hamburger icon

2018 Volkswagen Beetle

Change vehicle or year
Select a Year - Volkswagen Beetle
OR
Change Vehicle
Make
Volkswagen
Model
Beetle
Year
2018
GO
Volkswagen Beetle OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 2.0T S 2dr Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $20,220
2018 2.0T Coast 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $23,120
2018 2.0T SE 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $24,020
2018 2.0T S 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $25,440
2018 2.0T Dune 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $26,790
2018 2.0T Coast 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $26,840
2018 2.0T SE 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $28,040
2018 2.0T Dune 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $32,090

Overview

The Volkswagen Beetle, the classic "people's car" which took VW from niche player to major automaker, remains as iconic as ever. Now in it's third generation, the spunky runabout continues the tradition of being a fun and practical choice for the consumer who wants to park a little pizzazz in their driveway. For 2018, notable updates and trim changes continue to ensure the Beetle's status as America's favorite bug.

What's New for 2018

The biggest news regarding the 2018 Beetle can be found under the hood, where the old 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has been usurped by a larger and more efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. This updated engine returns EPA ratings of 26 miles per gallon city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, while also delivering 174 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the only gearbox available.

Volkswagen has also shuffled the trim levels for 2018, paring down the Beetle lineup by axing the limited-edition #PinkBeetle (yes, the hashtag really was part of its name), the retro-themed Classic, and the sporty R-line. New this year is the Coast, an ocean-inspired trim. Regardless of trim level, all Beetles now come with a six-year, 72,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, offering peace of mind for buyers not wholly convinced of the merits of German engineering.

Volkswagen Beetle

Choosing Your Volkswagen Beetle

With fewer trim levels on tap than 2017 and only one available engine, VW has made it easier than ever to choose a Beetle.

Both the coupe and convertible offer the same trim levels, but opting to go topless will carry a hefty surcharge over a comparably equipped hardtop. Prices for the cabriolet variant are $26,290 for the S, $27,690 for the Coast, $28,890 for the SE and an eye-watering $32,940 for the Dune. All prices factor in an $850 destination charge.

Even base models come standard with a host of safety features, including Post-Collision Braking (the car will automatically apply the brakes if the airbags deploy) and the Intelligent Crash Response System (the car kills the engine, unlocks the doors, and activates the hazards in the event of an accident). Keeping with the cheap and cheerful theme of the Beetle, a smattering of fun colors are available, including Habanero Orange, Silk Blue and Bottle Green.

Volkswagen Beetle

S

The Beetle S is the cheapest way to get into a new Beetle, starting at $21,070 (including an $850 destination charge) for the coupe and $26,290 for the Convertible.

It comes standard with 16-inch "Whirl" wheels, a five-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker sound system and a rearview camera, among other things. An optional $1,475 Style and Comfort Package nets buyers 17-inch rims, leatherette upholstery, keyless ignition, and some body-color exterior trimmings. It also upgrades the touchscreen to the 6.3-inch unit found in all other Beetles, which offers SiriusXM satellite radio, an ability to send and receive text messages, and smartphone integration that allows certain apps to run through the car's infotainment display via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Volkswagen Beetle

Coast

Offered in an exclusive Deep Sea Teal, the package includes special black/beige cloth seats, a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, and a surfboard-inspired dashpad. For another $895, buyers can opt for the available Lighting Package that will equip their Beetle with bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, and LED daytime running lamps. It takes $23,970 to get into a Beetle Coast Coupe and $27,690 for the droptop.

Volkswagen Beetle

SE

Building on the Coast's feature list, the SE adds niceties such as climate control and VW's Car-Net Security and Service. The latter is an optional subscription ($17.99 a month) which can automatically notify emergency services in the event of an accident, provide vehicle tracking assistance in case of theft, and offers remote access. Optional is a $2,500 Premium Package that delivers the 400-watt Fender audio system, navigation, 18-inch wheels, and ParkPilot (a parking assistant that emits an audible warning when the drivers backs too close to an object). An SE Coupe costs $24,870 and the SE Convertible rings up at $28,890.

Volkswagen Beetle

Dune

The heritage-inspired Dune strives to remind buyers of the Baja Bug days through slightly massaged styling, a subtle increase in ride height, 18-inch "Canyon" wheels, and "Dune" graphics on both doors. A spoiler and special seats round out the exclusive differentiation. Highway mileage ticks up one notch to 34 mpg. The Dune comes fully loaded with all available features, and has a price tag of $27,640 for the hardtop or $32,940 for the convertible body.

CarsDirect Tip

For the best bang for your buck, go with the Coast. A pleasing shade of exclusive blue is coupled with a list of standard features well worth the $2,900 upcharge from a base S, and at $23,970 it promises to not break the bank.

