“It is a fun car to drive, but should not be considered a main vehicle for a family or long road trips.”
Volkswagen Beetle: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Volkswagen Beetle is a retro-styled, four-seat small car sold in fixed-roof and convertible forms. It is known less for maximum practicality than for its unmistakable shape, approachable turbo power, and distinctive personality.
The modern Beetle carried its familiar rounded shape into a lower, wider, and more usable small car. Personality remained the main theme, from retro and beach-inspired special editions to sporty turbo models and one of the few small four-seat convertibles of its era. By its final years, the range had settled into a simpler gas-powered, automatic-only formula while keeping the styling that made it recognizable.
Strengths
- Its rounded shape and themed special editions give it a personality that ordinary compact cars often lack.
- The 2012 redesign made the cabin and cargo area more usable while preserving the classic Beetle look.
- The convertible provides open-air driving with four seats, an uncommon combination among small cars of its era.
- The 2019 model’s 174-horsepower turbo engine delivers useful everyday power without turning the Beetle into a demanding sports car.
- Every 2019 Beetle includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Who it's for
The Beetle fits someone who wants a small used car that feels more personal than an ordinary compact. It makes the most sense for solo drivers or couples who value style and easy everyday driving, with occasional back-seat use. The convertible especially suits shoppers who want open-air driving without moving to a traditional two-seat sports car.
Volkswagen Beetle lineup
The S is the straightforward core Beetle, while the SE is the step up for shoppers who want a better-equipped version and the SEL has generally occupied the top of the regular trim ladder. Earlier in the 2012-2019 generation, Turbo and R-Line models emphasized the Beetle’s sportier side, with the R-Line retaining the stronger engine after most versions moved to the 1.8-liter turbo. The Classic leaned hardest into retro character, while Denim, #PinkBeetle, Coast, and similar editions mainly offered distinct visual themes. The Dune stood apart with raised-riding styling and was sold in both fixed-roof and convertible forms in later years. For 2019, Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL models added heritage-themed details for the Beetle’s farewell year.
Volkswagen Beetle generations
From 2012 to 2019, the Beetle spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation — A5/Type 5C arrived for 2012.
3rd Generation — A5/Type 5C (2012–2019)
This second modern Beetle generation dropped the “New Beetle” name and adopted a longer, wider, lower shape inspired by the classic Beetle. It began as a two-door hatchback, with the convertible returning for 2013, and used front-wheel drive with gas or diesel engines depending on the year.
68 In Stock
2019Trim changes
Final Edition SE and SEL mark the Beetle’s last U.S. model year, while Coast and Dune leave the lineup. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard.
2018Trim changes
The Coast special model joins a simplified lineup. A 174-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder replaces the previous 1.8-liter engine across the range.
2017Trim changes
The Classic returns, the #PinkBeetle debuts, and Dune expands to the convertible. U.S. Beetles move to automatic gas-powered models.
2016Trim changes
Simpler S, SE, and SEL trim names arrive, and the Dune hatchback and Denim convertible join the lineup. Newer touchscreen systems spread to more trims.
2015Trim changes
The retro-themed Classic model joins the lineup. Diesel models get a revised 150-hp 2.0-liter engine, and rearview cameras reach nearly every non-base Beetle late in the year.
2014Trim changes
The former Turbo model becomes the R-Line, and the GSR special edition joins the lineup. Regular gas models begin switching from the 2.5-liter five-cylinder to a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder.
2013Trim changes
The convertible returns, and diesel, Fender Edition, R-Line, and decade-themed convertible models broaden the lineup.
2012New generation
A ground-up redesign drops the “New Beetle” name and brings a longer, wider, lower body with a roomier cabin and cargo area.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Volkswagen Beetle.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Volkswagen Beetle come as a hatchback or a convertible?
Both. The 2012–2019 Beetle was sold as a two-door hatchback, and the convertible joined the range for 2013. Both body styles have four seats, but the hatchback is the more practical cargo carrier.
Is the Volkswagen Beetle a hybrid?
No. The 2012–2019 Beetle used gasoline engines, while 2013–2015 TDI models used a diesel engine. Volkswagen did not offer a hybrid Beetle in this generation.
Does the Volkswagen Beetle have AWD?
No. The 2012–2019 Beetle is front-wheel drive. Even the raised Dune and performance-focused Turbo or R-Line versions send power only to the front wheels.
Is the Volkswagen Beetle practical enough for everyday use?
Yes, if you do not need much rear-seat or cargo room. It seats four, and later models have 31.4 inches of rear legroom. Cargo space ranges from 7.1 to 15.4 cubic feet, depending on body style.
What is the Volkswagen Beetle known for?
It is known for retro styling and a strong sense of personality. The modern Beetle combines its familiar rounded shape with everyday features, turbo power, and an uncommon four-seat convertible body style.
How is the last-generation Beetle different from the New Beetle?
It is a separate redesign, not just a renamed New Beetle. Volkswagen gave it a flatter, lower, longer, and wider shape, along with a more usable cabin and cargo area. It debuted for 2012 and remained in production through the final 2019 model.
Did the Volkswagen Beetle come with a manual transmission?
Yes, but mainly in earlier cars. The 2012 base model had a five-speed manual, and the early Turbo offered a six-speed manual. By 2017, U.S. gasoline Beetles had moved to automatic transmissions only.
Volkswagen Beetle Reviews
What owners are saying about the Volkswagen Beetle.
4.4
Volkswagen Beetle
(1,022 reviews)
“Looking for a fun, easy to maintain and operate convertible, that's fuel efficient? This is the perfect choice!”
“Have had several Beetles, 1949, 1959, 1963, looked earlier for a beetle but they didn't have turbo.”
“This car is fun to drive, not a family vehicle, but it is so fun. It's definitely eye catching.”
“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.”
“From the moment I owned this car, it has been an absolute DELIGHT. The Beetle zips through traffic easily and is the least fussy car I've ever owned. I would buy the same exact year and model again in a heartbeat.”