Recent updates to ensure that the Volkswagen T-Roc remains one of the best small SUVs on the market.” The inside is better than before, and an external refresh keeps it looking current among newer competitors like the Ford Puma and Toyota Yaris Cross.
Consider the Volkswagen T-Roc to be the Golf of tiny SUVs. It’s safe, comfy, and, although it’s not as inexpensive to acquire as competitors, operating shouldn’t cost much in the long run. Thanks to its vibrant interior and exterior colors, it also has a lot more personality than the Golf.
The inside finish of the Volkswagen T-Roc disappointed us when it originally went on sale in 2018. Early versions featured a rough-looking dashboard and a few soft finishes, which you’d expect from a bargain alternative like the Skoda Kamiq. Still, they seemed out of place in a vehicle that appealed to regular Golf owners.
However, thanks to a recent redesign, the Volkswagen T-Roc is back on track and ready to compete for your attention among recent newcomers such as the Honda HR-V, Vauxhall Mokka, Renault Arkana, and Mazda CX-30—not to mention luxury mainstays such as the MINI Countryman, BMW X2, and Audi Q2.
It’s a more flexible option than many of its peers. The ride quality of the Volkswagen T-Roc is surprisingly soft, particularly with smaller wheels and basic suspension. That means it will lean more in corners than a Golf and be less elegant than a Ford Puma or SEAT Arona, but that’s a price we’re willing to pay.
Aside from the lack of hybrid or electric powertrains, the Volkswagen T-Roc’s engine lineup is extensive. The petrol options vary from a little (but surprisingly decent) 1.0 TSI to a strong (but thirsty) 2.0 TSI with four-wheel drive. There’s also the sporty Volkswagen T-Roc R, but the mid-level 1.5 TSI will suffice for most consumers. Diesel models include a mediocre (now discontinued) 1.6 TDI and a more appealing 2.0 TDI.
The cabin is spacious, with a larger trunk than a Volkswagen Golf. There’s also more excellent rear-seat space than in a SEAT Arona, although the larger Volkswagen Tiguan is a more adaptable family SUV. In 2022, technological advancements include an eight-inch entertainment system placed high up on the dashboard in your line of sight and a digital instrument cluster.
Pricing
Pricing for the 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc:
- 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc Style: $37,100 (+$500)
- 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line: $45,200 (+$500)
- 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition: $54,300 (NEW)
- 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R: $60,300 (+$1000)
Is the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc the vehicle for you?
The Volkswagen T-Roc is an excellent option for a sleek, compact SUV with a flexible interior. It has more curb appeal than the larger Tiguan but is more practical for families than the Golf hatchback.
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a surprisingly pleasant alternative, with a suspension that prioritizes comfort over sportiness and a powerful engine lineup that offers something for everyone. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are also available, but they are somewhat thirsty and should be avoided unless you genuinely need to go off-road.
Which Volkswagen T-Roc model and engine should I get?
The 1.5 TSI engine offers the optimum balance of performance and efficiency in the Volkswagen T-Roc. The 1.0 TSI is enough if you spend most of your time in town, but it will only be found in low-spec T-Rocs.
If you drive a lot of highway miles, diesel is a better option. The 1.6 TDI accomplishes the job just as well as a serving of boiling spaghetti does. If you avoid four-wheel-drive vehicles, the 2.0 TDI is more polished and punchier but less efficient in the real world.
There are many trim levels to choose from, and which is best depends on what you want in a vehicle. We’d seek a post-facelift Volkswagen T-Roc in mid-level Style trim with built-in navigation, a more significant digital instrument cluster, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
What other vehicles are comparable to the Volkswagen T-Roc?
Other little SUVs compete with the T-Roc. Other Volkswagen Group options include the Skoda Kamiq, SEAT Arona, and even the more expensive Audi Q2. Consider the Mazda CX-30, a quirky little SUV with an excellent interior, or the stylish MINI Countryman. Then there’s the Ford Puma, the little SUV we’d choose, albeit it’s not quite as comfy as the Volkswagen T-Roc.
The two hybrid options are the Honda HR-V and Toyota Yaris Cross (and the larger Toyota C-HR). You could also consider luxury SUVs like the BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA.
