The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most iconic nameplates. It’s not extremely powerful nor loaded with top-spec features, but the Beetle remains a cult classic with a large fan base, primarily due to its unmistakable design language. It’s its visual charm that sold the Beetle in huge numbers. Now, the compact form factor and a rear-mounted engine brought in the bonus of nimble handling characteristics to the Beetle.
Sadly, the new generation that relaunched the nameplate in 1998 didn’t live up to the OG’s hype. However, if this iconic VW is something that you fancy a lot and want a worthy alternative today, then there are a few options from the likes of BMW, Mini, Mazda, Kia, and even Honda that fuse cool, unmistakable looks with fun driving dynamics, despite not packing a ferocious powertrain.
This list is organized in increasing order of price (both new and used), from the most affordable to the most expensive, charming alternatives to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.
2021 BMW i3
Average Used Price: $16,969
The BMW i3 spanned just under 10 years and sold 250,000 units. It was BMW’s first-ever mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle and the launch vehicle of the BMW i sub-brand. The performance was humble from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 110 pound-feet of torque. Its unique design language is part of why the BMW i3 remains popular today. Back when it launched, the design was futuristic and unlike any other car on the road. It had a tall, narrow body, large wheels, and a short hood, with a long wheelbase.
The front fascia was garlanded with a cooler version of the iconic Kidney grille, and this peppy urban runabout even had an aggressive outlook. The shell was made out of carbon fiber, and there were loads of connected technological features. Thanks to aggressive weight-saving methods, this peppy all-electric Beamer can do 0–60 in a respectable 7.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 93 mph. The last-gen 2021 models can be had for under $20,000.
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2025 Kia Soul
Starting Price: $20,490
This is a mass-produced crossover, the most affordable of Kia’s SUV line-up. The Soul is a fairly humble car powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Nothing fancy here. But its design puts the Kia Soul in the spotlight.
It has a tall body with quirky, sleek LED lighting at both ends. Its two-tone paint job further elevates the window lines and the pillar designs. The GT-Line trims further enhance the sporty appeal with features including gloss-black accents, a center-exit exhaust, and sportier bumpers. Its compact wheelbase and nimble driving capabilities make the Kia Soul a breezy urban runabout. It is truly disappointing to see this quirky Kia being discontinued after 2025.
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2026 Mini Cooper C 2-door
Starting Price: $29,500
Arguably enjoying a cult-classic status similar to the Volkswagen Beetle, the Mini Cooper is a fun, compact driver’s car, often referred to as a “luxurious” go-kart. Powering this nimble, 3,014-pound, city-friendly car is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 156 horsepower. The number goes up to 201 horsepower on the S trim and 228 horsepower on the sportiest JCW trim. All trims come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The most powerful JCW Mini Cooper does 0–60 mph in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph.
It’s fast, but also not all that refined in the way it delivers its performance. Fast Minis have always been about crazy torque steer. This, apparently, is done on purpose to give the car character, and this new one doesn’t mess around in that regard.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
The 2026 Mini Cooper stays true to its legacy by using a modern design inspired by the original 1960s model. The poppy color options are also recreated in the modern iteration. Its compact wheelbase is complemented by features such as a single-joint front axle and multi-link rear axle suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars, and standard Dynamic Stability Control. This significantly enhances its nimble driving dynamics.
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2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Starting Price: $29,830
This is the peppy entry-level sports car that proved that you don’t need mind-boggling performance numbers to have fun. The Mazda Miata MX-5 packs a peppy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Humble numbers, yes. But the higher trim levels of this front-midship, rear-wheel-drive sports car elevate the driving experience.
It’s the sort of driving experience that rewards the act of simply being out there in the open, driving your car. It’s also a brilliantly engineered little machine, proving that a sports car doesn’t need to be powerful to be qualified as such.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
This is thanks to a convertible setup and driving-focused features like Kinetic Posture Control and an asymmetric limited-slip differential. The ’25 MX-5 Miata weighs 2,366 pounds, which, when coupled with its low center of gravity and sturdy suspension setup, makes this simple Mazda a very engaging driving machine. It is a certified head-turner with solid urban riding capabilities, and surprisingly usable comfort features on the top Grand Touring trim level.
