2019 Volkswagen Beetle review
Perhaps one of the most recognizable cars on the road, the modern-day Volkswagen Beetle was clearly inspired by the original that first came to America in 1949. Unlike the original, this Beetle had the engine in front with front-wheel drive. The Beetle came with the latest tech features, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and while the unique shape created great headroom for front-seat passengers, the rear seat was rather cramped. With 2019 marking the end of production, Volkswagen offered a special Final Edition Beetle with vintage beige and blue colors available on both the coupe and convertible versions.
Explore the evolution of the Volkswagen Beetle
Get our expert take on used Volkswagen Beetle models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Volkswagen Beetle
When it came to market in 2012, the second-generation Volkswagen Beetle was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor, but there was no mistaking the familiar shape for anything else. The interior took on a more modern look, but like the exterior, it offered features reminiscent of the original Beetle, like the drop-down glovebox. Functions and controls were more straightforward, similar to those found in other Volkswagen models, and a navigation system was also available. Initially sold exclusively as a coupe, the Beetle added a convertible to the lineup in 2013. Multiple special editions were offered throughout the second-generation Beetle’s lifespan, ending with the Final Edition in 2019.
The Beetle was initially available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful turbocharged engine, both coming standard with a manual gearbox. In 2013, Volkswagen added the fuel-efficient TDI diesel engine, but after the company ran into diesel emission issues in 2016, the TDI was discontinued. However, a more fuel-friendly turbocharged four-cylinder was added in 2018.
Model highlights
Fuel-efficient TDI diesel (added in 2013; discontinued in 2016)
Multiple special editions
Standard touchscreen interface (added in 2016)
More efficient turbo engine became standard (added in 2018)
Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ standard on all but base trim (2019)
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2012 - 2019
2019 Volkswagen Beetle
Highlights
Final Edition trim added
Coast and Dune trims discontinued
Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ standard
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2018 Volkswagen Beetle
Highlights
Minor styling updates
Limited-edition #PinkBeetle
Manual transmission discontinued
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2017 Volkswagen Beetle
Highlights
Minor styling updates
Limited-edition #PinkBeetle
Manual transmission discontinued
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2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Highlights
Standard VW touchscreen interface
TDI engine dropped midyear
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2015 Volkswagen Beetle
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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.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Volkswagen Beetle is $425, compared to an average of $453 for Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Volkswagen Beetle owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.0 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Volkswagen Beetle, compared to an average of 12% for Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Perry Stern has been writing about cars for almost 30 years and has been an enthusiast for much longer than that. Contributing to multiple automotive publications, Perry drives almost every new car on the market, ranging from base-level Kias to exotic high-performance Lamborghinis. But his favorite is still the 2006 Mazda Miata parked in his garage.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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