Interior design and comfort
“The 2022 facelift significantly improved the Volkswagen T-Roc’s cabin.” Previously, it was heavily reliant on trim level; the more money the original owner threw at it, the better it was. High-end versions include several eye-catching color choices on the dashboard, door cards, and center console. Without them, early T-Roc models had a rather dreary interior.”
In terms of comfort, the T-Roc is an excellent pick. Finding a comfortable driving posture is simple, thanks to seats that move a long distance back and forth and a steering wheel with lots of flexibility.
Unfortunately, since adjustable lumbar support was only offered as an option, many secondhand Volkswagen T-Rocs would lack it. Electric seat adjustment was not even available. Nonetheless, the seats are comfortable, particularly the sports seats on higher-spec cars, and the high-up sitting position should be helpful for your posture.
Pre-facelift Volkswagen T-Roc vehicles were optionally equipped with a digital instrument cluster, which became standard when the T-Roc was redesigned in 2022. This is amazing and does an excellent job of giving the T-Roc a more posh air; if you can, look for a secondhand vehicle with one of these.
Finishing and quality
Unfortunately, the Volkswagen T-Roc’s interior quality and polish were initially mixed. Don’t get us wrong: it’s holding up wonderfully, and we’d be astonished to discover one with rattles and creaks a few years down the road. However, it lacks the plushness expected from Volkswagen, with some startlingly non-premium plastic finishes and offensive materials.
The entry-level S model seems incredibly cheap, with no leather-wrapped steering wheel or gear lever and nothing to elevate the interior. With its bright dashboard inlays, the Design model seems (and feels) a little more sophisticated.
Leather seats were not standard on any T-Roc, although they were available as an option on most models. We’d pay a premium for a T-Roc with these seats on the secondhand market since they’re far more comfortable than the regular fabric seats.
With its plusher dashboard design and less shoddy finishes, the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc improved things. It’s still not as luxurious as an Audi Q2, but it’s a lot more comfortable than it was previously.
The Volkswagen T-Roc has a touchscreen, USB, navigation, and a radio.
The T-Roc comes standard with an eight-inch infotainment display. Even the cheapest versions do not have a modest show surrounded by drab plastic where an extensive navigation system would usually be found.
The standard system on the early Volkswagen T-Roc S covered all the necessities but nothing more: it had a DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and even a CD player. The T-Roc SE now has App Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This is wonderful since it allows you to mirror applications from your phone onto the car’s infotainment system.
High-end versions had a navigation that was pre-loaded with European mapping data. We prefer Google Maps on our phones, but built-in navigation is excellent if you value your data.
With the T-Roc’s mid-life makeover in 2022, the infotainment options changed. The eight-inch touchscreen display remains, but it is now higher up on the dashboard, as is the current trend. It’s a simple and easy-to-use system, but we prefer systems with rotary controls, such as the Mazda CX-30.
Space and practicality: boot space
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a smaller family SUV than the SEAT Ateca and Nissan Qashqai, but it’s not far behind in utility.
The Volkswagen T-Roc’s trunk can hold up to 445 liters of crap (sorry, we mean your precious goods). If you choose a four-wheel-drive T-Roc, the capacity drops to 392 liters. This compares well to the SEAT Arona (400 liters), Mazda CX-30 (430 liters), and Kia XCeed (426 liters); however, the Honda HR-V (470 liters) and Ford Puma (468 liters) outperform.
It’s a lovely boot form that can have one—usefully square, with few intrusions. A fake boot floor decreases the lip required for lifting hefty objects, and there’s even enough space-saving spare wheel. That’s a vital feature that shouldn’t be taken for granted in the era of the tire repair kit.
The Volkswagen T-Roc has an exterior length of 4236mm, a width of 1819mm, and a height of 1584mm. This increases its overall size over the SEAT Arona, putting it closer to Volkswagen Golf-sized cars.
The T-Roc is a massive vehicle in terms of passenger capacity. A relatively broad interior means that a couple of grownups in the front won’t always slam elbows. There’s also a lot of headroom, and the door pockets are relatively spacious. The cup holders are large enough to carry two takeout coffees, and a helpful cubby box is under the front armrest. Most T-Roc versions even have a drawer under the driver’s seat.
The Volkswagen T-Roc also has a surprising amount of space for rear passengers. A pair of adults will seat nearly as comfortably as in a Golf (albeit with somewhat less legroom), and the T-Roc’s broad proportions provide more space for a middle passenger than average. You will sit significantly higher than the other rear passengers, and with three people in the back seats, it will still be rather crowded back there.
