Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with seating for up to four passengers. In the manufacturer’s lineup, it’s slightly smaller than the Golf hatchback, sharing the same platform. Its most recent (third) generation debuted in 2012, offering a more aggressive design, improved interior quality, and updated technology. VW discontinued the model after the 2019 model year without a direct replacement.

The Beetle comes in a range of trims, including the base 2.5L, SE, and SEL. The base trim provides mostly essential features, while the SE adds more comfort and convenience options. The top-tier SEL offers the most features as well as some premium interior materials. A sportier R-Line version first appeared in 2014, replacing the Beetle Turbo. Some special editions are also available, such as the Dune and Final Edition, with unique styling elements and exclusive equipment.

In 2014, Volkswagen updated the Beetle’s base engine from a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder producing 170 horsepower to a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with the same output but better fuel efficiency. An upgraded 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with between 200 and 210 hp (depending on the year) is also available on sportier Turbo and R-Line versions. Additionally, VW offered a 2.0-liter TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) diesel engine with 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque; however, it was dropped in 2015 after the automaker's related Dieselgate emissions scandal. Most Beetles come with a six-speed automatic transmission; however, both five- and six-speed manuals are available. All versions (since its 1998 reintroduction) are front-wheel drive.

In 2016, Volkswagen upgraded the Beetle’s touchscreen infotainment system (for all but the base trim) from a 5- to a 6.3-inch display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. (The base model got the upgrade two years later.) A rearview camera also became standard in 2016, while blind-spot monitoring was first offered as an option. Forward collision mitigation became standard in 2019. However, most other advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, were never offered on the Beetle.

We recommend that buyers who are shopping for a used Volkswagen Beetle focus on 2016 and newer models, as most offer improved infotainment systems with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. While the standard 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder delivers adequate performance, if you prefer something sportier, look for an R-Line model with its more powerful 2.0-liter mill.