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2014 Volkswagen Beetle review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen Beetle highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Potent turbocharged engines
  • Great maneuverability
  • Upscale cabin

Cons

  • Engine power focused on performance, rather than economy
  • Engine noise
  • Standard suspension could use some improvement

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 27 highway, 23 combined

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Retro city style

Arguably the biggest motivation to own a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is its ability to navigate city traffic with ease. It's a compact and nippy hatchback that can move on busy streets effectively, and get into a tight parking spot in a second. The retro-inspired exterior and the refined interior with plenty of features and a surprisingly wide backseat make the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle a convenient, practical choice for your daily transportation needs.

All Volkswagen Beetle years

What is new for the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle?

  • The Beetle is available in a variety of new trims, including the 1.8T and GSR.
  • The 2.0T, 50's Edition, 60's Edition, 70's Edition, and Fender Edition trims have been discontinued for 2014.
  • Beetle trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s) and Rear View Camera as standard equipment this year.
  • The R-Line trim now comes with Cloth Seats, Smart Key, Leatherette Seats, and Soft Top as standard equipment.
  • The 2.5 trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle

1. Compact city car 

With its excellent maneuverability, the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is a great city car. It’s nimble and easy to navigate through crowded streets as you head to work or out on errands. It will also save you a lot of time and nerves trying to find a parking spot, as its compact footprint helps it squeeze into tight spaces. 

2. Exciting engine options 

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle offers an exciting driving experience. It’s mostly thanks to the peppy engine options that are also quite powerful for a compact car. The base engine is a 170-hp, turbocharged gas 1.8L four-cylinder, with the available options including a turbodiesel 2.0L four-cylinder producing 140 hp, and a 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0L gasoline-powered four-cylinder. They can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. 

3. Attractive retro styling 

One of the most distinguishing features of the Volkswagen Beetle is its exterior. It’s unequivocally reminiscent of the classic and very popular Beetle from a few decades ago, so anyone who enjoys retro styling is sure to appreciate the 2014 model year’s appearance. It still has that small-car charm with a distinct front end dominated by the unique round headlights and curved hood. It’s an attractive look and one of the strongest points of the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. 

4. Classy interior 

On the inside, the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is as stylish as the exterior would suggest. It also incorporates details similar to the original Beetle but with a modern touch. The entire cabin is well laid out, where you can reach all controls easily, and the materials are excellent. Leatherette upholstery is standard, along with amenities such as air conditioning and cruise control. 

5. Sufficient room for passengers 

It may seem tiny from the outside, but the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is actually quite roomy and accommodating. It can seat four people comfortably, with plenty of room for tall passengers in the back to ride with ease even on long trips. Front headroom measures 39.4 inches, and front legroom – 41.3 inches. Second-row passengers get 37.1 inches of headroom and 31.4 inches of legroom.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is a small, fuel-efficient car that is fun to drive. It has a sturdy ride and seat heaters. The car is a great car for someone who wants a convertible, too.
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Beetle an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Beetle 19th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle features and specs

1.8T 2WD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Fender Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Soft Top
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Fender Audio
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.8L

Horsepower

170

Torque (ft-lbs)

184

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14.5

Wheelbase

100"

Overall length

168.4"

Width

71.2"

Height

58"

Leg room

F 41.3"/R 31.4"

Head room

F 39.3"/R 37.6"

Front tires

P235/40HR19

Rear tires

P235/40HR19

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2014 Volkswagen Beetle FAQ

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