The outside rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX child-seat mounting points. These are easy to reach thanks to the T-Roc’s relatively high back chair and wide-opening rear doors.
Handling and ride quality:
“You’re unlikely to find a more comfortable small SUV than the Volkswagen T-Roc, especially if you get a base model with the standard small wheels.” It performs an admirable job of absorbing road imperfections without passing them on to your passengers while remaining firmly anchored at high speeds.”
Higher-spec Volkswagen T-Roc cars with larger wheels feel a little firmer but not unpleasant. If you have a T-Roc R-Line with the reduced sports suspension (also available on cheaper versions), you’ll have to slow down a little more for speed bumps, but even this is on the firm side.
Adaptive dampers (called Dynamic Chassis Control in Volkswagen language) are available on certain T-Rocs. These were available as an option when the vehicle was new, and they provided the driver with three suspension settings: sport, comfort, and routine. It’s an excellent function, but we’d not spend much money on it.
Whatever suspension the Volkswagen T-Roc of your dreams has, it prioritizes comfort above sheer agility. In other words, no T-Roc is as much fun to drive as the Ford Puma, and even the highly comparable SEAT Arona seems a little more elegant.
Nonetheless, the T-Roc feels rooted and secure, which most purchasers of compact SUVs seek. The steering is light, making it easier to navigate city streets, and you have more excellent vision than in many compact SUVs (though it lacks the commanding driving stance of a Range Rover).
Except for the lowest model, all T-Rocs include front and rear parking sensors, which are particularly handy while parking, and some have a rear-view camera as an option when new.
What engines and transmissions are offered in the Volkswagen T-Roc?
The best engine for the majority of consumers is also the most popular. It’s the 1.5 TSI petrol engine with 150 PS and a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.
It has enough power for overtaking while being economical and polished. It’s the best option unless you travel a lot (in which case, purchase a diesel).
If you’re on a tight budget, you may often find the 1.0 TSI cropping up in your search. Don’t let its diminutive size mislead you; it is a tiny three-cylinder turbocharged engine that offers unexpectedly quick performance. Sure, it loses power at highway speeds, but it’s fantastic around town. However, it will not be considerably more cost-effective than the 1.5.
The 2.0 TSI engine with 4Motion all-wheel drive is the top of the gasoline lineup. The efficiency penalty isn’t worth it unless you need 190 horsepower and four-wheel drive. Sure, it’s entertaining, but search for the T-Roc R if you want performance vehicle thrills.
Despite their negative reputation, types of diesel continue to be popular among drivers. If you drive many miles outside town, opt for a T-Roc TDI. The now-discontinued 1.6 TDI was the entry-level diesel until recently, and it still feels like it, with slow performance that’ll have you pulling your hair out when you want to get on the highway.
The 2.0 TDI is much superior. It needs less work to drive with 150 PS, and it was first available with four-wheel drive.
Personal choice governs the decision between manual and automated transmissions. Neither is a poor option, but we believe the DSG automatic gearbox is better suited to the T-Roc. It reacts swiftly, even though no one buys a vehicle like this to hustle the gearbox.
Noise levels and refinement
Like the Golf hatchback (and other Volkswagen cars), the Volkswagen T-Roc does an excellent job of insulating you from the outside world. Despite its bluff design, there isn’t much wind noise, and road noise is kept to a minimum, especially on smaller wheels with thick tires.
Some engines are louder than others, but none are very thrashy. When you push the 1.0 TSI petrol hard (which you’ll have to do a lot if you want to travel anywhere outside of town), it sounds a touch coarse, so the 1.5 TSI petrol is a better choice if you’re worried about noise levels.
The types of diesel, particularly the 1.6 TDI, are often rumbly. The 2.0 TDI diesel is superior, albeit partly because it requires less effort to start.
You won’t detect any substantial vibration via any of the controls, regardless of which engine you choose. It’s almost as though Volkswagen spends a lot of money trying to prevent this from happening…
How secure is the Volkswagen T-Roc?
The Volkswagen T-Roc is equipped with the most advanced safety features to keep you safe in the event of a collision. Fortunately, the majority of them are consistent across the board.
