Volkswagen New Beetle
23 MPG The 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2010 run it averages 26 MPG, falling by 5.8 MPG over 13 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 | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $2700 | 386 | 2 |
| 2009 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $2700 | 386 | 2 |
| 2008 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $2700 | 386 | 2 |
| 2007 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $2700 | 386 | 2 |
| 2006 | 28.3 MPG | 25.3 | 33.8 | $2513 | 345 | 4 |
| 2005 | 26.8 MPG | 23.8 | 31.8 | $2767 | 355 | 6 |
| 2004 | 26.7 MPG | 23.6 | 31.3 | $2800 | 354 | 7 |
| 2003 | 26.9 MPG | 23.7 | 31.7 | $2800 | 354 | 7 |
| 2002 | 26.9 MPG | 23.7 | 31.6 | $2800 | 354 | 7 |
| 2001 | 27.2 MPG | 24.5 | 32 | $2758 | 354 | 6 |
| 2000 | 27.2 MPG | 24.2 | 31.8 | $2758 | 354 | 6 |
| 1999 | 27.2 MPG | 24.5 | 31.8 | $2758 | 354 | 6 |
| 1998 | 28.8 MPG | 25.5 | 33.3 | $2513 | 346 | 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 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen New Beetle ranks 103 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 318i/318is (23.5), Nissan Pulsar NX (23.5), Subaru Hatchback (23.5), Volkswagen Cabrio (23.5), BMW 230i xDrive Convertible (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 386 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen New Beetle get?
The 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 28.5 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 26 MPG, ranging from 21 to 38 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen New Beetle cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2010 model is $2700.
Has the Volkswagen New Beetle become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 28.8 MPG in 1998 to 23 in 2010. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Volkswagen New Beetle efficient for its class?
It ranks 103 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 1.2 worse 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.