2022 Volkswagen Arteon

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Rating7.1

Ranked #1 in 

Fullsize Hatchback
Write Review
$40,750 - $49,550
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 9, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Easy and fun to drive

Inefficient powertrain

Hardly any changes

Enticing exterior design

Premium pricing

Speculations about some interior changes are going on

Ample passenger and interior space

Specs & Features

$40,750

price

300 hp @ 5350 rpm

horsepower

295 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

torque

7-speed Auto-Shift Manual

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 7AM

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon will hit the market in either the mid or the third quarter of the market this year with a price tag of $36,995. It will be a complete carryover of its predecessor, and no new features or upgrades are expected. There may be a few minor tweaks to the interior, but otherwise, the Arteon Sportback will retain its charismatic Sportback silhouette.

Buying Advice

Judging by the plethora of features on offer in the highest trim of the Arteon, it is imperative that you go for it. The SEL Premium R-Line is a Sportback sedan that offers features like ambient lighting, tri-zone climate control, and a premium audio system from Harman Kardon. Combined with the digital cockpit and other mesmerizing add-ons and features carried over from lower trims, the Arteon is an easier-to-maintain alternative to the luxury sedans it competes with. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

This car has all the characteristics that you usually expect from this class, and despite not foraying into the luxury car segment entirely, it gives good competition to the other luxurious counterparts like the Audi A5, BMW 3 Series, and Infiniti Q50. Continue with the article to know how this car from Volkswagen performs in front of the giants from the segment.

Features
8.0/10

For 2022 MY, the Volkswagen Arteon is expected to be available in the same three trims, namely SE, SE R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. Unlike most Volkswagen vehicles, which cater to customers of all financial backgrounds, the Arteon is reserved for those with wider pockets full of cash. To spend around $40k on a Volkswagen is tough, especially when there are luxury sedans and crossovers available for the same price. Don’t get us wrong though, the Arteon is just as valuable as the luxury competition, offering better features than its competition does in their lower trims. 

Trims

SE 

SE R-Line

SEL Premium R-Line

MSRP 

$37,000

$42,000

$47,000

Features

12-way power heated front seats

In addition to/replacing features in the SE trim:

In addition to/replacing features in the SE R-Line trim:

 

Chrome window switches

Panoramic sunroof

Harman Kardon premium audio system

 

18” aluminum-alloy wheels

Multi-color ambient lighting

Heated steering wheel

 

Leather-wrapped touch multifunction steering wheel

Power-folding side mirrors

20” aluminum-alloy wheels

 

8" color display

Wireless charging

Rear-seat climate controls

 

Volkswagen Digital Cockpit

Remote start

Power Liftgate

We Recommend

Judging by the plethora of features on offer in the highest trim of the Arteon, it is imperative that you go for it. The SEL Premium R-Line is a Sportback sedan that offers features like ambient lighting, tri-zone climate control, and a premium audio system from Harman Kardon. Combined with the digital cockpit and other mesmerizing add-ons and features carried over from lower trims, the Arteon is an easier-to-maintain alternative to the luxury sedans it competes with. 

What's the expected price and release date of the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon Sportback?

The price of the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon may see a subtle rise in its price, taking it closer to the $37,000 range. The price may seem to be a little expensive looking at its specs, which is one of the biggest downsides of this model. Volkswagen may release this car in the mid of 2021, which is not official. Looking at the current scenario, the release date may further see a push up to the third quarter of this year.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

The MPG figures will remain the same as its power class will remain unchanged, and the figures are just as good as its other competitors, except for the BMW 3 Series. It comes with a massive 17.4 gallons of fuel tank and provides you a combined MPG figure of 26 miles, which is not bad. Concluding this part, we would say that in terms of MPG figures, the Arteon may not be the best, but looking at its price, it provides great value here.

