Volkswagen T-Roc review

Introduction

VWs tend to be great box-tickers – cars that appeal to your rational side rather than your emotions. But when the Volkswagen T-Roc was revealed, there was a lot of talk of it having just as much style as substance.

Indeed, this small SUV now has more road presence than ever following a mid-life refresh. That's given the T-Roc bigger front air intakes, LED headlights as standard and an LED light bar on higher-spec models that runs the width of the front grille.

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1.5 eTSI MHEV Life SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

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Volkswagen T-Roc video review

So what other cars is the T-Roc up against? Well, the cheaper versions compete with the likes of the sporty Ford Puma, the affordable Seat Arona and the spacious Skoda Kamiq. Pricier examples with fancier trims push into the premium territory of the Audi Q2, Lexus LBX and Range Rover Evoque.

The question is, should you choose the VW T-Roc over any of those rival small SUVs? What’s more, is it a better small SUV than its Volkswagen stablemates, the VW T-Cross and VW Taigo? Let's find out...

What’s new?

- May 2025 - Style Design and Black Edition Plus models introduced to replace Style and Black Edition trims; both gain 19in alloys, a power bootlid and panoramic roof

- July 2024 - New Black Edition announced with black roof, roof rails, alloys, door mirrors and trim, plus tinted rear windows

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Overview

The VW T-Roc isn't the cheapest small SUV but justifies its slightly higher price by being one of the more spacious and comfortable models you can buy. We'd stick to the entry-level Life trim because it's well equipped and keeps the cost down. However, the more powerful eTSI 150 engine is our recommended engine: it adds useful performance with no real penalty in the running costs.

Pros

• Comfortable ride and quiet on the motorway
• High-set driving position for a small SUV
• Good-size boot by class standards

Cons

• Touch-sensitive interior controls can be fiddly
• Upper trims are costly
• Not as sharp to drive as some of its rivals

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Performance & drive

What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is

How fast is it and which engine is best?

From launch, the VW T-Roc offers three mild hybrid petrol engines, kicking off with a pair of 1.5-litre units. Both drive the front wheels through a standard seven-speed automatic gearbox, but they offer a choice of power outputs.

The 114bhp entry-level version is fine for everyday driving. There’s enough low-down shove and it’s keen to rev once you get going. The automatic gearbox also helps, by changing down gears eagerly when you need a burst of acceleration. The Ford Puma 125 offers more power for less money, but only if you're happy to have a manual gearbox instead.

The more powerful 148bhp eTSI is our favourite. Its additional mid-range punch makes overtaking or keeping up with motorway traffic easier. And we managed a spirited 0-60mph time of 8.8sec when we tested one against a Lexus LBX, which, by the way, took 9.2sec.

If you want even more grunt, a 201bhp 2.0-litre petrol with four wheel drive will be available soon, and later this year, two full hybrid versions will arrive – they’ll have 134bhp and 168bhp respectively. The hybrids combine a 1.5-litre petrol with an electric motor to increase fuel efficiency. A plug-in hybrid version is not currently on the cards, but there will be a high-performance T-Roc R (with 329bhp) on sale in 2027.

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

The previous T-Roc was among the most comfortable small SUVs around; the good news is that's still true now. It's more supple than the Ford Puma, soaking up most bumps exceptionally well, and it’s great straight from the get go. Stick with the standard 17in wheels (available with Life trim) and the ride is at its best… well, almost.

The reason we say almost is because the optional adaptive suspension improves things slightly. It’s called Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), and it allows you to stiffen or soften the setup depending on your personal preference. As a result, it has an extra layer of versatility the standard springs and dampers simply can’t match.

Is it worth the price premium, though? We’re afraid not. The DCC system can only be added to R-Line trim, making it much more expensive than an entry-level car. Another piece of advice would be to avoid R-Line’s optional 20in wheels, because at that point, the T-Roc does start to thump over imperfections – even with DCC.

The T-Roc’s light steering makes it a breeze to thread around town and, when you're on open roads and cornering quicker, the steering gains a bit more heft to help you gauge your inputs better. There’s also plenty of grip and not too much body lean.

It all adds up to a car that’s more responsive through bends than the Peugeot 2008 and reassuring to drive at a decent lick. However, we wouldn't class it as sporty. If you're a keen driver looking for some fun behind the wheel, the more agile Ford Puma is a better option.

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

Compared with the three-cylinder engines in the Ford Puma, Peugeot 2008 and Skoda Kamiq, the T-Roc's 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines are quieter and transmit fewer vibrations into the interior.

