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2017 Volkswagen Beetle: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle is a trim-change year, led by the debut of the #PinkBeetle and the expansion of the Dune into a convertible. Volkswagen also reshuffled the R-Line range and made the U.S. lineup automatic-only.
About the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
Second modern Beetle generation (2012-2019), sixth model year, after the 2016 update.
Volkswagen sold the 2017 Beetle as an icon-first small car: playful, instantly recognizable, and more usable every day than tiny retro cars that leaned harder on novelty than practicality. The brochure emphasizes joy, personality, and modern tech wrapped in old-school shape. For most buyers, the Beetle’s appeal was simple: cheerful styling, a hatchback or convertible body, punchy turbo power, and a cabin that felt more grown-up and solid than many style-focused rivals.
The 2017 range leans heavily into personality: the #PinkBeetle has themed plaid seats and trim, while the raised Dune adds rugged-looking bodywork and heated sport seats. The comfort-focused SEL brings navigation, premium audio, and parking aids, while the 210-hp 2.0T R-Line SEL is the performance version.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
U.S. Beetles moved to automatic transmissions across the lineup. Most trims use the 1.8-liter turbo engine, while the R-Line S continued under the 2.0T R-Line SEL name with a 210-hp 2.0-liter turbo. The R-Line SE and the previous R-Line SEL were dropped.
Styling
The #PinkBeetle debuted with its own plaid seats, painted cabin trim, and upgraded lighting. The Denim and Wolfsburg Edition trims were dropped, while SE and SEL gained fresh painted interior accents.
Tech
App-Connect smartphone integration became standard on every retail trim above the base S.
Structural
The Dune expanded beyond the hatchback with the first Dune Convertible, retaining the theme’s raised ride height and rugged-looking exterior treatment.
2017 Volkswagen Beetle specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SM | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SM | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SM | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SM | Automatic. 6-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SM | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SM | Auto, 6-Spd DSG Tiptronic SM |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 31 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 7.1–15.4 cu-ft | 7.1–15.4 cu-ft | 7.1–15.4 cu-ft | 7.1–15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 7.1–15.4 cu-ft | 7.1–15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Stability Control | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||||
| Power Steering | ||||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle redesigned?
No. The 2017 Beetle remained part of the generation introduced for 2012, so its changes center on trims, body-style availability, equipment, and powertrain packaging rather than a full redesign.
What was the biggest change to the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle?
The biggest change was the expanded special-edition range. The #PinkBeetle debuted, and the Dune theme became available as a convertible for the first time.
Does every U.S. 2017 Volkswagen Beetle have an automatic transmission?
Yes. The U.S. 2017 Beetle lineup uses automatic transmissions throughout; most trims have a six-speed automatic, while the 2.0T R-Line SEL uses a quicker-shifting DSG automatic.
Which 2017 Volkswagen Beetle trim has the most power?
The 2.0T R-Line SEL is the most powerful 2017 Beetle trim. It has a 210-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine, a sport suspension, and an automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles.
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle have smartphone integration?
Most versions do. App-Connect smartphone integration is standard on every retail trim above the base S, while the S uses a simpler 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB input.
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle.
4.5
2017 Volkswagen Beetle
(209 reviews)
“It is a delight to drive, has a lot of power, easy to steer. Rag top works beautifully, has Sirius radio and emergency system. Could use a little more trunk space, but adequate. Dog loves it!”
“love the fun of it. Everybody tells me how cute it is. It is our second vehicle, ride is not comparable to the Honda Ridgeline which is more of a luxury vehicle”