2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Review

Name: 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Review
Brand: Volkswagen

Price Range: $17,999 - $30,998

2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 2.0T Dune Exterior. Options Shown.

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Volkswagen Beetle Convertible model years

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by James Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick has been testing cars and writing about them for more than 20 years. He was the senior reviews editor for Autoblog and previously served multiple editor roles here at Edmunds. He has also contributed to Autotrader, Car and Driver, Hagerty, JD Power and Autoguide Magazine. He has been interested in cars forever; his mom took him to the Toronto Auto Show when he was 18 months old and has attended at least one every year since (OK, except in 2020). He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 in James Bond blue and a 2023 Kia Niro EV.}

Pros

More practical and comfortable than other small convertibles
Turbo engine provides a good mix of power and fuel economy
Stylish interior design

Cons

Awkward cargo hatch
Poor rearward visibility
Limited secure interior storage

What’s new

There are significant changes for the 2018 VW Beetle Convertible. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine replaces last year's 1.8-liter. It has the same power ratings but is more fuel-efficient. There are also fewer trim levels for 2018, with a simplified choice of S, SE, Dune and the new Coast limited-edition version. Finally, like every 2018 Volkswagen, the Beetle gets a new six-year warranty.

Vehicle overview

It's not easy to find an inexpensive convertible. Drop-tops are few and far between to begin with, and those on the lower end of the price scale are an absolute rarity. Pleasingly, though, the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is just such a vehicle.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Marion, OH

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2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
2.0T SE Convertible
$17,999
great price
$4,207 below market
- 91,532 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, rental vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Driveway (1,978 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Fresno, CA
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Satellite Rad...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (26 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3VW5DAAT6JM511894
Stock: JM511894PRX
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
2.0T S Convertible
$23,990
fair price
$924 above market
- 42,480 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, rental vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Carvana - Tampa (874 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Tampa, FL
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (26 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3VW5DAAT6JM504721
Stock: 2003650489
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-10-2025

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True, as a Beetle, it comes with iconic styling and a half-century's worth of reputation, expectation and even stigma wrapped up in its kitschy package. It will never be for everyone. But judged solely on its merits as a convertible, the Beetle is a comparatively sensible choice.

First and foremost, it is larger and more comfortable than its primary points of comparison: the Mini Convertible and the barely-a-convertible Fiat 500C. Is its cabin spacious? No, but it's also not clown-car-cramped. Its bigger size contributes to a greater sense of refinement and better ride quality. Its ride isn't choppy like the Mini's and Fiat's.

Now, it certainly isn't the sharpest car to drive (a Mini or Mazda MX-5 would be a better call if you're looking for that), but it's hard to complain about the engine. New for 2018 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It produces the same 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque as last year's engine, but it is more fuel-efficient. By comparison, a comparably priced Mini has 134 horsepower, while the Fiat 500C has 101 hp.

Ultimately, the Beetle's combination of size, refinement and power translates into a bigger-convertible feel at a reasonable small-convertible price. You'll still be dealing with compromised cargo space (which you will in almost every convertible) and limited rear visibility (ditto), but based on its objective merits, the Beetle is a great drop-top choice.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.2 / 10

For better or for worse, the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle convertible is just that — a drop-top Beetle. Some will love it; others will hate it. Yet its combination of a just-right size, a refined interior and an enjoyable turbocharged engine makes the Beetle a great convertible for the price.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8T Dune (turbo 1.8L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Beetle has received some revisions, including a new engine that's now standard in every variation, including the Dune. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Beetle.

Scorecard

Overall	7.2 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	5.0

Driving

7.0

Acceleration should be strong whether you're pulling away from a stoplight or looking to overtake on the freeway. But braking effort is higher than anticipated because the brakes aren't quick to respond. The Dune's raised ride height and comfort-oriented suspension hamper handling.

Acceleration

8.0

The Beetle gets a new 2.0-liter turbo engine for 2018, but given that it has the same output as its 1.8-liter predecessor, we would expect it to turn in a comparable 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds, quick for its class.

Braking

5.0

Like other VWs, there's a lack of initial braking force that makes it difficult to slow the Beetle smoothly. There's also a lot of pedal travel, so stops require more force than expected. Stopping power is impressive, though. We measured a very good 115-foot distance in our panic-stop test from 60 mph.

