2016 Volkswagen Beetle review
Volkswagen Beetle highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Unique retro exterior styling
- Both engine options offer balanced performance
- More practical than some other high-style small cars
Cons
- Not quite as practical as a conventional hatchback
- Handling could be better
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 31 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Volkswagen Beetle years
What is new for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The Beetle is available in a variety of new trims, including the Denim, Dune, R-Line S, R-Line SE, R-Line SEL, S, SE, SEL, and Wolfsburg Edition.
- The Base, R-Line, and TDI trims have been discontinued for 2016.
- Beetle trims have been upgraded with Leather Seats and Parking Sensors as standard equipment this year.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
1. Iconic styling
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most beloved cars in automotive history, and the 2016 Beetle retains the iconic shape of the original. Available as a coupe or convertible, the Beetle has been updated for modern times with available features like Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL), a fun rear spoiler, and 19-inch wheels. There are actually six available wheel options plus 13 exterior colors so keep an eye out for the combo that suits your style. There is no mistaking this car for any other on the road, so highlight your individuality with a 2016 Beetle.
2. Great feature list
Check out the base Wolfsburg Edition (named after the German city where VW got its start) and you won't be disappointed by the list of standard features. It includes great features like "V-Tex" premium vinyl upholstery with heated front seats, heated mirrors, a height-adjustable driver seat with manual lumbar support, and a 50/50-split folding rear seat, just to name a few. There is nothing "basic" about the base 2016 Beetle.
3. Two engine options
Highway cruising in the base 2016 Beetle 1.8T is easy with its turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower. You'll find front-wheel drive plus a standard five-speed manual transmission as well as an optional six-speed automatic. All R-Line Beetles get the upgraded 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and a standard six-speed manual and an optional six-speed DSG® automatic transmission.
4. Cool special editions
The Beetle is all about expressing your style, and it's not hard to do with the available special-edition trims offered for 2016 including the Dune coupe and the Denim convertible. The Dune features trim-specific front and rear styling, LED taillights, and a comfort-focused suspension. Meanwhile, the Denim convertible harkens back to the 1974 "Jeans" edition Bug with light blue denim-colored cloth seating with cool white piping and dark blue leatherette accents.
5. Tech and comfort upgrades
The standard features on the 2016 Beetle are great, but there is a lot more to love once you delve into the optional extras. Find an R-Line SEL to get leather upholstery, which comes in black, beige, and even a cool black and red combo. The base Wolfsburg and S trims get a five-inch touchscreen, but SE and above trims get an upgraded 6.3-inch version running a new-for-2016 infotainment system. Keep an eye out for the Technology package that adds great features like dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, plus a Fender® premium audio system.
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Ratings & reliability
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 BeetleVolkswagen Beetle features and specs
Denim 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
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Soft Top
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
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
P215/55HR17
Rear tires
P215/55HR17
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Volkswagen Beetle FAQ
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Wolfsburg Edition: 25 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- Denim: 25 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- Dune: 24 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- S: 25 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- SE: 25 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- SEL: 25 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- R-Line S: 23 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- R-Line SEL: 24 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- R-Line SE: 24 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- Classic: 25 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
The Volkswagen Beetle received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Volkswagen Beetle as 18 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle:
- Denim
- Dune
- R-Line S
- R-Line SE
- R-Line SEL
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