Written byThe Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most iconic cars in the history of the automobile. Originally launched during the 1930s, it became a worldwide sensation due to its smaller footprint, retro styling, and zippy driving experience. It carried on over the decades, evolving yet retaining that classic charm. It was always popular with drivers who wanted quirky looks and practicality. The Beetle or weekend cruiser impacted auto enthusiasts around the globe–be it a daily driver or not.
Volkswagen indeed axed the Beetle in 2019, which also completes a story. That decision left many fans looking for cars like the Volkswagen Beetle—those vehicles with a bit of nostalgia, pop appeal, and driving fun. The Beetle had a distinct character, but a handful of contemporary cars mirror the retro looks and small footprint, and resort to a fun driving experience. Some options steer purely on traditional design features, while others deliver contemporary tech with a touch of nostalgia.
Here are some of the best Volkswagen Beetle alternatives available today, from the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 to the electric Honda E and BMW i3. We have everything you need, from fuel-efficient city cars to sportier two-door coupes to retro electric vehicles.
So here we go, the best Beetle competitors that deliver that same vibe, a dash of pizzazz and excitement behind the wheel.
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#1. MINI Cooper
Riding the line between modern-day Beetle and time capsule, the MINI Cooper is one of the most Beetle-like cars you can buy today thanks to its everlasting retro vibe married to small stature and a fun drive experience. With its British roots and signature styling, the MINI is more than just a car; it’s an accessory. If you’re charmed by its quirky disposition or enjoy a fun-to-drive hatchback as an alternative to the Beetle, this one’s for you.
Engine & Performance
With its turbocharged 3- and 4-cylinder engine options, the MINI Cooper is sure to be a peppy little thing to drive. The base engine is a 134-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, while an 189-hp 2.0-liter turbo is already familiar from Cooper S applications here, too. If you need more, the high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) model packs 228 horsepower, making it a hot hatch.
The MINI excels with its handling and go-kart feel. Quick steering, a low center of gravity, and an agile nature make it an absolute hoot to drive, whether navigating tight city streets or those back road windy bits.
Interior & Features
Open the doors, and its retro-appearing inside greets you with premium surfaces and modern technology, all modern MINI approaches. Coupled with a round touchscreen, the circular MINI-inspired infotainment system features full HD, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Other highlights include:
Why It’s Similar to the Volkswagen Beetle
The MINI Cooper has earned a devoted following as an icon, just like the Volkswagen Beetle. Both cars are focused on the fun factor and the personality driving experience, offering a compact and stylish package that is more fun than practical. The MINI Cooper is an excellent option for a fun, modern, and enjoyable alternative.
#2. Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is an adorable, retro-styled town-dwelling motor vehicle that mixes classic Italian aesthetic appeals with modern-day practicality. Its mid-sized body is ideal for backroads, too, and it surely is a head-turner when rolling down the main drag. First revived in the late 2000s, the 500 has long appealed to buyers who cherish quirky styling with efficiency and spirited handling.
Engine & Efficiency
Small, fuel-efficient engines for urban driving power the Fiat 500. A 1.4L MultiAir inline-4 serves as the essential power plant for the standard model, while a turbocharged version with more extraordinary output powers sportier Abarth versions. Thanks to its low curb weight and peppy powertrain, the 500 also returns excellent fuel economy, typically exceeding 30 mpg combined. It is a blast to drive with its good handling and optional manual transmission.
Interior & Features
The interior of the Fiat 500 sticks to a relatively minimal yet functional theme compared to the outwardly quirky exterior, with a series of vintage-style dials and controls similar to the original model. It provides a sufficiently device-friendly navigation system with touchscreen support, Bluetooth support, and innovative gadget connection options. The top line includes leather upholstery, a premium Beats audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and automatic climate control. The 500 puts interior space to the best use possible with several nifty storage solutions and rear seats that fold down.
Why It’s Similar to the Volkswagen Beetle
The Fiat 500 is like one of its biggest rivals, the Volkswagen Beetle, in terms of quirky styling, compact exterior dimensions, and an engaging driving experience. Both cars provide distinct retro appeal while effectively remaining practical for daily usage. Both have a smaller footprint, are easy to maneuver on city streets, and appeal to drivers looking for style, cost of ownership, and personality.
#3. Honda e
Honda e is a retro-styled nugget of electric cuteness. Intended for city use, this small EV impresses with retro-inspired detailing, swoopy lines, and cutting-edge LED lighting. The quirky Honda E may be small but big on innovation and fun to drive.
Performance & Range
Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup, the Honda E offers a fun and lively driving experience, a quality rare among smaller EVs. Using a single electric motor, it gets up to 152 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque and is relatively quick off the line. Its use case is a city commuting vehicle with a 35.5 kWh battery and a 137-mile range. When using the fast-charging mode, it can get to 80 % (which only takes 30 min) in no time at all.
With a low center of gravity and a 50:50 weight distribution, the car handles extremely well, making city driving a sophisticated experience. Its ultra-tight turning radius makes it easy to maneuver even in the most jammed streets or when parallel parking.
