Volkswagen Beetle
29 MPG The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 517 gallons, $1655 a year in fuel, or $0.110 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2012–2019 run it averages 27.5 MPG, improving by 4.2 MPG over 8 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.086 | $862 | $1293 | $1724 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.103 | $1034 | $1552 | $2069 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.110 | $1103 | $1655 | $2207 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.121 | $1207 | $1810 | $2414 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.138 | $1379 | $2069 | $2759 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.155 | $1552 | $2328 | $3103 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.172 | $1724 | $2586 | $3448 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 308 | 1 |
| 2018 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 308 | 1 |
| 2017 | 27 MPG | 23.5 | 31 | $2300 | 336 | 2 |
| 2016 | 27 MPG | 24 | 32 | $2300 | 329 | 4 |
| 2015 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33.8 | $2517 | 324 | 6 |
| 2014 | 27.3 MPG | 24.4 | 33 | $2569 | 339 | 8 |
| 2013 | 26.8 MPG | 23.7 | 33.2 | $2725 | 348 | 6 |
| 2012 | 24.8 MPG | 21.8 | 30 | $2825 | 359 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Beetle ranks 43 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Prizm (29.3), Ford Focus FWD FFV (29.3), Hyundai Veloster (29.3), Audi A4 (30), BMW 330i (30).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 308 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Beetle get?
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle is rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA — 26 city and 33 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 27.5 MPG, ranging from 24 to 34 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Beetle cost in fuel per year?
At 29 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 517 gallons — roughly $1655 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.110 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2019 model is $2150.
Has the Volkswagen Beetle become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 24.8 MPG in 2012 to 29 in 2019 — an improvement of 4.2 MPG, or 17% across 8 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Beetle efficient for its class?
It ranks 43 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 2.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.