“Volkswagen Beetles are the best! While I still like the interior roominess of the ""New Beetles"" and the more rounded shape, I have to admit that I LOVE my 2018 Beetle.”
2018 Volkswagen Beetle: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle is a new standard engine: a 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo four replaces the previous 1.8-liter turbo across the hatchback and convertible lineup. Volkswagen also simplifies the trim range and introduces the beach-themed Coast model.
About the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle
3rd generation (2012-2019), late-cycle year with a lineup-wide engine change and the first-year Coast special model.
Volkswagen positions the 2018 Beetle as an icon with modern everyday hardware underneath. The core pitch is simple: classic Beetle shape, cheerful personality, and available coupe or convertible body styles, paired with a turbocharged engine, automatic transmission, touchscreen tech, and a usable back seat and cargo area. Versus a pure nostalgia toy, the Beetle is meant to feel like a real daily driver first, just with far more character than a typical compact hatchback.
The 2018 Beetle ranges from the simple S to the comfort-focused SE, which has heated synthetic leather seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and added driver-assistance features. Coast brings Pepita two-tone cloth seats and surfboard-look dash trim, while Dune stands apart with a raised suspension, black body cladding, upgraded lighting, and Fender audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo four replaces the previous 1.8-liter turbo across the Beetle hatchback and convertible lineup. Every 2018 version uses a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode.
Styling
The new Coast trim adds a beach-inspired theme with Pepita two-tone cloth seats and surfboard-look dashboard trim.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard on the SE. The new Coast trim also has these features.
Tech
The Dune makes Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and Fender premium audio standard.
2018 Volkswagen Beetle specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic. 6-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic. 6-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic. 6-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic. 6-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 34 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 174 hp | 174 hp | 174 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle?
The biggest change is the 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which replaces the previous 1.8-liter turbo across the 2018 Beetle hatchback and convertible lineup. A 6-speed automatic is standard throughout the range.
Was the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle redesigned?
No, the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle was not redesigned. It is a late-cycle update centered on a new lineup-wide engine, a simpler S, Coast, SE, and Dune trim range, and revised equipment.
What is the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Coast?
The Coast is a new beach-themed trim for 2018. It has Pepita two-tone cloth seats, surfboard-look dashboard trim, heated front seats, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
What changed on the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle SE?
The 2018 Beetle SE gains the 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine and makes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert standard. It also has heated synthetic leather seats, keyless entry, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed on the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Dune?
The 2018 Beetle Dune gains the 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine and makes its Bi-Xenon and LED lighting plus Fender premium audio standard. It retains its raised suspension, black body cladding, larger rear spoiler, and Dune-themed cabin.
2018 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle.
4.3
2018 Volkswagen Beetle
(157 reviews)
“Love my beetle convertible. Its exactly what i wanted. It has great features and my asthetic. There was a recall that was fixed free. There is higher maintenance costs than my last vehicle. The car being low to the ground on bad roads affects balance and tires. Feels great in windy conditions. A little scary in the snow.”
“I love my Volkswagen Beetle. It drives well and makes a statement when people see it. I like having a car that doesn't look like every other car.”