“I am very happy with my purchase of the VW Beetle convertible. It is a very fun car to drive and so far is highly reliable. It has great gas mileage and uses regular gas which makes it affordable. It is a small car so not the best for having adults in the 2nd row or trying to transport a large number of items but for regular daily 1-2 passenger use it is great! Very fun car, I highly recommend.”
2019 Volkswagen Beetle: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle is the arrival of the heritage-themed Final Edition SE and SEL for its last US model year. The Coast and Dune trims are gone, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard across the lineup.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
3rd generation (2012-2019), final year.
The 2019 Beetle is Volkswagen’s retro-styled small car for buyers who want personality more than maximum practicality. VW frames it as an icon that mixes classic Beetle shape and charm with modern basics like a turbo engine, touchscreen infotainment, and available convertible open-air driving. Its main draw versus other compact cars is simple: it looks and feels distinctive, and it remains one of the few small four-seat convertibles of its era.
The 2019 Beetle ranges from the straightforward S and well-equipped SE to two nostalgia-focused Final Editions. The Final Edition SE has quilted cloth and synthetic leather seating, while the more upscale Final Edition SEL adds diamond-stitched Nappa leather, navigation, premium audio, upgraded lighting, and parking sensors. Every trim uses a 174-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
Styling
Heritage-themed Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL trims join the lineup with special upholstery, Safari Uni dash trim, and Final Edition Beetle badging. The Coast and Dune trims are dropped, and the regular SE no longer has alloy wheels as standard equipment.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard on every 2019 Beetle trim.
2019 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 | 33 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 | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2019 the final model year for the Volkswagen Beetle?
Yes. The 2019 Beetle is the final US model year, and production ended in Puebla, Mexico, on July 10, 2019.
What is special about the 2019 Beetle Final Edition?
The 2019 Final Edition is a heritage-themed send-off inspired by the 2003 Última Edición. Both versions have Safari Uni dash trim and special Beetle badging, with distinct upholstery and equipment for the SE and SEL.
What is the difference between the 2019 Beetle Final Edition SE and SEL?
The Final Edition SEL is the more upscale version. It adds diamond-stitched Nappa leather, navigation, Fender premium audio, upgraded lighting, and front and rear parking sensors, while the SE uses quilted cloth with synthetic leather inserts.
Did the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle get a new engine?
No. The 2019 Beetle keeps the 174-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission used previously.
What safety equipment became standard on the 2019 Beetle?
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard across the entire 2019 Beetle lineup. These systems warn about vehicles beside the car and approaching from the side while backing up.
2019 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle.
4.5
2019 Volkswagen Beetle
(326 reviews)
“I have had an outstanding experience with my used Volkswagen Beetle the past few months of ownership. I would recommend a used Beetle to anyone as a car with character and great performance.”
“The pick-up is great, it is fun to drive and looks good. Also, easy to handle and park. Love the satellite and navigation features.”