Compare the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle vs 2018 MINI Cooper

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The Volkswagen Beetle is among the most iconic cars in history. Drivers love its one-of-a-kind styling and responsive performance. A 72,000-mile, transferable warranty makes the Beetle an even better value. While the coupe version remains a popular choice, the convertible Beetle is perfect for summertime road trips. Exclusive trims, such as the adventurous Beetle Dune, further set this car apart from the competition.

If you are in the market for a small hatchback, the MINI Cooper may also catch your attention. Let’s see how the 2018 VW Beetle stacks up against the 2018 MINI Cooper.

Performance

Both of these cars have a fun-to-drive nature. This year, Volkswagen updated the Beetle with an all-new engine. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops a punchy 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Although the MINI Cooper feels responsive, it’s base 134-horsepower engine is not nearly as potent. When cruising around town, you will immediately feel the Beetle’s extra muscle under the hood. Another one of the Beetle’s highlights is its ultra-smooth ride. Its suspension system does a superb job of soaking up imperfections in the road.

Interior

You can count on the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle to provide a relaxing driving experience. You can certainly take advantage of the Beetle’s spacious driver’s seat. Wide bottom cushions help ensure all-day comfort and support. While the MINI Cooper may fit some people, others will not like its subcompact dimensions. If you need to haul around extra gear, the VW Beetle is clearly your best option. It provides a healthy 15.4 cubic feet of storage space in the rear. Meanwhile, the MINI Cooper has a cargo capacity of only 8.7 cubic feet. The Beetle’s roomier storage area will allow you to pack a few more travel bags.

Safety

Choosing a safe vehicle should always be one of your main concerns. The Beetle’s solid crash protection will give you an additional peace of mind. While a backup camera comes standard throughout the lineup, available blind-spot monitoring helps you to make safe lane changes.

While the MINI Cooper is an impressive vehicle, it comes up short against the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. To see how the new Beetle performs in the real world, contact your local VW dealer to schedule a test drive.

MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at MSRP refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.