Models

2022 Volkswagen Arteon Sportback

2021 BMW 3 Series

2021 Audi A5 Sportback

2021 Infiniti Q50

MPG (City)

22

26

25

20

MPG (Highway)

36

36

34

29

MPG (Combined)

26

30

28

23

Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)

17.4

15.6

15.3

20

Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)

383/626/383

406/562/468

383/520/428

400/580/460

*speculated specs

In terms of MPG figures, the Arteon here sits back behind the other competitors and a little more push to its figures would be highly appreciated in this case. The BMW 3 Series here single-handedly beat all of its rivals and secured the top position, offering the best-in-class figure of 30 MPG combined. When comparing the overall range, BMW manages to beat its rivals and stand atop with 468 miles combined.

Interior
7.0/10

The Arteon falls under the luxury class and has to face some of the most reputable giants in the segment. Because of this tough competition ahead, we are very likely to see top-class engineering and features inside this car to beat its competitors. We may see a little up-gradation in this class, but the chances are very low as there is no room left for any major improvement unless Volkswagen decides to be in the record books for most sales. 

The seats are well covered in rich upholstery and provide great support for the passengers and drivers as well. The material used in the dashboard feels a little less than premium, but it’s good. The ergonomics were taken good care of by Volkswagen’s engineers, and they did their best in this part for the utmost comfort. The cabin space is not the biggest in its class, but at the same time, it almost stands on a par with the other counterparts. 

Models

2022 Volkswagen Arteon Sportback

2021 BMW 3 Series

2021 Audi A5 Sportback

2021 Infiniti Q50

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)

37.7/56.5/41.2

38.7/56.0/42.0

37.7/55.7/41.3

40.2/56.7/44.5

Second Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)

37.0/54.7/40.2

37.6/54.6/35.2

37.0/54.5/35.1

37.5/56.1/35.1

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

27.2

17.0

21.8

13.2

*speculated specs

The Arteon and Audi A5 have very similar dimensions inside their cabin, and both are a little shorter in terms of space than the other two. The Infiniti Q50 has come out to have the biggest space in this comparison, but the BMW 3 Series is slightly higher in the second-row seating space. On other hand, the Arteon has the biggest cargo space amongst all at 27.2 cubic feet which is huge. The trunk opening is also very wide and practical, which helps in the easy movement of goods. Some features of this car’s interior are mentioned below:

  • Leather steering wheel
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Rear-view camera
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Transmission and cruise control functioning buttons on multifunction steering wheel

2022 Volkswagen Arteon Sportback: Infotainment & Connectivity

The Arteon, as a whole, received major refreshment in the 2021 model, and it will likely continue with the same for this year. As standard, it has an 8.0-inch touchscreen display that is very responsive to your touches and feels great at the same time. It will also have the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. And for the music part, it will have 8 speakers to soothe your hearing senses.

Apart from the above-mentioned amenities, some basic features include an HD radio, Wi-Fi Hotspot, USB ports, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. But guess what, you can also opt for some available options that will enhance the infotainment system by a lot. You can go with 12 Harman Kardon stereo speakers or a wireless charging pad for your compatible devices which would be a great addition. Some infotainment features of this car are mentioned below:

  • Volkswagen Digital Cockpit
  • Apple Carplay and Android Auto
  • 8.0-inch touch screen display
  • Wireless Charging
  • 8 stereo speakers
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot

Exterior
7.0/10

No. Like all the other areas, this section of this car will also be kept untouched with no major or minor changes. The car from the time of its launch predicted the future trends and made its design accordingly that will last for a couple of years ahead. This vehicle from a 360-degree perspective looks dashing, and the sharp edges make it look more aggressive. In terms of the overall layout, we have to admit that the Arteon is the best in its class. 

