2021 Volkswagen Arteon

The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon receives a substantial refresh for its third year on the market. The exterior wears a revised grille complemented by an available LED light bar. Interiors receive a refinished dashboard with touch-sensitive climate controls, an updated infotainment interface, and newly standard configurable digital gauges. The SE gains aluminum trim inside, while SEL models get translucent appliques. A semi-autonomous driving system called Travel Assist is available for the first time.

The Arteon is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. Pricing starts at $38,190 including destination and tops out at $48,190 for the SEL Premium R-Line.

Every trim is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 260 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission does the shifting. The front-drive SE and SEL R-Line are EPA-rated at 22 miles per gallon city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 combined.

The SEL Premium R-Line comes exclusively with VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. Estimates for this model ease to 20/29/23 mpg (city/highway/combined).

The Arteon is surprisingly spacious inside, and five can get comfortable with no problem. While it looks like a proper sedan, the Arteon is actually a hatchback with 27.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. With the seats folded, the Arteon can handle up to 55 cubic feet of stuff — on par with many compact crossovers.

The Arteon starts out with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and front collision mitigation with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.

Stepping up to the SEL R-Line brings adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and front and rear parking sensors. The new Travel Assist feature can integrate the underlying technology into a semi-autonomous driving experience. SEL Premium R-Line tops things off with a surround-view camera.

The standard infotainment system for the Arteon covers all the bases. Buyers get an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, eight-speakers, two USB ports, HD and satellite radio, wi-fi capability, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The SEL trims also get wireless device charging and a rear USB port. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is exclusive to the SEL Premium R-Line.

The SE features a leatherette interior with heated 12-way power front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, aluminum trim, push-button start, and VW's Digital Cockpit.

Other perks include an adaptive suspension, automatic wipers, proximity key access, and heated power side mirrors with driver auto-dimming. The SE rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The SEL R-Line goes upmarket with Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, remote start, and ambient interior lighting pared with translucent trim. The exterior gets 19-inch wheels and adaptive headlights connected by an LED accent strip.

Along with AWD, the SEL R-Line Premium offers ventilated front seats with driver massage, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. A hands-free power liftgate and 20-inch wheels are also part of the deal.

Compare Arteon Trims Side-By-Side