2019 Volkswagen Beetle review
Volkswagen Beetle highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Playful and unique interior styling
- Potent yet efficient engine
- More practical than other retro rivals
Cons
- Conventional hatchbacks are more versatile
- Expensive for the class
- Lacks some technology features
Mileage (EPA estimate)
26 city, 33 highway, 29 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle marks the end of an era
Back in 1998, Volkswagen set the automotive industry alight with the reimagining of its most popular vehicle of all time: the Beetle. After two decades and two generations, the revival comes to a close, as it's the final year for the Beetle. At least for now.
For 2019, VW trimmed the Beetle lineup, eliminating the Coast and Dune trim levels, but introduced a Final Edition trim to commemorate the end of the Beetle lineage. Otherwise, the Beetle closes out its run much the same as it's been for years.
The Beetle shares the retro spotlight with the equally delightful two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, but the VW gains an advantage in regard to interior and cargo space. When compared to more conventional hatchback such as the Mazda3 and Volkswagen's own Golf, the Beetle is at a disadvantage in the same metrics. With this in mind, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle represents a sensible and likable middle ground between old-school and modern smarts.
All Volkswagen Beetle years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Volkswagen Beetle generation from 2012 to 2019
What is new for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The Beetle is available in a variety of new trims, including the Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL.
- The Coast and Dune trims have been discontinued for 2019.
- Beetle trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof, Leather Seats, and Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
- The S trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
2019 Volkswagen Beetle trims
Curious how Volkswagen Beetle trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesS:
- 174-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear View Camera
- Overhead Airbags
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Power Mirrors
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- View our Volkswagen Beetle S inventory
SE:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Smart Key
- Sunroofs
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- View our Volkswagen Beetle SE inventory
Final Edition SE:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- Leatherette & Cloth
- View our Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition SE inventory
Final Edition SEL:
- Includes all features available on the Final Edition SE
- Leather Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Navigation System
- Fender Audio
- View our Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition SEL inventory
Volkswagen Beetle photos
What We Like
Retro styling: The original VW Beetle certainly has a special spot in many drivers' hearts since its overwhelming popularity made it a staple on almost every street in the U.S. Volkswagen's revival of this iconic little car cashes in on all the original's styling cues and charm, both inside and out. The interior's body-colored glossy trim elements and simple layout are definite nods to the past and make it a standout in the class.
Powerful and efficient engine: With 174 horsepower coming from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the VW Beetle holds an advantage over the contemporary Volkswagen Golf and Mini Cooper Hardtop and is just shy of the Cooper S' 189 hp and Mazda3's 186 hp. The Beetle is EPA-estimated to return 29 mpg in combined city and highway miles, which is between 1 and 3 mpg less than those rivals.
Considering the power advantage, that efficiency trade-off is acceptable.More practical than a Mini: Neither the Beetle nor the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop is particularly accommodating when it comes to rear seat passengers, but the VW provides more space by the slightest of margins. The big difference is cargo capacity, as the Beetle can hold up to 15.4 cubic feet. By comparison, the Mini is limited to only 8.7 cubic feet.
What Needs Improvement
Conventional hatchbacks are more practical: The Beetle and the Mini may have an advantage with their nostalgic charm, but their recognizable shapes affect overall practicality. The Beetle's arching roofline reduces space for rear passengers and cargo capacity when compared to more conventional hatchbacks. The VW Golf and Mazda3 are noticeably more spacious in the rear seats and can hold 48% and 30% more cargo, respectively.
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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.
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.
Volkswagen Beetle features and specs
Curious how Volkswagen Beetle trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SE 2WD 2D Convertible
Standard Features
- Power Locks
- Power Windows
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- ABS Brakes
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Side Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Smart Key
- Heated Mirrors
- Alloy Wheels
- Soft Top
- Rear Spoiler
- Automatic Transmission
- Turbo Charged Engine
- AM/FM Stereo
- CD Audio
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Bluetooth Technology
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Parking Sensors
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Fender Audio
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
100.1"
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
2019 Volkswagen Beetle FAQ
The 2019 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
- Final Edition SE: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Final Edition SEL: 26 MPG City and 33 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 2019 Volkswagen Beetle has received an average 4.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Volkswagen Beetle, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle:
- Final Edition SE
- Final Edition SEL
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
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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