“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.”
Volkswagen Arteon: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Volkswagen Arteon is a large five-seat sedan with a sleek fastback shape and a wide-opening rear hatch. It is known for blending an upscale feel and strong turbo power with unusually useful passenger and cargo space.
From its 2019 U.S. debut through 2023, the Arteon kept one clear formula. It wrapped the passenger room and everyday usefulness of a large sedan in a lower, sleeker shape, then added the cargo flexibility of a rear hatch. Later updates improved its cabin technology, standard equipment, styling, and performance without changing that core idea.
Strengths
- The wide-opening rear hatch gives it more cargo flexibility than a traditional sedan, with 27.2 cubic feet of space in 2023.
- The back seat has genuine adult room, with about 40 inches of rear legroom in 2023.
- Its turbo engine delivers strong passing power, producing 300 horsepower in 2023.
- The cabin feels more upscale than shoppers may expect from a Volkswagen, especially in refreshed 2021-and-newer cars.
- All-wheel-drive versions add useful traction for wet or snowy weather without giving up the Arteon’s low sedan shape.
Who it's for
The Arteon fits someone who wants a roomy, practical daily driver but finds a traditional large sedan too ordinary. It especially suits shoppers who value distinctive styling, easy hatchback cargo access, and an upscale cabin without moving to an SUV. Versions with all-wheel drive also make sense for drivers who regularly face wet or snowy roads.
Volkswagen Arteon lineup
The SE R-Line is the simpler entry point in the focused 2022-2023 lineup, with the sporty-looking R-Line treatment shared across the range. Step up to the SEL R-Line 4Motion when all-wheel drive is the priority; that drivetrain became standard on this trim in 2022. The SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion is the range-topping version, intended for shoppers who want the most fully equipped Arteon along with all-wheel drive. Earlier lineups also included non-R-Line SE and SEL versions, before Volkswagen narrowed the family around the sportier R-Line look.
Volkswagen Arteon generations
From 2019 to 2023, the Arteon spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2019.
1st Generation (2019–2023)
The U.S. Arteon replaced the CC with a larger, upscale fastback body and a wide-opening rear hatch. This generation received refreshed styling and a redesigned dashboard for 2021, followed by a stronger revised turbocharged engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic for 2022.
18 In Stock
2023
More safety and convenience features became standard across the lineup, especially on the SE R-Line.
2022Trim changes
The lineup was consolidated into three R-Line trims. A revised turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic became standard, and the SEL R-Line gained standard AWD.
2021Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling joined a redesigned dashboard, a digital instrument panel, and a new 8-inch touchscreen system. The non-R-Line SEL left the lineup.
2020Trim changes
The top trim continued as the SEL Premium R-Line, making the sport-styled appearance standard on the highest trim.
2019New generation
The Arteon launched in the U.S. as the CC's replacement, with a fastback hatchback body, a 268-horsepower turbocharged engine, and an 8-speed automatic.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Volkswagen Arteon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volkswagen Arteon a sedan or a hatchback?
It is a sedan-shaped car with a large rear hatch instead of a conventional trunk lid. That liftback design preserves the sleek profile while making the cargo area easier to load and more flexible.
What is the Volkswagen Arteon known for?
The Arteon is known for combining sharp fastback styling with a roomy cabin, a large cargo opening, a strong turbo engine, and a more upscale feel than a typical Volkswagen sedan.
Is the Volkswagen Arteon roomy enough for a family?
Yes, it seats five and has generous rear-seat and cargo room. In the latest U.S. lineup, it provides 40.2 inches of rear legroom and 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, making it practical for passengers, strollers, or luggage.
Does the Volkswagen Arteon come as a hybrid?
No. U.S. Arteons from the 2019–2023 run use a gas-powered turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. No hybrid version appears in the U.S. lineup.
Does the Volkswagen Arteon have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Volkswagen calls its all-wheel-drive system 4Motion. It appears on several trims and became standard on the SEL R-Line for 2022; front-wheel-drive Arteons also exist.
How many generations of the Volkswagen Arteon were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. received one Arteon generation, sold from 2019 through 2023. It replaced the Volkswagen CC, received a major cabin and styling refresh for 2021, and gained a stronger engine and new transmission for 2022.
Volkswagen Arteon Reviews
What owners are saying about the Volkswagen Arteon.
4.3
Volkswagen Arteon
(435 reviews)
“It's a excellent vehicle. Smooth classy and sporty. Luxury too. Buy one. I recommend.”
“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.”
“Comparing other to brands with similar functionality and performance, VW is a better value. Structurally built well. Performance and handling are refined. Steering is connected, DCT Transmission shift points are quick, Handling for a large vehicle is better than most brands at the same price point.”
“Beautifully styled car that exudes the quality one expects from a German made car.”
“A beautiful car that is fun to drive and easy to adapt to your style of driving.”