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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 22 / 31 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,250 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 350 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $33,145–$40,966 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Reliability at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.6/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.9/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.1/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $33,145–$40,966, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Arteon sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $33,145 starting price is about 20% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Arteon model years we've scored, the 2019 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $44,195 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $37,825 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $36,655 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $35,485 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $34,315 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $33,145 |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes 06/03/2020 · 20V135000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Arteon vehicles. The electronic brake booster pressure input rod may be installed incorrectly, possibly causing an increased actuating force or a disconnected input rod. As such,… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
