Shown: 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Cabriolet. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Newest year: 2005
Gas
Diesel
Small cars

2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle MPG & Fuel Cost

6 model years · 22–38 MPG combined

Combined

City

Highway

Annual fuel cost · New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD

$2,720

15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)

Cheaper to fuel than 8 of 10 small car configurations, MY2005. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.

Next generation: 2006-2010

2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle at a glance

The 2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle covers 6 model years in the EPA database (51 configurations in all), rated 22–38 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2005, costs about $2,700 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD (35 MPG), at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). Powertrains over the years: gas and diesel. EPA changed the ratings in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. The best combined rating in the generation, 38 MPG, was reached in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle by model year

2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle: EPA combined rating and yearly fuel cost for each model year
Model year	Powertrains	Combined	$/yr	EPA ratings
2005	Gas, Diesel	22–35 MPG	$2,700–$3,650	Ratings changed
2004	Gas, Diesel	22–36 MPG	$2,620–$3,650	Ratings changed
2003	Gas, Diesel	22–38 MPG	$2,480–$3,650	Ratings changed
2002	Gas, Diesel	23–38 MPG	$2,480–$3,490	Ratings changed
2001	Gas, Diesel	22–38 MPG	$2,480–$3,650	Ratings changed
2000	Gas, Diesel	22–38 MPG	$2,480–$3,650	First year

What the 2005 New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs to drive

Per month

$227

$2,720 a year ÷ 12

Per 25 miles

$4.53

Per 100 miles

$18.13

Five years

$13,600

5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level

vs the small car median

$930less a year

Class median $3,650 a year, MY2005

Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2005 Volkswagen Beetle MPG

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2004: The most efficient configuration moves from 36 to 35 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,620 to $2,700, $80 more.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L

Combined

22–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–35 MPG

Per year

$2,700–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (8)

2005 Volkswagen Beetle gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
New Beetle Convertible 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	22	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	22	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic (S6)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	19	28	23	$2,840
New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic (S6)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	19	28	22	$2,970
New Beetle Convertible 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	28	22	$3,650
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	28	22	$3,650

4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2005 Volkswagen Beetle diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	32	41	35	$2,700
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	30	38	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2004 Volkswagen Beetle MPG

22–36 MPG · $2,620–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2003: The most efficient configuration moves from 38 to 36 MPG, down 2. Its annual cost goes from $2,480 to $2,620, $140 more.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L

Combined

22–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–36 MPG

Per year

$2,620–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (9)

2004 Volkswagen Beetle gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
New Beetle Convertible 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	27	23	$3,490

Show 0 more configurations

2004 Volkswagen Beetle gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+3)
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	28	23	$3,490
New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic (S6)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	19	28	22	$2,970
New Beetle Convertible 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	26	22	$3,650

5 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2004 Volkswagen Beetle diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	32	42	36	$2,620
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	30	38	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2003 Volkswagen Beetle MPG

22–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2002: The most efficient configuration stays at 38 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,480.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L

Combined

22–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–38 MPG

Per year

$2,480–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (9)

2003 Volkswagen Beetle gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	29	24	$2,720
New Beetle Convertible 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	23	$2,840
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	20	27	23	$2,840
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	27	23	$3,490

Show 0 more configurations

2003 Volkswagen Beetle gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+3)
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	28	23	$3,490
New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic (S6)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	19	26	22	$2,970
New Beetle Convertible 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	26	22	$3,650

5 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2003 Volkswagen Beetle diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	35	44	38	$2,480
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	29	39	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2002 Volkswagen Beetle MPG

23–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,490/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2001: The most efficient configuration stays at 38 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,480.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L

Combined

23–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,490

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–38 MPG

Per year

$2,480–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (5)

2002 Volkswagen Beetle gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	20	27	23	$2,840
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	28	23	$3,490
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	27	23	$3,490

3 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2002 Volkswagen Beetle diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	35	44	38	$2,480
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	29	39	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2001 Volkswagen Beetle MPG

22–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2000: The most efficient configuration stays at 38 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,480.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L

Combined

22–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–38 MPG

Per year

$2,480–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (4)

2001 Volkswagen Beetle gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	22	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	20	26	22	$2,970
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	26	22	$3,650

2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2001 Volkswagen Beetle diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	35	44	38	$2,480
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	29	40	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2000 Volkswagen Beetle MPG

22–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L

Combined

22–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–38 MPG

Per year

$2,480–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (4)

2000 Volkswagen Beetle gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	22	28	24	$3,350
New Beetle 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	19	26	22	$2,970
New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	25	22	$3,650

2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2000 Volkswagen Beetle diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	35	44	38	$2,480
New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	29	40	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Fuel cost by state

Yearly cost of the New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD: $3,700 in California and $2,370 in Texas, a $1,330 difference.

California $3,700
Washington $3,430
New York $2,720
Florida $2,570
Texas $2,370

Gasoline prices: California: California state average; Washington: Washington state average; New York: New York state average; Florida: Florida state average; Texas: Texas state average (Sep 2026).

Fuel cost in every state

Similar cars

Closest combined MPG among MY2005 small car models.

2005 Volkswagen Jetta

24 MPG · $2,720/yr

2005 Volkswagen Golf / GTI

24 MPG · $2,720/yr

2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

24 MPG · $3,350/yr

2005 Audi A4

24 MPG · $3,350/yr

EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026 · Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal) · 15,000 mi/yr, 55% city / 45% highway · How we calculate

Generations

All Volkswagen Beetle years All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

What gas mileage does the 2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle get?

EPA rates the 2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle at 22–38 MPG combined across 51 configurations and 6 model years. The most efficient version, the 2003 New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD, is rated 38 MPG (35 city, 44 highway). By powertrain: Gas: 22–24 MPG; Diesel: 33–38 MPG.

Which years had the best MPG in the 2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle?

The New Beetle 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 38 MPG, in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. The lowest top rating, 35 MPG, was in 2005.

Did EPA ratings change during the 2000-2005 Volkswagen Beetle?

Yes. Ratings changed in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle per year?

Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,720 a year. Across all 10 configurations the cost runs $2,700–$3,650 a year. That is a $950 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.

How much does it cost to drive a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle 100 miles?

About $18.13 per 100 miles for the New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $18.00 and $24.33 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.

Is the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle more efficient in the city or on the highway?

The New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD is rated 21 city and 28 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 7 MPG.

How does the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle compare with other small car configurations?

The New Beetle Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,720 a year to fuel, $930 less than the class median of $3,650, and less than 8 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 370 rated small car configurations for MY2005, not weighted by sales.

Is the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle different from the 2004 model?

The most efficient configuration moves from 36 to 35 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,620 to $2,700, $80 more. EPA lists 10 configurations for 2005 against 11 configurations for 2004. See the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle for that year.