The 1.5-litre also has a more linear power delivery than the Puma’s engine, so it's easier to accelerate smoothly, and the standard DSG automatic gearbox plays its part with slick gear shifts. The T-Roc’s brakes are a little sharp at low speeds, but once you've adjusted to that quirk you can scrub speed off progressively.

When you’re up to cruising speed, wind noise is kept to a minimum. And as long as you avoid the 20in wheels, there's barely any road noise either. That makes the T-Roc quieter overall than the Puma and Lexus LBX, as well as one of the most hushed small SUVs you can buy.

"The first thing I noticed as soon as I started the engine was how smooth and quiet it was.” – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Interior

The interior layout, fit and finish

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

The T-Roc’s interior feels like it's screwed together well and it's finished off with some pleasing materials in key spots. Even the entry-level Life trim gets a mix of padded fabric on the top half of the dashboard and doors. There are harsher plastics lower down, as is the case with most small SUVs but, for the money, it feels a step up for quality over the equivalent Ford Puma or Renault Captur.

R-Line trim looks a bit sportier inside and it uses a broader palette of materials, including soft-touch plastics farther down the dashboard, and faux-leather on the doors. But R-Line pushes the price up – and the quality isn’t quite up there with the premium-badged Audi Q2 and Lexus LBX.

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

You’ll like the VW T-Roc if you appreciate a raised driving position; you sit higher up than you do in the LBX, Seat Arona and Skoda Kamiq. It feels more like a proper SUV in that sense.

And it’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel, with plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and the driver’s seat. All versions include electrically adjustable lumbar support; mid-level Style trim comes with a massaging function; and R-Line adds sports seats with bigger bolsters for more support in corners.

The instruments are on a 10.0in digital screen behind the steering wheel. The graphics are clear but when the steering wheel is in its lowest position some people may find it obscures the top of the screen.

Still, you shouldn’t have a problem seeing where you’re going; the T-Roc gives you a great view of the road ahead. The lofty driving position is part of the reason, but the windscreen pillars are also relatively thin compared with some small SUVs, which minimises blindspots at junctions.

Rear visibility is a little more restricted – it’s easier to see out the back of Kamiq – but every T-Roc comes with front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera as standard, so it’s not a massive problem.

Automatic LED headlights are also standard, and from mid-level Style trim, the headlight beams move in the direction you steer, so you can see more clearly in corners.

Are the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

The T-Roc uses the same infotainment system as the bigger Volkswagen Tiguan. The screen measures 12.9in, it’s high definition, and the software is responsive. There are lots of sub-menus, though, so it takes time to learn where some of the features are buried, but you can configure up to five shortcuts at the top of the screen, which is really helpful.

The infotainment screen controls most aspects of the car. Like any touchscreen, you have to take your eyes off the road to find and tap the icon you want, but the main icons are reasonably big and the screen is easy to reach. We still prefer scrolling through menus and selecting functions with a physical rotary controller. You get one of those in the Mazda CX-30, and it’s so much less distracting to use while driving.

Some rivals offer more physical controls for main functions, such as climate controls. The Lexus LBX, Renault Captur, Skoda Kamiq and Toyota Yaris Cross all do, and it makes their usability better. The T-Roc has touch-sensitive sliders underneath the infotainment screen for adjusting the volume and interior temperature, but they’re no easier to use than the touchscreen.

In the T-Roc, physical controls are limited mostly to the buttons on the steering wheel and the knob on the centre console. That also adjusts the volume but if you press it, it changes function, so you can alter the driving modes.

Sat-nav comes as standard, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, so you can use your phone's sat-nav app through the touchscreen. Wireless phone-charging is standard, too, and the two USB-C sockets in the front and in the rear should keep everyone’s devices topped up without any problems.

You get a six-speaker sound system as standard, with a nine-speaker Harman Kardon upgrade available on Style and R-Line trims.

“I wish there were more physical buttons in the T-Roc, because they are much easier to use while driving. The infotainment system is well equipped, though.” – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Passenger & boot space

How it copes with people and clutter

How much space does it have for people?

The T-Roc has always been one of the more spacious small SUVs, and the current model is better than ever. Front space is very good, so if you're taller than average you won't struggle for head or leg room.

Getting in and out the rear seats is a doddle thanks to the T-Roc's generous rear door openings; they make life easier if you're fitting child seats, too. Once inside, the T-Roc is more accommodating than the Ford Puma, Lexus LBX and Nissan Juke.

Six-footers will have enough leg room, and life's made more comfortable thanks to the generous foot space under the front seats. Head room is also good as long as you avoid the optional panoramic roof; it reduces the head room drastically.