Get your price on a Volkswagen Beetle »

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle charms with its iconic design, outstanding warranty, and excellent fuel economy. Aside from showing its age, its deficiencies also include a cheaply-trimmed interior, a powertrain short on thrills, and a lack of advanced safety features.

Best Value

Pricing for the 2018 Beetle starts at $21,070 for an S coupe and, skipping over the Coast and SE models, tops out at $32,940 for a Dune convertible. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine fitted with a six-speed automatic with a manual Tiptronic mode is hte only powertrain offering.

Even the S model comes with the usual power features as well as 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a five-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, a rear spoiler, and an impressive six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Coast and SE trims, and front and rear parking sensors are optional on the SE and standard on the Dune. Showing its age, advanced safety systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking aren't offered on the Beetle.

For ultimate value, we'd pick the base S and toss in the Style & Comfort Package that, in addition to other bits, adds a larger touchscreen and easier-to-maintain leatherette seats that are heated up front. Here's how it'd look:

  • Model: 2018 Volkswagen Beetle S
  • Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Output: 174 hp / 184 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: 26 City / 34 Hwy
  • Options: Style and Comfort Package ($1,475, leatherette seating, keyless push-button start, 6.3-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color side sills, door handles and heated door mirrors with integrated turn signals, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers).
  • Base Price: $21,070 (including the $850 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $22,545

Performance

Volkswagen Beetle

Despite soft spring rates, the Beetle exhibits surprisingly little body roll in modest cornering, while the slightly higher weight of convertibles and taller ride height of Dune models doesn't affect their overall ride quality. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers decent acceleration as well as excellent fuel economy. S, Coast, and SE models achieve an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city, 33 on the highway, and 29 combined, while the higher-riding Dune adds one mpg to the highway figure.

Despite a shared platform with the last Volkswagen GTI, none of the Beetle's controls – in particular the steering and brakes – offer much in the way of feedback. In fact, those looking for performance in a VW this size would be better served with any Golf model.

Interior and Exterior

Certainly one of the best retro designs, the Beetle's iconic sheetmetal is wrapped around a quirky interior that also does its best to mimic the original. Front seat occupants will find plenty of legroom with wide-bottom seat cushions comfortable enough for long road trips. Cargo capacity of 15.4 cubic feet that expands to 22.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded is above average for the class.

On the other hand, the interior is where the Beetle not only shows its age, but also disappoints the most. Amidst all the nostalgic quirkiness are large expanses of sub-standard, thin-feeling, black plastic trim. Compounding matters is a back seat that – with 31.4 inches of leg room – adults will find tight and is probably suitable only for children, at least for long trips.

The Best and Worst Things

The Beetle's iconic design, smooth ride, and outstanding warranty make it a good value in its class, but its looks aren't for everyone, and a cheap-looking interior and lack of advanced safety features could turn off additional buyers.

Right For? Wrong For?

Volkswagen Beetle

The Beetle's iconic design, smooth ride, excellent fuel economy, and great warranty should attract value-conscious buyers.

At the same time, a dearth of advanced safety features will surely discourage safety-conscious buyers.

The Bottom Line

Despite its retro appeal, excellent fuel economy, and generous warranty, the Beetle's cheap interior materials and lack of advanced safety features make it a mid-pack pick in its class.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 174 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd Tiptronic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
26 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
4
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 174 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
26 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
14.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$55
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
29.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
85 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
168.8 "
Exterior Width
71.9 "
Exterior Height
58.6 "
Front Headroom
39.4 "
Rear Headroom
37.1 "
Front Legroom
41.3 "
Rear Legroom
31.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room
49.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,020 Lbs.
Wheel Base
100 "
Turning Radius
17.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
2 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
4
Seat Trim
Cloth / V-tex Leatherette
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
50-50 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
8
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Volkswagen Beetle for Sale

2 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Volkswagen
2.0T S
Color: Gray
Price

$15,540

Mileage

56,106 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group of Bellflower (15 mi)

Phone: (562) 302-4744
Volkswagen
2.0T S
Color: Gray
Price

$18,399

Mileage

86,393 mi

Map location icon

Honda of Reseda (21 mi)

Phone: (818) 609-7441

Other Volkswagen Beetle Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Volkswagen Beetle years that you might be interested in.

Volkswagen
1.8T S
Color: White
Price

$18,885

Mileage

45,578 mi

Map location icon

Volkswagen of San Bernardino (64 mi)

Phone: (909) 963-1439
Volkswagen
1.8T S
Color: Platinum Gray Metallic
Price

$15,177

Mileage

57,338 mi

Map location icon

Hyundai of Escondido (94 mi)

Phone: (442) 777-5924
See All Used Car Listings