2004 Volkswagen New BeetleFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Diesel Subcompact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
32
MPG
Highway
42
MPG
Combined
36
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 5 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
43.9MPG average+22.0% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 36 MPG · Owner reported avg: 43.9 MPG
Range: 40–56 MPG
Driving mix: City 38% / Highway 63%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 43.9 real world MPG based on 5 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 36 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Manual 5-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
32
Hwy
42
Comb
36
Fuel cost: $2,350/yr
Automatic (S6)
Diesel Diesel
City
30
Hwy
38
Comb
33
Fuel cost: $2,550/yr
Manual 5-spd
Premium
City
21
Hwy
28
Comb
24
Fuel cost: $3,400/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
28
Comb
24
Fuel cost: $2,800/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
28
Comb
24
Fuel cost: $2,800/yr
Manual 6-spd
Premium
City
20
Hwy
28
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $3,550/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Premium
City
20
Hwy
27
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $3,550/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-spd | Diesel Diesel | 32 | 42 | 36 | $2,350 |
| Automatic (S6) | Diesel Diesel | 30 | 38 | 33 | $2,550 |
| Manual 5-spd | Premium | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Manual 6-spd | Premium | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,550 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,350
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$250
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 283 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 9.9 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 2L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 1.9L, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$1,871/yr
California
$5.957/gal$2,482/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$1,620/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$1,723/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$1,884/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$1,879/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,330/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$1,924/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$1,810/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$1,853/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $1,871/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $2,482/yrHIGHEST | +$611 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $1,620/yrLOWEST | $-251 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $1,723/yr | $-148 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $1,884/yr | +$13 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $1,879/yr | +$8 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,330/yr | +$459 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $1,924/yr | +$53 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $1,810/yr | $-61 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $1,853/yr | $-18 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 36 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Volkswagen New Beetle MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year