2018 Volkswagen Beetle Review

Name: 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Review
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 22998 USD

2018 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T Dune 2dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

2018 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T Dune 2dr Hatchback Exterior

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$22,998 - $24,998

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Stylish interior design
Powerful engine with strong fuel economy
More practical than other high-style small cars

Cons

Less practical than conventional compact hatchbacks
More expensive than competitors

What’s new

For 2018, there only is one engine available: a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that replaces the previous turbo 1.8-liter engine. They have the same maximum power, but the new one is more fuel-efficient. Note that VW used to sell a more powerful turbo 2.0-liter engine in the R-Line trim level, but both have been discontinued. There are other changes to trim levels and option packages. Finally, like every 2018 Volkswagen, the Beetle gets a new six-year warranty.

Vehicle overview

Few cars on the road are more iconic that Volkswagen's Beetle. Yet the newest-generation model that debuted for the 2012 model year has never been a big seller in the way the original and the more recent "New Beetle" were. That's really a shame because the 2018 VW Beetle is an appealing little two-door that offers a compelling blend of style, performance, comfort and features.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$130/mo

$158/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2018, things have been simplified a bit in Beetle land. There are fewer trim levels with the demise of the performance-oriented R-Line. But a new special-edition Coast trim level that features special beach-themed styling has been added. OK, so some cutesy retro pastiche lives on. There's also a new engine standard on every Beetle, including the vaguely off-roadish Dune version. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder replaces the old 1.8-liter, and although both produce the same output — 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque — the new 2.0-liter nets an extra 3 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Some familiar downsides are still around, including less cargo space and a higher price than most other competing hatchbacks. But if you're looking for a compact car with some character, giving the Beetle a chance could definitely be worth it.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.2 / 10

Although not a big seller, the Volkswagen Beetle offers a compelling blend of style, performance, comfort and features. It deserves more attention than it gets.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8T Dune (turbo 1.8L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Beetle has received some revisions, including a new engine that's now standard in every variation, including the Dune. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Beetle.

Scorecard

Overall	7.2 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.0

Driving

7.5

Acceleration should be strong whether you're pulling away from a stoplight or looking to overtake on the freeway. But braking effort is higher than anticipated because the brakes aren't quick to respond. The Dune's raised ride height and comfort-oriented suspension hamper handling.

Acceleration

8.0

The Beetle gets a new 2.0-liter turbo engine for 2018, but given that it has the same output as its 1.8-liter predecessor, we would expect it to turn in a comparable 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds, quick for its class.

Braking

7.0

As in other VWs, there's a lack of initial braking force that makes it difficult to slow the Beetle smoothly. There's also a lot of pedal travel, so stops require more force than expected. But stopping power is impressive. We measured a very good 115-foot distance in our panic-stop test from 60 mph.

Steering

7.0

Steering effort is a bit heavier than expected, making the Beetle feel more controllable at highway speeds than its rivals yet very light when maneuvering at low speeds. The thin-rimmed steering wheel feels a little flimsy.

Handling

6.5

The Dune's raised suspension feels nice around town, but around tight corners, there's a noticeable amount of body roll. Every other Beetle would be better, but none is truly engaging. Don't expect a VW GTI, or even a Golf, in retro clothing.

Drivability

7.5

The Beetle does most things right and is easy to drive. Its small footprint and standard rearview camera, plus available front and rear sensors, make it extremely easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Off-road

The Dune features 6.3 inches of ground clearance, which is far from SUV-like but more than you'd get in a car. You can literally take it off the road, but not very far.

Comfort

8.0

Though Volkswagen plays off the 2018 Beetle's style, this is thankfully still a modern-day small car. The seats hug you without being oppressive, and the suspension dispatches road imperfections without transmitting any harshness to the driver. Exterior noise is limited.

Seat comfort

7.5

The seat bottom isn't long enough to provide taller drivers with outstanding thigh support. Otherwise, the seats feel supportive and comfortable, and the cloth upholstery offers good cushioning. Adjustable lumbar support isn't standard in this class, so we're happy the Beetle offers it.

Ride comfort

8.5

Even though the Dune's raised suspension doesn't do much for handling, it certainly seems to make this Beetle ride well. Impacts are well-controlled, and the Beetle never feels jittery. Any Beetle would be a great road-trip car.

Noise & vibration

8.5

The cabin is insulated from road, tire and wind noise. At highway cruising speeds, the engine is relatively low on the rev range and is fairly quiet. Even when you boot the gas, the Beetle is hushed compared to most rivals.

Interior

7.0

The Beetle feels airy and bright thanks to its large windows, and the roof is high enough for a pair of tall adults in the front. Visibility out the back is hampered by a small window and thick pillars.

Ease of use

8.0

The controls are logically placed, clearly labeled and within reach of front-seat occupants. The climate controls are simple, and the steering wheel buttons are easy to operate without having to change your grip much.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The fairly large doors make getting into and out of the Beetle easy, but their size can limit how far they can be opened in a parking lot. Rear passengers have a nifty pillar-mounted grab handle to make getting out of the back seats easier.

Roominess

7.0

There's plenty of headroom for those in the front, although two adults are likely to brush elbows. The rear seats are comfortable, but minimal amounts of leg- and headroom diminish their long-distance usefulness.

Visibility

6.5

Forward and side visibility is just fine, thanks to the large windshield and windows. Rear visibility is compromised due to the large pillars, rear headrests and small rear window. The standard rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors are appreciated.

