Volkswagen · 1998–2015 · Diesel

Volkswagen Beetle Diesel MPG by year

The EPA has rated 12 model years of the Volkswagen Beetle Diesel, from 1998 to 2015. The most fuel-efficient year is the 2003, at 38 MPG combined in its best configuration. The best 2015 model is 11% less efficient than the best 1998 model (34 vs. 38 MPG). The 2015 model is 17% more efficient than the median compact car that year (34 vs. 29 MPG).

Most efficient year200338 MPG combined
Latest (2015)34 MPG$1,632/yr to fuel
First rated (1998)38 MPG$1,461/yr at today's prices
Model years rated1228 configurations

Combined MPG by model year

  • Beetle Diesel, most efficient version
  • Range across configurations
  • Class median

Shaded band: range across that year's configurations. Class median: same-year models in the same class, rated in MPG. Click a point to open that model year; the table below lists every value.

Every Beetle Diesel model year

YearTypeBest combinedCity / HwyClass medianRangeConfigsFuel / yr
2015 Diesel 34 MPG
lowest 33
30 / 39 29 — 4 $1,632
2014 Diesel 32 MPG
lowest 30
28 / 40 23 — 3 $1,734
2013 Diesel 32 MPG
lowest 30
28 / 40 28.5 — 3 $1,734
2006 Diesel 34 MPG
lowest 33
31 / 40 20 — 2 $1,632
2005 Diesel 35 MPG
lowest 33
32 / 41 19 — 2 $1,586
2004 Diesel 36 MPG
lowest 33
32 / 42 19 — 2 $1,542
2003 Diesel 38 MPG
lowest 33
35 / 44 19 — 2 $1,461
2002 Diesel 38 MPG
lowest 33
35 / 44 22 — 2 $1,461
2001 Diesel 38 MPG
lowest 33
35 / 44 21.5 — 2 $1,461
2000 Diesel 38 MPG
lowest 33
35 / 44 22 — 2 $1,461
1999 Diesel 38 MPG
lowest 33
35 / 44 23 — 2 $1,461
1998 Diesel 38 MPG
lowest 33
34 / 43 23 — 2 $1,461

Fuel cost uses today's default prices for every year so model years compare like for like. Sort any column.

Compare Beetle Diesel model years

See how much a newer Beetle Diesel would save over an older one.

Models similar to the Volkswagen Beetle Diesel

Other Volkswagen Beetle versions

Frequently asked questions

Which Volkswagen Beetle Diesel year has the best fuel economy?

The 1998 Volkswagen Beetle Diesel, rated up to 38 MPG combined. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.70/gal diesel fuel, that works out to about $1,461 a year.

Which Volkswagen Beetle Diesel year has the worst fuel economy?

The 2013 model, whose most efficient version is rated 32 MPG combined (about $1,734 a year to fuel).

What is the fuel economy of the latest Volkswagen Beetle Diesel?

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Diesel is rated up to 34 MPG combined.

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