Volkswagen’s Front Assist function is standard on all models. This radar-controlled device monitors the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you and warns you if you come too close. If it senses an impending accident, it will alert the driver before activating the brakes if the driver does not respond. It’s generally best not to get too dependent on it, although it’s a valuable function.
There’s also Lane Assist, which gently nudges the steering if you stray from your lane, and an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold feature to keep the vehicle stationary while parked in traffic. With the most recent upgrade, all versions now have adaptive cruise control.
If you are in an accident, several airbags keep you safe, and the We Connect Go system can send your location to emergency personnel.
Euro NCAP awarded the Volkswagen T-Roc the maximum five-star rating when crash-tested in 2017. This includes a 96% score for adult passengers, an 87% score for youngsters, a 79% score for pedestrians, and a 71% score for its safety assist features.
How much does it cost to operate a Volkswagen T-Roc?
“A diesel Volkswagen T-Roc capable of returning up to 60.1 mpg in official WLTP tests is still available.” With rising gasoline costs, we can understand the appeal, but most customers would be better served by a petrol T-Roc.”
The 1.0-liter TSI petrol can get up to 47.1mpg, while the 150PS 1.5 achieves up to 45.6mpg with the manual transmission (44.8mpg with the DSG).
T-Rocs with four-wheel drive are the least efficient, with the 2.0-liter TSI 4Motion 190PS DSG only getting 38.2 mpg in WLTP testing and most likely a lot less in practice.
How dependable is the Volkswagen T-Roc?
Volkswagen produces reliable vehicles, and the T-Roc ranks well in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index (rated second overall in the most recent study).
Our only consistent complaint is that the 1.5 TSI petrol engine might be a touch reluctant when cold. This was solved in a 2020 update, so ensure it’s been done if you’re purchasing secondhand.
Trim levels and standard features
The standard Volkswagen T-Roc comes in three trim levels: Life, Style, and R-Line.
LED headlights, an 8.0-inch digital cockpit, wireless App Connect via its 8.0-inch Ready 2 Discover infotainment system, a suite of driver assistance systems including Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Front Assist, and 16-inch ‘Chester’ alloy wheels, black roof rails, and interior ambient lighting are all standard on the entry-level Volkswagen T-Roc Life.
The Volkswagen T-Roc Style adds a giant Digital Cockpit Pro, a Discover Media navigation infotainment system, ArtVelours microfleece sports comfort seats, privacy glass from the B-pillar rearward, and LED ‘Plus’ headlights with variable light settings for lousy weather. A custom rear bumper and 17-inch ‘Johannesburg’ alloy wheels distinguish the Style from the rest of the new T-Roc lineup.
The sportier Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line has a distinctive body style, 17-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels, sports suspension, silver roof rails, and an interior with sporty components, including a black roof lining and R-Line badging, as well as gloss black design detailing in the dashboard. The T-Roc R-Line features progressive steering, variable driving modes, stainless steel pedals, and other interior upgrades contributing to a sporty atmosphere above the Life specification.
Previously, the Volkswagen T-Roc S was the most inexpensive model in the lineup. The specifications include 16-inch alloy wheels, two-zone climate control, and an eight-inch media system with a DAB radio and Bluetooth. Essentially, it performed the job but not much more. Even an alarm clock was an option…
The T-Roc SE included 17-inch alloy wheels, heated and folding door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The appealing interior characteristics are a convenient small drawer beneath the driver’s seat, storage pockets behind the front seats, a front central armrest, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
The black exterior accents (including the 18-inch wheels, front grille, window surrounds, and roof rails), piano black interior inserts, and ambient lighting made the Volkswagen T-Roc Black Edition stand out.
The T-Roc Design specification option adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a distinctive roof, tinted windows, and sharper bumpers with a silver design to the SE. It may also be outfitted with interior dash colors and ambient lighting. A Driver Alert system would alert you if you seemed weary and advise you to rest.
The more expensive Volkswagen T-Roc SEL came with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and rear LED darkened clusters, front sports seats, and an eight-inch navigation system with voice activation. T-Roc SEL vehicles also had a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the driver profile option lets you choose from a range of driving modes.
The T-Roc R-Line topped the lineup with its reduced sports suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels. A rear roof spoiler was one of the R-Line’s exterior styling features. Inside, R-Line badging abounds, notably embossed on the front sports seats (which are also heated). There are also progressive steering and heated windshield washer jets.
