3 VW Arteon Alternatives to Replace the Dying Midsize Sedan
Volkswagen confirmed earlier this year that the Passat sedan will be discontinued following the 2022 model year. Another of the brand’s sedans is making a change as well: the Arteon. The large luxury sedan has provided great looks and sporty driving dynamics since it was introduced for the 2019 model year. But Volkswagen has announced its run will be short-lived. So what VW Arteon alternatives should you consider instead?
Is the VW Arteon being discontinued?
Yes. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) reports that the Arteon will be discontinued in 2024. The sedan’s short-lived stint will be ended to make way for an electric sedan called the ID.Aero. KBB reports this will likely be the flagship model of Volkswagen’s electric lineup.
But there still is a new VW Arteon model to look forward to, the 2023 Arteon. Volkswagen reports it will have a starting price of $42,530. It will likely carry over most of the features from the 2022 model, according to MotorTrend, in its sleek five-passenger hatchback design.
All trims come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The base model is front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is standard for the top two trims, the SEL and SEL Premium. It is on sale now in U.S. dealerships.
But if you’re looking for an alternative for the soon-to-be-discontinued luxury sedan, there are a few that stand out.
The 2022 Audi A5 is a VW Arteon alternative under $50,000
Volkswagen’s subsidiary Audi has a popular lineup of luxury sedans and the A5 is a great choice for a VW Arteon alternative. You can get the A5 as a coupe, convertible, and four-door hatchback (Sportback). Each comes in three trim levels: the base Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
Coupe and convertible trims are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Sportback option comes with that or a base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This does mean you’ll be taking a step back from the power expected in the Arteon. To cross 300 horsepower, you’ll need to bump up to the S5.
The latest A5 offers a lot of the same luxury found in the Arteon. Inside and out, the A5 strikes a balance between being elegant but not too flashy or minimalist, according to MotorTrend. There’s lots of technology and plenty of cargo space for a large sedan. But it’s not as exciting behind the wheel; MotorTrend calls the driving experience “forgettable.”
Audi sold more than three times as many A5 models as Volkswagen did Arteon models in 2021, per Car Sales Statistics. It’s the most popular sedan in Audi’s lineup by sales figures, narrowly edging out the A4.
The 2022 Kia Stinger is an affordable VW Arteon alternative
The Kia Stinger is still in its first generation and remains a great sporty sedan. It’s also a VW Arteon alternative worth checking out. The base GT-Line is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The GT2 trim gets a big boost with a 3.3-liter V6 making 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for a VW Arteon alternative with power, the Kia Stinger has you covered.
There is lots to like inside the Stinger, too. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, integrated navigation, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display are all standard on every Stinger model. Driver aids like forward collision mitigation, parking sensors, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist come standard as well. You also receive Kia’s excellent warranties, including a five-year, 60,000-mile basic and 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranties.
The Stinger is one of the best-looking alternatives to the Arteon. You get similar power figures right off the bat, and all-wheel drive is optional on both trims. It’s slightly less efficient at 25 combined miles per gallon (mpg) instead of 28, but the expanded safety features and lower price are big benefits.
The new Genesis G70 is a luxury VW Arteon alternative
Another alternative to the Arteon comes from Genesis’ luxury G70 sedan. It’s available in two trims, the base 2.0T and 3.3T. The former comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The latter is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.
Each G70 trim comes standard with heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrated navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the Stinger, the G70 comes with a host of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. MotorTrend touts the Genesis’ luxurious cabin, excellent handling, and modern technology.
But the G70 lacks the cargo space of many of its competitors. The 10.5 cubic feet of space is lower than that of the A5 coupe (10.9) and much lower than the Stinger’s 23.3. TrueCar reviewers say adults will be cramped in the back seats, and the base engine is just adequate.
Which Arteon alternative is the best?
KBB calls the VW Arteon an underrated luxury sports sedan, and it’s hard to replace its combination of power, luxury, safety, and room both in the cabin and for cargo. If you want to keep the European pedigree and drive a Volkswagen subsidiary, the Audi A5 has a great history. The Genesis G70 has great looks and a luxurious interior. But if you’re looking for what made the Arteon a fun, good-looking car, the Kia Stinger’s likely your best bet. It comes at a much lower price than the Arteon, to begin with, and that offers room for upgrades and packages to improve your ride. The warranty offers for the Stinger are hard to beat as well.
