Volkswagen T-Roc vs Ford Puma vs Toyota Yaris Cross: verdict
We see if a mid-life refresh has turned the T-Roc small SUV into a better buy than the award-winning Ford Puma or the super-frugal Toyota Yaris Cross...
Our verdict
The Toyota Yaris Cross finishes last, but it doesn’t leave with its head hanging in shame. It’s a good car and makes lots of sense if you have a keen eye on running costs. It isn’t much fun to drive, though, while it’s drab inside and its infotainment system should be easier to use.
More shocking is that the Ford Puma – our long-time favourite small SUV – has been knocked from the top spot. It’s far from a crushing defeat, though; the Puma is the best to drive, it has the most practical boot and it’s the cheapest to buy outright after discounts.
In the number one spot, then, is the VW T-Roc whose recent update has made it the most well-rounded small SUV on sale. It isn’t as quick as the Puma or as frugal as the Yaris Cross, but the T-Roc isn’t disgraced in these regards, and it has a comfier ride than its rivals. Throw in its more generous rear seat space, classier interior and quieter cruising manners and we have a new small SUV champion.
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1st – Volkswagen T-Roc
For Most generous on rear seat space; quietest on the road; comfiest ride; good to drive
Against Fiddly ventilation controls; slightly more expensive to buy and run
Recommended options Winter Pack (£295)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
VW T-Roc review
New VW car deals
2nd – Ford Puma
For Entertaining to drive; clever boot storage; attractively priced
Against Firm ride; rear seat space could be better
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Ford Puma review
New Ford car deals
3rd – Toyota Yaris Cross
For Impressive fuel economy; cheapest to run; simple dashboard controls
Against Infotainment could be slicker; interior looks drab and feels cheap
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Toyota Yaris Cross review
New Toyota car deals
Specifications: Volkswagen T-Roc 1.0 TSI 110 Life
Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 109bhp at 5500rpm
Peak torque 147lb ft at 2000-3000rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 11.0sec
30-70mph 10.0sec
Top speed 115mph
30-0mph 8.8m
70-0mph 47.1m
Noise at 30mph 60.4dB
Noise at 70mph 66.9dB
Kerb weight 1301kg
Tyre size (std) 215/60 R16
Fuel tank 50 litres
True MPG average 44.7mpg
Official economy 47.1mpg
CO2 emissions 136g/km
Specifications: Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost 155 mHEV ST-Line
Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 153bhp at 6000rpm
Peak torque 177lb ft at 1750rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 8.9sec
30-70mph 8.1sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 8.8m
70-0mph 47.4m
Noise at 30mph 63.0dB
Noise at 70mph 67.6dB
Kerb weight 1280kg
Tyre size (std) 215/55 R17
Fuel tank 42 litres
True MPG average 45.1mpg
Official economy 51.4mpg
CO2 emissions 125g/km
Specifications: Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid Design
Engine 3cyl, 1490cc, turbo, petrol + electric motor
Peak power 114bhp at 5500rpm (petrol only)
Peak torque 89lb ft at 3600rpm (petrol only)
Gearbox CVT automatic
0-60mph 10.0sec
30-70mph 9.7sec
Top speed 105mph
30-0mph 8.5m
70-0mph 47.6m
Noise at 30mph 61.4dB
Noise at 70mph 67.9dB
Kerb weight 1175kg
Tyre size (std) 215/55 R17
Fuel tank 36 litres
True MPG average 60.1mpg
Official economy 62.8mpg
CO2 emissions 102g/km
Test weather conditions Dry
Cars pictured
Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost 155 mHEV ST-Line X Vignale with Magnetic Grey paint (£675) and powered tailgate (£350)
Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid Design with Decuma Grey paint (£615) and Tech Pack (£500)
Volkswagen T-Roc Life with Kings Red metallic paint (£825), Discover Media navigation system (£750) and Winter Pack (£295)
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