Steering

6.0

Steering effort is a bit heavier than expected, making the Beetle feel more controllable at highway speeds than its rivals yet very light when maneuvering at low speeds. The thin-rimmed steering wheel feels a little flimsy.

Handling

7.0

The Dune's raised suspension feels nice around town, but around tight corners, there's a noticeable amount of body roll. Every other Beetle would be better, but none is truly engaging. Don't expect a VW GTI, or even a Golf, in retro clothing.

Drivability

7.0

The Beetle does most things right and is easy to drive. Its engine and transmission are responsive, and its steering makes it easy to maneuver in parking lots. Rear visibility, however, does not.

Off-road

The Dune features 6.3 inches of ground clearance, which is far from SUV-like but more than what you'd get in any other convertible not named Wrangler or Evoque. You can literally take it off the road, but not very far.

Comfort

8.0

Though Volkswagen plays off the 2018 Beetle's style, this is one of the more comfortable and refined small convertibles (perhaps the most). The seats hug you without being oppressive, and the suspension dispatches road imperfections without transmitting any harshness to the driver.

Seat comfort

8.0

The seat bottom isn't long enough to provide taller drivers with outstanding thigh support. Otherwise, the seats feel supportive and comfortable, and the cloth upholstery offers good cushioning. Adjustable lumbar support isn't standard in this class, so we're happy the Beetle offers it.

Ride comfort

8.0

The Beetle's ride is far more comfortable and generally civilized than what you'd get in its handful of competitors. Impacts are well-controlled, and the Beetle never feels jittery. And although the Dune's raised suspension doesn't do much for handling, it improves the ride.

Interior

7.0

The Beetle is bigger and generally easier to use than its few competitors. Its roof is also high enough for a pair of tall adults in the front. Visibility out the back is hampered by a small window surrounded by the convertible top.

Ease of use

8.0

The controls are logically placed, clearly labeled and within reach of front-seat occupants. Climate controls are simple, and the steering wheel buttons are easy to operate without having to change your grip much. The roof goes up and down with the touch of a single button.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

The fairly large doors make getting into and out of the Beetle easy, but their size can limit how far they can be opened in a parking lot. Rear passengers will have a very easy time of getting in the back with the roof down, but they understandably will struggle with it raised.

Roominess

7.5

There's plenty of headroom for those in the front, although two adults are likely to brush elbows. The rear seats are comfortable, but minimal amounts of leg- and headroom diminish their long-distance usefulness. It's more of a parcel shelf.

Visibility

5.0

Forward and side visibility is just fine thanks to the large windshield and windows. Rear visibility is compromised due to the large pillars, rear headrests and small rear window. The standard rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors are appreciated.

Quality

7.0

A slight creaking noise came from the dash in our tester, but otherwise build quality was solid. Interior materials looked and felt fine but weren't class-leading or VW's best. Its hard, body-colored plastic trim is an acquired taste.

Convertible top

The power soft top is operated fully by the press of a button. Operation is reasonably quick. A separate tonneau cover can be placed over the lowered roof, but it must be stored somewhere when not in use.

Utility

5.0

There isn't a lot of space for your personal items in the cabin, and the trunk is not only small but accessed by an awkward opening. On the upside, virtually every other comparably sized or priced convertible suffers from trunk issues.

Small-item storage

The gimmicky door nets are a poor substitute for actual cubbies, and the armrest bin doesn't hold much. But there's a good amount of space under the center stack.

Cargo space

The tiny 7.1-cubic-foot trunk has a small, upright opening suitable for a couple of bags but little else. Unfortunately, the top-hinged trunk hatch makes loading awkward. A very narrow pass-through behind the rear seats will help with longer items.

Technology

As far as infotainment systems go, the VW Beetle's isn't cutting-edge, but it is relatively easy to use and the screen resolution is sharp enough to read at a quick glance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are found on all but the most basic, optionless S trim.

Audio & navigation

There's a standard 5-inch touchscreen, but the 6.3-inch one is found on most trims. It uses a nice mix of physical and digital controls. It's easy to use and includes CarPlay and Android Auto, but it's a couple inches too small by contemporary standards.