Interior & Features
The Honda E differs from the outside because it comes alive inside, just like a mighty tech lover. The minimalist dashboard has a digital setup across five screens, including 12.3-inch infotainment displays that enable seamless connectivity. Side cameras substitute traditional mirrors without compromising aerodynamics but provide broader perspectives. The voice-enabled Honda Personal Assistant responds to voice commands for extra convenience.
The interior is significant for its size, with a lounge vibe emphasizing comfort. The cabin wears heated seats and a wood-trimmed dashboard with premium materials, making it feel more upscale than most compact EVs.
Why It’s Similar to the Volkswagen Beetle
Similar in appearance to the Volkswagen-New Beetle, the Honda E adopts a retro look but provides a thoroughly modern drive. The two cars have a compact footprint, making them great for navigating the city streets. Their unique styling and entertaining driving dynamics make them distinct alternatives for shoppers who want some personality and soul from a small vehicle.
The Honda e is retro and modern at the same time, combining beautifully styled retro looks with an impressively advanced interior. It is also on our shortlist of more quirky, stylish, and sustainable city cars.
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#4. BMW i3
The BMW i3 is a thoroughly premium compact electric vehicle that looks as unique as the rest of its elements. It is notable for being BMW’s first mass-produced EV, featuring a lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body and a sustainability-focused interior. Most unique among them is its distinct futuristic aesthetics, rear-hinged doors, and tall stature, ensuring it would be one of the more memorable EVs on the road.
Performance & Efficiency
The BMW i3 has an electric powertrain with immediate torque and a smooth, silent ride. The standard model, with a 168-horsepower electric motor and a 42.2-kWh battery, will be rated at an estimated 153 miles of range. BMW even had an optional range extender (REx) model available, which added a small two-cylinder gasoline engine to power a generator and extend the driving range. Thanks to its lightweight design and efficient powertrain, the i3 delivers an engaging blend of performance and eco-friendly driving.
DC’s fast-charging capability (80% charge in ~40 minutes) also makes it easy to charge the i3. A full charge using a Level 2 home charger can be achieved in about six hours. This rear—wheel—drive architecture—combined with a tiny turning radius—gives the i3 a good amount of agility for the city confines it’s bred for.
Interior & Features
Evoking its sustainable design, the interior of the i3 is constructed with recycled plastics, renewable wood, and natural fibers. A floating infotainment screen is the centerpiece of a minimalist dashboard, and the absence of a central transmission tunnel allows for an open, spacious vibe. Navigation, a premium sound system, and driver-assistance technologies come standard. The little i3 is practical, inheriting a surprising amount of space from its larger dimensions and large roof.
Why It’s Similar to the Volkswagen Beetle
The VW Beetle was a quirky, tiny, and unmistakable car whose overriding considerations were efficiency and the urban environment. In fact, both cars embrace green innovation—from the early Beetle’s fuel economy roots to the i3’s electric plug-in and eco-friendly interior materials. All share unique styling, suitability for dense urban environments, and progressive design elements.
#5. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 is a do-it-all convertible with two doors and an enormous sense of fun. It is quirky, compact, and old-school-looking, just like the Volkswagen Beetle, making it pop! The Miata is one of the most brilliant sports cars you can buy; it is light and rear-wheel-drive.
Engine & Driving Experience
Responsible for propelling the Miata is a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-banger with 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight chassis is coupled with a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, ensuring the car is nimble while providing a fun, connected driving experience. A six-speed manual provides driver engagement, and an automatic adds convenience. With its prompt steering and taut suspension, the Miata comes alive on winding roads — its temperament somewhat akin to that of a spirited Beetle.
Interior & Features
The Miata’s interior is driver-focused, with sporty bucket seats, quality materials, and a modern layout. The small cabin includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an available Bose premium sound system for connectivity. The manual soft top is simple, giving immediate access to open-air motoring excitement.
Why It’s Similar to the Volkswagen Beetle
They both offer a spirit of fun, a compact design, and an agelessness that speaks to the hearts of car enthusiasts. In a way, the Miata represents what the Beetle was about: fun driving, though the Miata is more of a sports car. It was and still is a perfect blend of nostalgic, easy-to-maneuver styling and comfort as a modern-day answer for those pining for the carefree life in a Beetle.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Beetle may be gone, but plenty of fantastic alternatives carry on its legacy in unique ways. Whether you’re looking for retro charm, modern performance, or eco-friendly innovation, there’s a perfect replacement out there for you.
For those who love the Beetle’s iconic design, the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500 deliver a similar nostalgic appeal with modern conveniences. If sporty performance is your priority, the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers an exhilarating drive with a sleek, compact body. Drivers seeking an eco-friendly alternative will appreciate the Honda E and Mini Cooper , which blend quirky styling with zero-emissions driving—meanwhile, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz brings a fresh take on classic VW heritage, making it a compelling option for Beetle fans who want something spacious and electric.
Each model caters to different needs: style, sustainability, or driving excitement. What is the best way to find your ideal Beetle alternative? Take a test drive and see which one feels like the perfect fit!
Which car do you think best replaces the Volkswagen Beetle? Let us know in the comments!
