The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible gets 29 MPG combined, which isn’t record-breaking, but it’s reasonable for a stylish convertible. People who buy this Beetle usually want a comfortable, retro car for weekend trips and sunny days rather than the best gas mileage. The fuel economy is acceptable for the experience.

City and highway performance

The 2019 Beetle Convertible has a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how much gas it uses in stop-and-go traffic, where the engine has to work harder and aerodynamics don’t matter as much. The highway number shows that the engine can run efficiently at steady speeds. This difference is normal for most cars, but it’s important for drivers who mainly drive their Beetle in the city instead of on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is $1,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average gas prices. Your fuel costs will change depending on local gas prices and how you drive, but this is a good starting point for planning. If you drive much more than 15,000 miles a year or live where gas is more expensive, you’ll probably spend more. If you only use the Beetle for short trips, you might spend less than the EPA estimate. Before committing, see all Volkswagen fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are useful, but real-world fuel economy can change based on several things. If you accelerate quickly, take frequent short trips, or idle for a long time, this can make your MPG worse. Weather, especially cold weather, can also lower MPG. If you want to save gas, drive smoothly, avoid unnecessary idling, and make sure your tires have enough air.

How it compares

Fuel economy depends on the type of vehicle. While 29 MPG combined isn’t amazing, it’s important to compare it to other convertibles. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, gets an estimated 29 MPG combined with its automatic transmission. The MINI Cooper Convertible gets about 27-29 MPG combined depending on the engine and transmission. A similarly priced small hatchback like the Honda Civic Hatchback can get much better fuel economy (around 35 MPG combined), but it doesn’t have a convertible top like the Beetle. For a broader view, check out BEETLE MPG across all years. This comparison shows that Beetle buyers are often willing to use more gas for the unique style and open-top experience that this car offers.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The six-speed automatic transmission in the Beetle Convertible shifts early to save fuel. Letting the car shift gears automatically, instead of using manual shift mode (if the car has it), is the best way to get good MPG every day. Don’t accelerate quickly from stop lights, and drive at a steady speed on the highway.

Tire pressure is important. If your tires don’t have enough air, it makes the car harder to move, the engine has to work harder, and you use more gas. Check your tire pressure regularly, every couple of weeks, and make sure it’s at the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. A tire pressure gauge is a cheap way to maintain good efficiency.

Keep the top up. The convertible top is a main feature of the Beetle, driving with the top down makes the car less aerodynamic. This is especially true at higher speeds. If you’re driving on the highway for a long time, keep the top up to reduce wind resistance and save gas.

Combine trips, if you can. Short trips use more fuel because the engine hasn’t warmed up enough. Combining errands into one trip lets the engine warm up fully and run more efficiently, using less gas.