You can fit three people in the rear but the middle-rear passenger gets a raw deal. That's because the middle seat is raised slightly, reducing head room, and they'll have to straddle the central floor tunnel.

Storage space is impressive. The T-Roc has a large 5.5-litre centre cubby under the front armrest, long door pockets and a big glovebox. There are a few storage pockets on the back of the front seats and space for a drinks bottle in each rear door. You also get a centre armrest with a pair of built-in cupholders.

How much room does it have for luggage?

At 475 litres, the T-Roc’s boot space is bigger than average for a small SUV. We managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases below the T-Roc's tonneau cover, which is two more than the Seat Arona and one more than the Lexus LBX. If you need a bigger boot try the Ford Puma – that swallowed eight suitcases.

All versions come with a useful height-adjustable boot floor as standard. In its highest position, it minimises the load lip at the entrance and ensures that there’s no step up in the floor when the rear seats are folded.

The T-Roc’s rear seats don’t recline or slide. Those features are a rarity in the small SUV class, but are available in the Renault Captur and VW T-Cross.

While the T-Roc's rear seats split and fold 60/40, you also get a ski hatch in the middle. That makes it almost as versatile as the 40/20/40 arrangement you get in the Hyundai Kona and Range Rover Evoque. And if you have a really long load, you can fold the front passenger seat, too.

“I like that you get a ski hatch and the ability to fold the front passenger seat down. It means you can fit really long loads in the T-Roc." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Buying & owning

Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

The VW T-Roc isn't cheap. The list price for the entry-level 1.5 eTSI 116 Life is slightly more than the Lexus LBX, and a lot more than the equivalent Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq or Toyota Yaris Cross. As of writing, it's also a bit pricey on PCP finance, but check what incentives are available when you're ready to buy.

Running costs for cheaper T-Rocs look sensible, though. Both versions of the 1.5 eTSIs officially average around 50mpg, which is pretty good. If you need something even more economical then wait for the hybrid T-Roc to arrive later in the year. If you can't wait that long, the LBX and Yaris Cross are both hybrids; they're available now, and can officially average around 60mpg.

While the T-Roc's engines are relatively efficient, its higher price means the P11D value is more, too. So company car drivers will pay more in BIK tax by opting for the T-Roc than something cheaper, such as the Puma. The difference isn't huge, though. Again, the hybrid versions are worth waiting for because they should reduce the BIK tax, but even those won't be as cheap for company car drivers as an electric SUV.

We'd stick to entry-level Life for two reasons: it keeps costs down and still comes with plenty of standard kit. It includes 17in alloys wheels, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic wipers, two-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control.

Style trim is the next step on the T-Roc ladder and adds 18in alloy wheels, illuminated exterior VW logos, keyless entry, heated front seats, switchable driving profiles and three-zone climate control.

Top-spec R-Line brings a sportier appearance, with 19in wheels, slightly different bumpers, rear privacy glass and silver pedals, but it's very expensive.

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

We’ll have to wait to find out how the T-Roc fares in the What Car? Reliability Survey. Its predecessor achieved a strong result when compared with other small SUVs, finishing second in the class. However, as a brand, Volkswagen finished in a disappointing 24th place out of 30 car makers featured in our latest survey. That’s not great – matching Ford, but worse than brands such as Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda, Renault, Skoda, and Toyota.

A three-year warranty, limited to 60,000 miles, comes as standard. Hyundai provides a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and Kia covers its cars for seven years or 100,000 miles. Toyota offers up to 10 years' cover – providing you have your car serviced regularly at a franchised dealer.

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

The T-Roc achieved the full five star rating when it was crash tested by safety experts, Euro NCAP. All T-Rocs come with nine airbags as standard, as well as Isofix child seat mounting points on the front passenger and outer rear seats.

In terms of driver assistance tech, the T-Roc includes an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system that can detect pedestrians and cyclists as well as other cars. There’s also lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition (that displays the speed limit) and rear cross traffic alert (to warn of approaching vehicles when you’re reversing).

All trims come with an anti-theft alarm and immobiliser as standard.

“The higher trim levels are expensive, so I like the fact that Life trim is well equipped and, if there's something missing that you really want, some of the option packs aren't too pricey.” – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor

Buy it if...

- You want a small SUV that’s really comfortable and relaxing to drive

- Has a good amount of space for four adults

- Has the ability to carry lots of luggage

Don’t buy it if…

- You want a hybrid - they're coming soon, though

- You want the most bang for your buck

- You’re after something that’s fun to drive

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