, and upscale available features without stepping into a premium-brand price bracket. For most buyers, the Arteon is the stylish, more distinctive alternative to a mainstream midsize sedan and a lower-cost take on the European sportback idea.
The SE focuses on the Arteon’s roomy liftback cabin and comfort features, with heated power front seats, adaptive suspension and an 8-inch touchscreen. SEL models add leather, navigation, digital gauges, a panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control, while R-Line versions bring a sportier look rather than more power. The SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion tops the range with all-wheel drive, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera and upgraded audio.
What changed, by category
Styling
R-Line exterior and interior styling became standard on the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion as the non-R-Line SEL Premium 4Motion was dropped. The SE R-Line and SE R-Line 4Motion were also dropped, leaving the R-Line appearance treatment on SEL-based models.
2020 Volkswagen Arteon specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Massage Front Seat | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the 2020 and 2019 Volkswagen Arteon?
The main difference is the trim lineup. For 2020, the top model is consolidated as the SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion with standard R-Line styling, while the SE R-Line, SE R-Line 4Motion and non-R-Line SEL Premium 4Motion are dropped. The rest of the vehicle largely carries over.
Was the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon redesigned?
No, the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon was not redesigned. It is the second U.S. model year of the first generation, and its body, cabin layout and basic mechanical setup carry over from 2019.
Did the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon get a new engine?
No, the 2020 Arteon keeps the 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The lineup change centers on trim packaging and R-Line styling, not performance.
Does the 2020 Arteon R-Line have more power than the regular Arteon?
No, the 2020 Arteon R-Line does not have more power than the regular Arteon. Its main differences are sportier bumpers, gloss-black accents, a rear lip spoiler, paddle shifters and darker cabin details.
What is the top trim of the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon?
The top trim is the 2020 Arteon SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion. It combines all-wheel drive and R-Line styling with ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, parking assistance, upgraded audio and a hands-free power hatch.
2020 Volkswagen Arteon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon.
4.2
2020 Volkswagen Arteon
(73 reviews)
“It looks larger than it feels. It drives like a smaller sedan, and is easy to maneuver. Splurge and get the vented seats and the moonroof.”
“This is a driver's car with great handling and performance as well as good looks. It also has room for adult rear seat passengers and great cargo handling capability with the hatchback design. It is a pleasure to drive on long trips and I am very pleased with this vehicle.”