Herbie: Fully Loaded 2 (2026) revs up the nostalgia with a new chapter in the beloved Herbie franchise. This sequel takes the iconic, magical Volkswagen Beetle on a high-speed adventure filled with humor, heart, and of course, plenty of unexpected car tricks. After more than a decade, Herbie is back, and this time, the lovable little car is not just driving—he’s driving the next generation of adventure.

The story kicks off with Maggie Peyton (played by Lindsay Lohan), now grown and living a quiet life away from the racing scene. After her victory in the first Herbie film, Maggie has moved on from the world of competitive racing to become a successful engineer, creating cutting-edge tech for automobiles. But when she receives an invitation to her childhood home, a new opportunity arises: her family’s vintage car dealership is about to go under, and Maggie is tasked with saving the business.
Enter Herbie, the magical VW Beetle, who has not lost his charm or his need for speed. After a reunion with Maggie, Herbie proves that he still has plenty of tricks up his metaphorical sleeve. However, Herbie’s return to the spotlight isn’t just about fun and games. A new antagonist in the form of Travis Devereux (played by John Cena), a ruthless, tech-driven billionaire, wants to buy out the Peyton family business to create a high-tech, automated car empire. With his sights set on the dealership’s land and unique vehicles, Travis will stop at nothing to take over, including using his own souped-up, artificial intelligence-powered cars to take down Herbie.

What ensues is an exhilarating series of races, car chases, and high-octane stunts as Maggie and Herbie go head-to-head with Travis’s high-tech machines in a battle for the future of the Peyton family legacy. While Herbie may be a car, he’s more than just a machine—he’s a symbol of old-school spirit, heart, and the importance of family and legacy. Together, Maggie and Herbie must race not just for victory, but for the preservation of everything that made their family’s business special.
The film introduces a new generation of drivers, with Maggie’s younger cousin Ryan (played by Finn Wolfhard), an aspiring race car driver, joining the adventure. Ryan, a tech-savvy teenager, has grown up hearing the stories of Herbie’s legendary past, and his newfound bond with the iconic car serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family. Ryan’s enthusiasm for racing contrasts with Maggie’s more mature, engineering-focused mindset, but together, they make a formidable team as they face off against Travis’s high-tech empire.
The theme of the movie centers around the balance between tradition and innovation. Herbie represents the old-school, human-driven car culture, while Travis embodies the future of autonomous driving and AI-powered machines. The film dives into the question of whether the magic and heart of traditional cars—like Herbie—can still compete in an age of high-tech, automated vehicles. The heart of the film rests on Maggie and Herbie’s journey to prove that cars are more than just machines—they are a reflection of personality, heart, and spirit.

As always, Herbie isn’t just a car; he’s a character in his own right, filled with charm, wit, and magic. His antics, from outsmarting high-tech vehicles to saving the day in the most unexpected ways, provide a lighthearted and fun atmosphere throughout the film. The action sequences are thrilling and fast-paced, with Herbie pulling off stunts that only he could manage—like turning tight corners at high speeds, defying physics with his gravity-defying jumps, and even outsmarting other cars in dramatic races.
Visually, Herbie: Fully Loaded 2 is a feast for car enthusiasts and fans alike. The film showcases a blend of old-school charm and futuristic designs, with Herbie being the standout character in every scene. The race sequences are visually stunning, with a mix of real cars and CGI elements to highlight the high-tech opposition and Herbie’s magical abilities. From sunny streets to nighttime race tracks, the settings capture the excitement of the race while also emphasizing the nostalgic feel of Herbie’s character.
The film’s soundtrack features an upbeat mix of classic rock hits and modern tunes that complement the adrenaline-pumping action. The music adds to the excitement of each race, while also providing a fun and energetic backdrop to the film’s lighter moments. It’s the perfect balance of fast beats and fun melodies that reflect the lighthearted and adventurous spirit of Herbie.
In the final act, as Maggie and Herbie take on Travis and his fleet of high-tech cars in a thrilling race that could change the future of the Peyton family’s business, the emotional stakes rise. With the fate of the family’s legacy hanging in the balance, the film delivers an epic conclusion that’s equal parts thrilling and heartwarming. Herbie proves that it’s not just about being the fastest car on the track, but about having the heart and determination to never give up—no matter what the future holds.
In conclusion, Herbie: Fully Loaded 2 (2026) is a high-speed, fun-filled ride that captures the magic and charm of the original Herbie films while introducing a new generation to the iconic car. With thrilling races, heartfelt moments, and a strong theme of tradition versus innovation, the film is a perfect continuation of the Herbie legacy. Fans of the franchise will love the return of their favorite car, while new audiences will find a story full of action, laughter, and adventure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10) – A fast-paced, heartwarming sequel that brings the magic of Herbie back to the big screen with high-octane fun and emotional depth.