Toyota
Avalon
Volkswagen
Arteon
Toyota Avalon vs Volkswagen Arteon: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Volkswagen Arteon comes out ahead of the Toyota Avalon on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Avalon
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, comfort, and value, particularly for used examples. The Avalon is consistently praised as a durable, spacious, and smooth-riding sedan capable of exceeding 200,000 and even 400,000 miles with routine maintenance. Owner feedback highlights exceptional comfort, quiet cabins, and strong V6 acceleration in older models.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or model year. However, strong, repeated endorsements exist for the hybrid powertrain across multiple generations for its exceptional reliability, simplicity, and low maintenance costs (e.g., long-lasting brakes, no alternator/starter, electric water pump).
Known issues
- ⚠Transmission shifting behavior/concerns (2019+ models): Reports of sluggish acceleration, RPM flaring to 1500-2000 before shifting, delayed or non-smooth shifts, and owner concerns about long-term reliability of the UA80 8-speed automatic.…
- ⚠Electrical system failure (Hybrid models): Isolated but severe incidents of complete dashboard warning light illumination and system failure, leading to lengthy repair times and part delays. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Oil consumption (Older 4-cylinder Toyota engines referenced, not Avalon-specific): Mentioned as a known issue for some Toyota models, but not specifically cited for the Avalon's V6. Frequency: N/A for Avalon V6.
Arteon
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment, with a clear generational divide. The pre-facelift models (roughly 2019-2021) are praised for their high feature content, including ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, and rear climate controls, but are criticized for a less powerful engine and older transmission. The refreshed models (2022-2023) receive strong praise for the upgraded EA888 Evo4 engine and 7-speed DSG transmission, offering significantly improved performance (0-60 mph/0-97 km/h in approximately 5.0 seconds) and a more engaging, sporty driving character derived from the Golf R.
Best version to buy
2022-2023 SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion: This configuration combines the powerful EA888 Evo4 engine and 7-speed DSG transmission with the highest level of equipment. The 2021 model year is also noted as a "sweet spot" for maximizing feature content (ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, rear climate) before some features were reportedly deleted in later years, albeit with the older powertrain.
Known issues
- ⚠Infotainment system glitches and software bugs: includes screen freezes, reboots, and unresponsive touch controls, associated with the MIB3 platform. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Unresponsive transmission/throttle in "Drive" mode: described as sluggish, laggy, and "trash" in normal driving mode, requiring use of "Sport" mode for acceptable responsiveness. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Long-term reliability and resale value concerns: general apprehension about complex turbocharged, direct-injection engine and DSG transmission longevity beyond warranty, coupled with poor depreciation in some markets (e.g., Malaysia).
The verdict
The Volkswagen Arteon is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Toyota Avalon, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Volkswagen Arteon are a dealbreaker, the Toyota Avalon is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Toyota Avalon or the Volkswagen Arteon?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Volkswagen Arteon than the Toyota Avalon. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Toyota Avalon or the Volkswagen Arteon?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Toyota Avalon is classed as a Sedan, the Volkswagen Arteon as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Toyota Avalon or the Volkswagen Arteon?
The Volkswagen Arteon is more fuel-efficient on paper: 7.7 L/100km combined versus 9.0-9.4 L/100km for the Toyota Avalon, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Toyota Avalon or the Volkswagen Arteon?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Avalon than the Volkswagen Arteon. See the known issues comparison above.