Which Years Of Used Volkswagen Arteons Are Most Reliable?
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The four-door sedan segment isn’t exactly buzzing nowadays, as many car manufacturers have gradually moved away from making sedans in favor of SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. However, it’s hard to deny a well-made sedan’s appeal, utility, and practicality – it still fills a niche because not everyone wants an SUV. With that said the popularity of the Audi A5 and Kia Stinger prove there’s still a market for premium fastback sedans.
Enter the Volkswagen Arteon. A fine exhibition of modern automotive design and German engineering, bound together to create a machine that radiates sophistication and capability – at least, that’s what the marketing materials say. The Arteon has generally received positive reviews for its striking design, spacious interior, and impressive suite of standard features.
But is it a reliable premium sedan?
THE VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON YEARS TO AVOID
For car buyers looking to be different, the Arteon presents a compelling alternative to the Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys that make up much of today’s sedan market. And if you’re considering buying a pre-owned vehicle, knowing the Volkswagen Arteon years to avoid is vital.
As with any car, the Volkswagen Arteon has some model years that are more reliable than others. In this post, we will examine the current lineup of this high-end sedan and identify the most reliable Volkswagen Arteon year and the ones to steer clear of.
2019-Present Volkswagen Arteon (1st Generation)
The Arteon has carved out a unique space in the market as a stylish, near-premium fastback sedan. It’s not exactly a best-seller like some of Volkswagen’s more popular offerings, such as the Golf or the Tiguan, but only because it’s a niche vehicle with a specific target audience. Plus, it operates in a market segment that has been declining in favor of SUVs and crossovers.
Despite these challenges, the Arteon has received generally positive reviews for its design, quality, and performance. It’s often cited as an attractive choice for buyers who want a car that blends the practicality of a sedan with the stylish silhouette of a coupe.
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Buy: 2020 Volkswagen Arteon
Like the debut model, no widespread or significant problems were reported with the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon. Reputable websites like CarComplaints, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power have no meaningful data on the 2020 Arteon’s reliability, but there were also few complaints or recalls.
Reviewers were quite positive about the 2020 Arteon and praised the sedan for its distinctive coupe-like design, roomy interior, and decent performance.
The Arteon runs on a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It generates 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, giving a smooth and capable performance suitable for most drivers. Interior-wise, the rear seat has ample legroom, and the hatchback-style trunk offers more cargo space than many competitors.
However, the 2020 Arteon is not without its faults. Many auto reviewers stated how the 2020 Arteon has a so-so value proposition. As such, the Arteon is more expensive than many other midsize cars, but it’s still more affordable than most luxury sedans. For reference, the 2020 Arteon starts at $37,015 MSRP, while segment competitors like the 2020 Kia Stinger cost $34,125 and the 2020 Audi A5 at $43,895 MSRP.
That said, the 2020 model is a good candidate for the most reliable Volkswagen Arteon year.
Avoid: 2019 Volkswagen Arteon
Avoid: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon
Based on our research, the 2021 Arteon has no specific or widespread complaints. However, it does have the distinction as the model that received the most number of owner complaints. The NHTSA has logged seven complaints and four recalls regarding the 2021 Arteon.
Most notably, this model year has received two complaints about its Forward Collision Warning (FCW) or Front Assist technology. This feature aims to warn drivers of a potential collision with the vehicle in front and, in some cases, apply the brakes automatically to mitigate or avoid a crash. Also, several alleged issues of the FCW include false warnings or a failure to provide a notification when one is needed. Another driver claimed running into a slow-moving car because the feature didn’t activate.
On the other hand, the 2021 Arteon also received two tire-related complaints. The tires were prone to sidewall failure, leading to sidewall bubbles and premature tire wear. Thus, if you’re buying a used 2021 VW Arteon, getting the tires and the vehicle’s alignment inspected by a mechanic is recommended.
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Buy: 2022 Volkswagen Arteon
The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon is practically a brand-new premium sedan, so expect to pay near, if not full, price for it. However, it’s a very well-received four-door hatchback which CarandDriver says is one of the best-looking Volkswagen vehicles available. The 2022 Arteon is a stylish and handsome vehicle, and its sleek fastback design helps it stand out from many other cars in its class, providing an upscale and distinctive look.
Despite its coupe-like silhouette, the Arteon boasts a spacious interior with ample legroom and passenger headroom. The hatchback design is also handy for a larger cargo space than a traditional sedan. Conversely, the interior could use a bit more polish and flair in terms of visual design.
A potential sore spot is the vehicle’s infotainment system. It comes with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which can feel small and spartan, considering the Arteon’s price tag. And the fact that it’s purely touch controls can be a deal breaker for many buyers.
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