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The Rare And Beautiful Cadillac ELR Inside Story
Cadillac’s luxury take on the Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV was very good, yet it failed.
2025 Fiat 500e
Starting Price: $32,500
This Fiat enjoys a level of design recognition similar to that of the VW Beetle. While not as widespread as the German, this curvy Italian has an undeniable street cred. The 500 has evolved into a peppy, urban-ready EV that incorporates futuristic design cues while retaining the old-school silhouette. It gets a unique lighting layout with a distinctive “eyelid” and integrated LED tailamps with “500E” detailing. The side profile is flush and clean, thanks to sleek, button-operated e-latch handles. The 17-inch wheels complement the design and enhance the sporty character.
The cabin is perfect for two and is garlanded with cool and colorful visual cues. The dashboard gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which, along with a seven-inch digital display, gives the cockpit a clean look. Powering the 2025 Fiat 500e is a humble electric motor coupled to a 42-kWh battery pack. It produces 117 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a direct-drive unit.
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2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Starting Price: $34,590
The Volkswagen Golf nameplate is a coveted one in the hot hatchback department. The latest Golf GTI takes the formula of a compact, nimble, and cool-looking hatchback and makes it more desirable, more powerful, and more accessible. Powering this hot hatch is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. It is coupled to a sporty seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It also includes four driving modes, including a Custom mode to fine-tune the Golf GTI to suit the driver’s preferences.
The design is sharp and modernized with iconic GTI cues. The Gold features a timeless design that will age well. The cabin is loaded with a wholesome set of comfort and technology features. Notable ones include a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen, physical controls, and a suite of driver assist features courtesy of IQ.Drive and premium features include available Art Velour seats, a sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a head-up display.
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Alfa Romeo Made An Insanely Beautiful Supercar That Looks Like A Dodge Viper With Truck Features
So if you want a supercar that kicks like a country mule but looks like an Italian thoroughbred —it doesn’t get better than this.
2026 Honda Prelude
Starting Price: $42,000
This is the most anticipated Japanese sports car of 2026. The Prelude nameplate is finally making a comeback as a sporty hybrid coupe. It combines the best of the Honda Civic Type R and the Civic Hybrid to deliver performance, refinement, and commendable fuel economy. It gets a Type R-derived chassis and Brembo brakes. The hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors produces a combined 200 horsepower.
Another notable powertrain feature is its direct-drive transmission with a clever S+ Shift system. This mimics an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and even creates simulated rev-matched shifts for a sportier feel. The design is gorgeous and sporty with clean lines, gentle curves, and a low nose. The flared fenders and wide stance give it an enticing look. The double-bubble roof design is an ode to the OG Prelude.
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2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Starting Price: $59,995
What better VW Beetle alternative to drive than yet another iconic alternative with a similar cult classic appeal? The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is the modern reincarnation of the iconic VW Bus—the ID.Buzz blends retro Microbus charm with modern technology and futuristic design cues. It features classic touches such as a V-shaped hood, a large VW badge, two-tone paint options, and a spacious, modular interior that is up for anything, just like the original Bus. It features a unique lighting element with an oversized, often illuminated VW logo, a connecting LED strip across the front, and eye-like headlights, creating a distinctive front fascia.
As I sat at its helm, the ID. Buzz felt every bit like the hippie-mobile, VW Buses of yore, and the attention this thing got from people as I drove it around was rather impressive.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
The cabin is exceptionally spacious, with a flat floor, high ceiling, and large windows that create a lounge-like atmosphere. The center console, also known as the “Buzz Box,” is removable and includes storage that slides between the front seats. Also, an ode to the classic VW Bus is the ID.Buzz‘s use of a lot of recycled and sustainably produced materials on the inside. The most powerful iteration of this Volkswagen packs 335 horsepower and features an AWD drivetrain, delivering brisk 0–60 mph acceleration of about six seconds.
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Sources: KBB