Driver aids

A rearview camera is standard, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems are available, but that's it. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking or lane keeping assist aren't offered.

Compare 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible models

The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle is a two-door, four-passenger convertible with a standard power-operated soft-top. There are four trim levels: S, Coast, SE and Dune. The Dune boasts a slightly raised suspension for more ground clearance, but otherwise all are mechanically the same. Every Beetle comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission available.

The base S comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, heated mirrors, a fully powered retractable soft-top, a separate tonneau/boot cover for the lowered roof, a rearview camera, height-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, the Composition Color 5-inch touchscreen interface, one USB port, and an eight-speaker sound system that includes a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a media player interface.

The Style & Comfort package adds 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, extra body-color exterior trim, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, the Composition Media 6.3-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radios, and VW Car-Net App-Connect (adds various smartphone-integration apps, most notably Android Auto and Apple CarPlay). Every Beetle convertible can be fitted with a removable wind blocker placed over the back seats. It's a dealer-installed accessory.

The special-edition Coast trim includes all of the above plus a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, and special design elements (a unique Deep Sea Teal paint option, a surfboard-look dash pad, houndstooth cloth upholstery and special floor mats). The Coast Light package adds bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights.

The SE includes all of the Coast's extra equipment apart from the special design elements. It also adds dual-zone automatic climate control and VW Car-Net Security & Service emergency communications. Its SE Premium package adds 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, the bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, a Fender audio system, and the Discover Media 6.3-inch touchscreen that essentially adds a navigation system to the Composition Media system.

The Beetle Dune features extra ground clearance, a wider track and exterior design elements, plus 18-inch wheels, faux leather and cloth upholstery, front sport seats, and all of the SE Premium's added elements apart from Discover Media, which is not available. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems and VW Car-Net Security and Service are also not available on the Dune.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 2.0T S 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.08 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$132/mo

$162/mo

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Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

39 reviews

5(69%)

4(16%)

3(5%)

2(5%)

1(5%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Beachy Keen!

Jeff, 01/31/2019

2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 2.0T S 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I adore this car. I have had American, Asian and German automobiles. This German/Mexico built sun rider is the best and most fun all around vehicle I have ever had. The sound/entertainment system is outstanding. Comfort is excellent. Mood lighting is striking and fun. I find reasons to ride around in this car because it is very sporty and fun. I get more compliments on this vehicle than …

Beetle Convertible Defect

lovehatebeet, 05/13/2015

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

My dream car, a 2014 VW Beetle Convertible soon became a nightmare. Noisy, inconsistent, & unpredictable, it spent way too much time in the Service Department than on the road. After they claimed it was fixed by VW Engineers, I was driving down HWY 111 when the convertible control panel fell out of the roof nearly hitting me in the face as it swung back-and-forth almost causing an …

Head rests too limiting

Faith, 09/25/2016

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T w/Sound, Navigation, Prod. End 12/14 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Haven't had it long but so far I love it. Fun to drive with lots of spunk. The cons are: climate control is either too much or not enough. Doesn't seem to be much of a middle road; Major issue with visibility. The head rests in back present a big blind spot when backing out. Of course the camera helps but can't give visual past each sides limits. I don't see any way around this without …

Classy,sex and spunky

Becca T, 05/22/2019

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T w/Technology 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I have a 2015 Volkswagen Convertible Beetle. I LOVE this car. I travel for work and am on and off the expressways. I often have to parallel park in Chicago and fit into tight spaces. I get around 35 miles to the gallon on expressway. And...don't get me started on the excitement of the turbo power getting on the expressway. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. Let's talk …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, so we've included reviews for other years of the Beetle Convertible since its last redesign.

See all 39 reviews of the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

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2018 Beetle Convertible Highlights

Trim:

2.0T S

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$25,440
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$132/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	7.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	6 years / 72,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Beetle Convertible models:

Automotive Rollover Support System: Two bars automatically pop up in the event of a roll-over situation. Makes up for the lack of a full, solid roof.
VW Car-Net Security & Service: Automatically informs emergency services in the event of a crash. Also includes an emergency response button.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System: Automatically applies the brakes in the event of a collision, reducing the likelihood of a secondary impact.