Volkswagen T-Cross vs Volkswagen T-Roc: interiors
Volkswagen has not one but two contenders in the small SUV market, and we rate both highly. Let’s see how they stack up next to each other...
Behind the wheel
Driving position, visibility, infotainment, build quality
Let’s start with the good news: if you’re after a small SUV for an elevated driving position, both of our contenders place you a good deal higher than you’d be in a regular hatchback, even with their height-adjustable driver’s seats set as low as they’ll go. However, the T-Roc’s seat is more comfortable (the T-Cross’s longer base tends to dig in under your knees), especially with adjustable lumbar support (£70) added. The T-Cross gets this as standard.
Unfortunately, you won’t find the kind of classy interiors here that Volkswagen has become known for. The sea of hard, scratchy plastic doesn’t look or feel great in either car, although it’s more acceptable in the cheaper T-Cross. At least everything is robust – an impression boosted by the precision with which most of the switches and knobs operate. Design trim adds some welcome colourful inserts to the T-Roc, and we’d recommend one of the £530 design packs on the T-Cross to jazz up the otherwise dour interior.
Slim windscreen pillars contribute to good forward visibility in both cars, and while the rear pillars are thicker, the view out is clearer than you’d find in many rivals. However, while the T-Roc gets front and rear parking sensors as standard in Design trim, they’re a £455 option for the T-Cross. At least both cars get automatic lights and wipers, although bright LED headlights are a pricey option in each case.
Our contenders get essentially the same infotainment system with an 8.0in touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring but no sat-nav as standard. The graphics are sharp and the system is responsive to prods and swipes, while the menus are easy to fathom.
Infotainment systems
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI 95 SE
Infotainment screen size 8.0in
DAB/Bluetooth/sat-nav Yes/Yes/£735
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Yes/Yes
Wireless charging £105
Volkswagen T-Roc 1.0 TSI 115 Design
Infotainment screen size 8.0in
DAB/Bluetooth/sat-nav Yes/Yes/£810
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Yes/Yes
Wireless charging No
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