Models

2022 Volkswagen Arteon Sportback

2021 BMW 3 Series

2021 Audi A5 Sportback

2021 Infiniti Q50

Curb Weight (lbs)

3854 

3589

3,725

3685

Length (inches)

191.4

185.7

187.3

189.6

Width (inches)

73.7

71.9

72.5

71.8

Height (inches)

56.5

56.8

54.6

57.2

Ground Clearance (inches)

5.4

5.7

N/A

5.0

Wheelbase (inches)

111.9

112.2

111.2

112.2

Track Width (inches)

62.1

61.8

61.7

61.8

*speculated specs

In this comparison, mostly all the cars have somewhat very close numbers in the exterior dimensions, while the Arteon has a little more weight and less ground clearance. When comparing the wheelbase of the cars in the competition, all the cars have a wheelbase of around 111-112 inches, making them equally spacious inside. Exterior highlights of the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon Sportback include:

  • Sportback body style
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Liftgate
  • 20” alloys (SEL Premium R-Line)
  • Power folding side-view mirrors
  • Remote engine ignition

Safety
8.0/10

The Volkswagen Arteon is offered with a long list of features in general, and that does apply to safety features as well. Although the Arteon has never been tested by the NHTSA, the IIHS rates it very highly, giving it a ‘Good’ rating in every aspect other than headlights. Moreover, the IIHS also named the Arteon their Top Safety Pick for 2021. Important safety features offered in the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon include:

  • Rear-view camera system
  • Automatic Post Collision Braking System
  • Intelligent Crash Response System
  • Electronic Brake Distribution
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • VW Car-net support

Final Verdict

Yes, the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon Sportback can be a very good buy in its class. But, its competitors are very good as well in their respective fields. The BMW will provide you with better simplicity and a plush cabin, whereas the A5 comes loaded with advanced tech features and more enhanced ride quality. Infiniti in the competition will provide better power and performance numbers. All in all, the 2022 Arteon has the capability to impress some buyers on their first meet, while the rest can always check for its competitors.

Trims

    SE R-Line
    $40,750 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 7AM
    • Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5350 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 28 mpg
    SEL R-Line
    $45,550 onwards
    • 19-Inch wheels
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Curve-sensing LED headlights
    • Nappa leather upholstery
    SEL Premium R-Line
    $49,550 onwards
    • 20-Inch wheels
    • Adaptive LED headlights
    • Harman Kardon audio system
    • Heated rear seats
    • Massaging driver's seat

Compare to similar cars

Price

$37,295- $50,095

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.93

Horsepower

235 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$36,290- $38,490

Gasoline

8.05

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,450- $43,450

Gasoline

8.21

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1550 rpm

5

Read Review

2022 Volkswagen Arteon vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.1 sec--
    5.6 sec14.1 sec130 mph
    5.7 sec14.1 sec130 mph
    6.3 sec14.7 sec130 mph

    2022 Volkswagen Arteon vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      24 mpg34 mpg28 mpg17.4 gal.417.6/591.6 mi.
      26 mpg36 mpg30 mpg15.6 gal.405.6/561.6 mi.
      23 mpg33 mpg27 mpg17 gal.391/561 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg25 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/508.8 mi.

      2022 Volkswagen Arteon vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        191.5 in.73.7 in.56.8 in.5.1 in.111.9 in. -
        193.8 in.74.1 in.57.2 in.-116 in. -
        190.2 in.73.6 in.55.1 in.-114.4 in. -
        185.7 in.71.9 in.56.8 in.5.7 in.112.2 in. -

        2022 Volkswagen Arteon vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          27.2 cu.ft.96.5 cu.ft.56.2 cu.ft.
          17 cu.ft.125.8 cu.ft.61 cu.ft.
          23.3 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.83.1 cu.ft.
          11.9 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.11.8 cu.ft.

          2022 Volkswagen Arteon vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            83.1 cu.ft.27.2 cu.ft.56.2 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.23.3 cu.ft.83.1 cu.ft.397 ft.
            20.2 cu.ft.11.9 cu.ft.11.8 cu.ft.-
            100.7 cu.ft.17 cu.ft.61 cu.ft.-

            2022 Volkswagen Arteon vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              915 lbs.3653 lbs. -
              -3659 lbs.
              836 lbs.3582 lbs.
              1239 lbs.3611 lbs.

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              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 6.1 sec

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