- Gas
- Small cars
- MY2000–2019
Volkswagen Beetle MPG & Fuel Cost by Year
19 model years · 2000–2019
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Volkswagen Beetle fuel economy at a glance
EPA has rated the Volkswagen Beetle for 19 model years, 2000 to 2019. Across those years its combined rating runs 22–38 MPG. The latest model year, 2019, has 2 configurations rated 29 MPG combined and costing $2,270 a year to fuel at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient configuration on record since 2000 is the 2003 New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD, at 38 MPG. EPA ratings go back to 1984: the earliest rating on this page is 38 MPG in 1998.
Volkswagen Beetle MPG by year
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Diesel (MPG) | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-2019 (A5) Generation page | |||
| 2019 | 29 | — | $2,270 |
| 2018 | 29 | — | $2,260–$2,270 |
| 2017 | 26–28 | — | $2,370–$2,560 |
| 2016 | 26–28 | — | $2,350–$2,550 |
| 2015 | 25–27 | 33–34 | $2,380–$3,210 |
| 2014 | 23–27 | 31–32 | $2,380–$3,210 |
| 2013 | 23–25 | 31–32 | $2,610–$3,370 |
| 2012 | 24–25 | — | $2,610–$3,360 |
| 2006-2010 Generation page | |||
| 2010 | 23 | — | $2,840 |
| 2009 | 23 | — | $2,840 |
| 2008 | 23 | — | $2,840 |
| 2007 | 22–23 | — | $2,840–$2,970 |
| 2006 | 22–23 | 33–34 | $2,780–$2,970 |
| 2000-2005 Generation page | |||
| 2005 | 22–24 | 33–35 | $2,700–$3,650 |
| 2004 | 22–24 | 33–36 | $2,620–$3,650 |
| 2003 | 22–24 | 33–38 | $2,480–$3,650 |
| 2002 | 23–24 | 33–38 | $2,480–$3,490 |
| 2001 | 22–24 | 33–38 | $2,480–$3,650 |
| 2000 | 22–24 | 33–38 | $2,480–$3,650 |
Costs use the current EIA price set and 15,000 miles a year for every year, so years are comparable. Green marks the best year for each powertrain.
Volkswagen Beetle generations
3 generations between 2000 and 2019. Open one for the table of every model year and configuration.
2019 powertrain options
Volkswagen Beetle MPG history, 1998–1999
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Diesel (MPG) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 22–24 | 33–38 |
| 1998 | 21–23 | 33–38 |
EPA re-estimated the ratings of pre-2008 vehicles under its 2008 method; these are the re-estimated values.
More Volkswagen models
Frequently asked questions
What is the Volkswagen Beetle's gas mileage by year?
EPA combined ratings for the Volkswagen Beetle run 22–38 MPG across model years 2000 to 2019. The latest year, 2019, is rated 29 MPG.
Which Volkswagen Beetle model year has the best gas mileage?
The 2003 Volkswagen Beetle New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD has the highest combined rating since 2000, at 38 MPG.
How much does a Volkswagen Beetle cost to fuel per year?
For MY2019, EPA-rated configurations cost $2,270 a year to fuel, driving 15,000 miles at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient one costs $2,270.
Has the Volkswagen Beetle's fuel economy improved over time?
No. The most efficient configuration moved from 38 MPG in 2000 to 29 MPG in 2019, 9 MPG less. Going back further, the best rating in 1984 was 38 MPG.
Which Volkswagen Beetle model years have the same ratings?
EPA lists identical ratings as the previous year for 2009. The generation pages mark those years "same EPA ratings" and point to the year that holds the full table.