Quality

6.5

A slight creaking noise came from the dash in our test car, but otherwise build quality was solid. Interior materials looked and felt fine but weren't class-leading or VW's best. Its hard, body-colored plastic trim is an acquired taste.

Utility

7.0

There isn't a lot of space in the 2018 VW Beetle for your personal items in the cabin, but the cargo space should be able to accommodate plenty of your larger items. Overall, the Beetle is about average in this category.

Small-item storage

The gimmicky door nets are a poor substitute for actual cubbies, and the armrest bin doesn't hold much. But there's a good amount of space under the center stack.

Cargo space

The Beetle's hatchback design gives it a decent-size trunk at 15.4 cubic feet. With the 50/50-split folding rear seats stowed, that capacity expands to 30 cubic feet, but it's important to note that these figures represent loading the space to the ceiling.

Technology

As far as infotainment systems go, the VW Beetle's isn't cutting-edge, but it is relatively easy to use, and the screen resolution is sharp enough to read at a glance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are found on all but the most basic, optionless S trim.

Audio & navigation

There's a standard 5-inch touchscreen, but the 6.3-inch one is found on most trims. It uses a nice mix of physical and digital controls. It's easy to use and includes CarPlay and Android Auto, but it's a couple inches too small by contemporary standards.

Driver aids

A rearview camera is standard, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems are available, but that's it. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking or lane keeping assist aren't offered.

2018 Volkswagen Beetle models

The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle is a two-door hatchback that seats four people. There are four trim levels: S, Coast, SE and Dune. The Dune boasts a slightly raised suspension for more ground clearance, but otherwise all are mechanically the same. For 2018, that includes in the engine bay as well. Every Beetle comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission available.

The base S comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, height-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, the Composition Color 5-inch touchscreen interface, one USB port, and an eight-speaker sound system that includes a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a media player interface.

The Style & Comfort package for the S adds 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, extra body-colored exterior trim, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, the Composition Media 6.3-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radios, and VW Car-Net App-Connect (adds various smartphone-integration apps, most notably Android Auto and Apple CarPlay).

The special-edition Coast trim includes all of the above plus a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, and special design elements (a unique Deep Sea Teal paint option, a surfboard-look dash pad, houndstooth cloth upholstery and special floor mats). The Coast Light package adds bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights.

The SE includes all of the Coast's extra equipment apart from the special design elements. It also adds dual-zone automatic climate control and VW Car-Net Security & Service emergency communications. Its SE Premium package adds 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, the bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, a Fender audio system, and the Discover Media 6.3-inch touchscreen that essentially adds a navigation system to the Composition Media system.

The Beetle Dune features extra ground clearance, a wider track, special exterior design elements, 18-inch wheels, faux leather and cloth upholstery, front sport seats, and all of the SE Premium's added elements apart from Discover Media touchscreen, which is not available. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, and VW Car-Net Security and Service are also not available on the Dune.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#19 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen Beetle from 2008-2022.}

$425/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.03x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

10.7%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Volkswagen Beetle.

5 (61%)

4 (31%)

3 (0%)

2 (8%)

1 (0%)

4.5

26 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

A great sport coupe for not a lot money

D. Rod, 04/08/2017

2017 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8T S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I originally went to the VW dealer to buy a GTI but I didn't like the car. It looks great and the GTI title suggests that it's a grand touring car but it's more of a track car, not what I was looking for. So, after testing the GTI, I rested my back a little bit (the GTI suspension is rock hard) then tried the Beetle S. And, I loved it. It's a solid sports coupe with the perfect mix of …

I drove a truck for 10 years

Thomas Pagano, 03/02/2018

2016 Volkswagen Beetle R-Line SE 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

Rline check. 6 Speed manual. Check. Killer Stereo. Check. Turbo. Check. Horsepower Uniqueness from EVERY OTHER car on the road. Check. $17000 for a used 1 year old with 20K miles on it. Check. MPG. Check. Here's the deal folks...you aren't driving a more fun, reliable, affordable car on the market. And I looked at ALL of them. Unfortunately at the time, there we no Convertibles …

1 mo and 4500mi. later

Scott, 03/12/2018

2017 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8T Classic 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I am a big tall person and bought the beetle because it was a 2 door. Gas mileage is fantastic and it runs great at 75 mph. Radio is decent but no remote start or other luxury items. Seat quality could use another inch of foam. Tires are awful but Hankook put me into better tires. Hydroplaned in heavy rain. Probably going to end up with Michelins. Now for the good things. It is …

Don't miss out!

Mia Zaffarano, 03/17/2017

2015 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8T Classic 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

If you've been looking into the 2015 Beetle, and can't decide between another car you like. Don't hesitate any longer, if you like a sleek modern interior that will wow all your passengers, with the joys of a comfortable ride. This car is for you. Not only is this car fun to drive it's even more fun with the turbo injection and sport mode.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle, so we've included reviews for other years of the Beetle since its last redesign.

See all 26 reviews of the Volkswagen Beetle

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2018 Beetle Highlights

Trim:

2.0T S

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$20,220
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$130/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	6 years / 72,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Beetle models:

VW Car-Net Security & Service: Automatically informs emergency services in the event of a crash. Also includes an emergency response button.
Blind-Spot Monitor: Keeps track of your blind spots and alerts you to the presence of other cars with lights in the side mirrors.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System: Automatically applies the brakes in the event of a collision, reducing the likelihood of a secondary impact.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good