The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon sits in a class of its own. As a (large) midsize, five-door fastback there’s nothing quite like it.
Because, in the US, there’s no other European non-luxury offering that compares.
Great looks, technology and, engineering equate to a value proposition you can’t ignore.
Ontario Volkswagen is my go-to for VW test drives and this review.
- Exterior styling
- Interior design
- Value
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268 hp & 258 lb-ft of torque
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Trims & Pricing For 2020 VW Areton
Arteon is in its second model-year. As typical for year-two of new models, more trims options are rolled out.
And that’s the case for Arteon this year. Here are your 2020 options.
- SE: $35,995
- w/ 4MOTION: $37,895
- SEL: $39,995
- R-Line: $41,745
- 4MOTION: $41,895
- w/ R-Line & 4MOTION: $43,645
- SEL Premium
- w/R-Line & 4MOTION: $47,695
Often times, Volkswagen will have even more trim options. We’ll see what 2021 and beyond brings.
Engines, Transmissions And Fuel Economy
Regardless of your trim selection. Arteon comes with the same powerful engine and transmission combination.
And the engine is a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder. It delivers 268-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

4MOTION is VW’s All-wheel drive
That engine is matched with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
FWD or AWD
In Volkswagen’s universe all-wheel drive is called 4MOTION. And 4MOTION quite common across VW’s lineup.
For the 2020 Arteon, I might go with just two-wheel drive/front-wheel drive. Because it feels a bit quicker than the 4MOTION option. But, I have zero data to back that up. :0)
MPG
Interestingly, no matter AWD or FWD, highway fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg. Whereas the FWD will give you 22 mpg in the city. And 4MOTION is rated for 20 mpg in the city.
The slight differing factor in fuel economy definitely has to do with the different curb weights. FWD is 3,655 to 4MOTION’s 3,854 lbs.
What Does 2020 Volkswagen Arteon Look Like?
If I had to pick, exterior styling is my favorite aspect of the 2020 VW Arteon. Because it’s an incredibly sharp-looking sports sedan.

SEL R-Line Trim MSRP $41,745
In fact, it looks like a much more expensive vehicle. It’s wide and low stance with the swooping fastback gives it an elegant coupe-look.

Standard LED headlights and taillights
Arteon looks big from the outside. And though the EPA classifies it as a large vehicle. But it handles and maneuvers like the midsize that it’s mostly referred to as.
- Wheelbase: 111.7
- Track:
- Front: 62.5
- Rear: 62.1
- Length: 191.4
- Width: 73.7
- Height: 56.5
- Ground clearance: 5.4
*Inches
2020 VW Arteon Interior & Specifications
Inside Arteon is big. Plus, it is a Volkswagen, so it’s well laid out with top-notch fit and finish for the money.

Stone grey & raven leather interior
You can’t mistake the look of the interior. But when it comes to the feel and design inside of the SEL R-Line that I test drove. You could mistake it for a luxury vehicle.

40.2″ backseat legroom
In addition, Arteon offers ample space for both passengers and cargo. In fact, front and backseat passengers enjoy nearly the same amount of legroom!

27.2 cu-ft cargo volume
And with the backseats folded down the fastback provides up to 55 cubic-feet of cargo space.
- Headroom: 37.7/37.0
- Legroom: 41.2/40.2
- Shoulder room: 56.5/54.7
*Inches
Infotainment Technology
If my Top-3 list was a Top-4 list then infotech would make the cut for the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon.
Because I love Volkswagen’s digital cockpit. It’s standard on all SEL trims. And it provides a completely customized view of in-dash instrumentation.

Digital cockpit on SEL trim and above
So a monitor sits in-dash where instrumentation gauges have traditionally been placed. And you can customize that monitor however you like. Plus you can save multiple custom profiles for quick access.
Also standard for all trims is Volkswagen’s Car-Net telematics system. It’s VW’s app for keeping you connected to your car. But for 2020 many of the subscription services are free for the first 5-years.
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
And VW checks most of the boxes with driver assistance tech. If it’s a feature that isn’t already standard then it’s available.
Standard
- Forward collision warning and autonomous braking w/ front assist
- Automatic post-collision braking
- Intelligent crash response system
- Rearview camera
- Blindspot monitor
- Rear traffic alert
- Reactive hood
Available
- Adaptive cruise control w/ stop & go
- Auto high beam control
- Overhead view camera
- Park steering assist
- Lane keep assist
2020 VW Arteon Top-3
- Exterior styling – Arteon punches above it’s weight-class in the looks category. It should cost more than it does on appearance alone.
- Interior design – It’s a VW so attention to detail, fit, and finish come standard. But it’s even better with the fastback design. Lots of space.
- Value – When you put the whole package together Volkswagen Arteon stands alone in European value.

Courtesy of Ontario VW
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