Makes VolkswagenBeetle

Volkswagen Beetle MPG

Its best-rated version reaches 38 MPG combined in 1998–2003, the diesel New Beetle. Its weakest year peaked at 23 MPG (2007–2010).

lowest to best versionbest versionmedian of its classengine list turned over

517.2 gal

a year at 15,000 miles for the best 2019 version. Put it next to its 1998 predecessor, at your own mileage.

Compare in gallons

The Volkswagen Beetle has EPA ratings for 21 model years, 1998–2019, most often among subcompact cars. Its best version had the highest combined rating among subcompact cars in 1999–2006, and it placed in its class top five in 15 model years. In 1999 the Chevrolet Metro came next among 36 subcompact cars. The first diesel version of the Beetle arrived in 1998, when 4 of 146 cars offered one.

Averaged over 1999–2003, its best version placed first of 30 among subcompact cars rated at least three years in that span, and it was in the top five in one other five-year span. Between 2006 and 2007 its best rating fell 11 MPG, one of the five largest one-year drops among 288 cars rated for eight or more years.

Among 46 compact cars, 2019

The Beetle placed 23rd (tied). The class leader was the Toyota Prius c at 46 MPG. The next higher rating, 30 MPG, is shared by four nameplates.

The Beetle, five years at a time

Average rating of its best version per span, placed in the class it sat in most often.

1999–03first of 30subcompact cars

2004–08first of 24subcompact cars

2014–1823rd of 52compact cars

Where the engine list turned over

2006
New: 2.5-liter 5-cylinder. Best rating 35 → 34 MPG.

Powertrains under the name

Diesel
Rated in 1998–2006 and 2013–2015.
Gasoline
Rated in 1998–2010 and 2012–2019.

All 21 model years, best and lowest version

Model years	Best version	Combined	City / hwy	Lowest version	Versions
2019	Beetle	29	26 / 33	29	2
2018	Beetle	29	26 / 34	29	4
2017	Beetle	28	24 / 33	26	5
2016	Beetle	28	25 / 33	26	9
2015	Beetle diesel	34	30 / 39	25	11
2014	Beetle diesel	32	28 / 40	23	14
2013	Beetle diesel	32	28 / 40	23	11
2012	Beetle	25	22 / 31	24	4
2010	New Beetle	23	20 / 29	23	3
2008–2009	New Beetle	23	20 / 29	23	4
2007	New Beetle	23	20 / 29	22	4
2006	New Beetle diesel	34	31 / 40	22	6
2005	New Beetle diesel	35	32 / 41	22	10
2004	New Beetle diesel	36	32 / 42	22	11
2003	New Beetle diesel	38	35 / 44	22	11
2002	New Beetle diesel	38	35 / 44	23	7
1999–2001	New Beetle diesel	38	35 / 44	22	6
1998	New Beetle diesel	38	34 / 43	21	4

Version names in the EPA list: Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Beetle Dune, Beetle Dune Convertible, New Beetle, New Beetle Convertible.

Same class, 2019

Toyota Prius c46 MPG Toyota C-HR29 MPG Acura ILX28 MPG Rolls-Royce Dawn14 MPG