2018 Volkswagen Beetle review
Volkswagen Beetle highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Fun retro personality and style
- Plenty of power with decent fuel economy
- Easier to live with than the other retro hatchback, the Mini Cooper
Cons
- Not as practical as "regular" hatchbacks
- Pricier than some rivals
- Limited technology features
Mileage (EPA estimate)
26 city, 33 highway, 29 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle blends modern sensibilities with retro charm
Vehicles are often emotional purchases for a lot of shoppers. Not only do they want something practical and affordable, but many also seek something that matches their personality. If you're looking for a vehicle that conveys a cheerful spirit with an excess of nostalgia, you can't do much better than the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle.
The 2018 Beetle is part of its third generation that was last redesigned in 2012. This year brings the discontinuation of the 1.8-liter and more powerful R-Line engines. They're replaced by a new 2.0-liter turbo that makes the same power as last year's 1.8-liter engine but gets better estimated fuel economy. A new Coast trim also debuts as does a new Style & Comfort package option.
There's a lot to like about the retro-themed VW Beetle as well as its Mini Cooper rival, but there is a price to pay for that style. Both are more expensive and less practical than conventional hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3.
All Volkswagen Beetle years
What is new for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The Beetle is available in a new trim called the Coast.
- The Classic, Pink Beetle, R-Line, and SEL trims have been discontinued for 2018.
- Beetle trims have been upgraded with Overhead Airbags as standard equipment this year.
- The Dune trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Smart Key, and Fender Audio as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Blind Spot Monitor, Android Auto, Satellite Radio Ready, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.
2018 Volkswagen Beetle trims
S:
- 174-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Rear View Camera
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- View our Volkswagen Beetle S inventory
Coast:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Sunroofs
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Smart Key
- Android Auto
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Apple CarPlay
SE:
- Includes all features available on the Coast
- No significant upgrades found on the SE
- View our Volkswagen Beetle SE inventory
Dune:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- Parking Sensors
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Fender Audio
Volkswagen Beetle photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle
What We Like:
Retro charm: Few vehicles are as recognizable from a distance as Volkswagen's Beetle, no matter which decade it was made. In its storied history, the Beetle has appealed to a wide swath of drivers, from those seeking affordable compact transportation to those looking for something different to go along with their counterculture vibe. The 2018 VW Beetle captures all of that personality with its familiar silhouette and body-colored interior trim, as well as its broad appeal.
Plenty of power: Even though we lost the more powerful R-Line engine this year, the reworked 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder should be more than adequate for most drivers. It makes the same 174 horsepower as last year, but it has been tweaked to be more fuel-efficient. It's more powerful than the VW Golf and base two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop and almost as potent as the Mini Cooper S and Mazda3.
Fewer penalties for retro personality: One of the biggest draws for the Beetle is its retro charm, but it's not the only hatchback with this aesthetic. The two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop is just as playful, but it comes up short when comparing rear passenger space and cargo capacity. The VW Beetle delivers more of both, making it easier to live with.
What Needs Improvement
Trades some substance for style: While the Volkswagen Beetle holds a practicality advantage over its Mini rivals, neither can challenge more conventional hatchbacks. Rear passengers will be much more comfortable in the comparably spacious Mazda3 or VW Golf, and you'll also be able to stuff way more cargo in those trunks than the Beetle.
Shop with your budget in mind
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
SE 2WD 2D Convertible
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette Seats
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Soft Top
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Fender Audio
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
174
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14.5
Wheelbase
100"
Overall length
168.8"
Width
71.9"
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
2018 Volkswagen Beetle FAQ
The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SE: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Coast: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Dune: 26 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- S: 26 MPG City and 33 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 2018 Volkswagen Beetle has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle:
- Coast
- Sunroof(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Android Auto
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