Redline Reviews gave the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line a highly positive 82/100 OctaneScore, praising its premium design (95/100), practical hatchback livability with over 25 cubic feet of cargo space, and impressive performance from its 300-horsepower turbocharged engine paired with VW's four-motion all-wheel drive system. The cabin tech (67/100) and value proposition present mixed results—while the interior features premium materials and a metal key fob, the reviewer noted missing ventilated seats and massage functions on the test vehicle, and at $43,000 the Arteon costs roughly $4,000 more than the Toyota Crown despite its "budget Audi" positioning. The Arteon is best suited for buyers seeking a stylish, premium-feeling sedan with practical cargo space who value design and driving engagement over cutting-edge technology or maximum value.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon a solidly positive 78/100 rating, praising its exceptional design as "one of the most interesting looking sedans on the road today," its class-leading fuel economy (achieving 33.4 mpg in real-world testing versus a 30 mpg highway rating), and comprehensive standard safety tech including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The vehicle excels in reliability with a "vault-like" build quality and offers genuinely comfortable front seats ideal for long trips, though the cabin lacks ventilated seats even on top trims and suffers from a value proposition that pales against competitors—at $51,000, you can get a Toyota Crown or Kia Stinger with significantly more power for similar pricing. The Arteon is best suited for buyers who prioritize distinctive styling and sedan practicality over raw performance or brand prestige, though the reviewer notes it struggles to compete against the SUV segment's appeal.