Volkswagen T-Roc review

The T-Roc was one of the earliest SUV efforts from Volkswagen when it launched way back in 2017. It was given a bit of a tarting up back in 2022 to keep it fresh, and now it sits in a greatly expanded Volkswagen line-up that includes nine SUVs. 

It’s essentially a taller Golf, with a few of those pseudo-4x4 design cues that SUV drivers enjoy. It’s a desperately busy part of the market, though, with competition from the likes of the Audi Q2, Ford Puma, Mini Countryman, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Toyota C-HR, Vauxhall Mokka, and Volvo XC40. Not to mention in-house rivals like the Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq (both of which are a bit bigger). No pressure, then.

Is it still a decent car?

Well it might be getting on a bit, but the T-Roc remains a solid family car, with a lot to recommend it. Hailing from a different, largely pre-electric era it still has many of the things we’ve liked about Volkswagens in the past that have been ditched for whizzy tech-laden experiences. The thin-rimmed steering wheel, the weighty driving controls and still a button or two about the place. 

Early T-Rocs did get a bit of criticism for their poor cabin quality, but Volkswagen addressed that reasonably well in the 2022 facelift with a quality boost that lifted the cabin nicely. These days the carmaker offers a solid range of trims to choose from, with some decent kit on offer. If you're feeling particularly extravagant there's even a T-Roc Cabriolet you can go for. 

Dare we mention the tech?

Digital dials come as standard, with configurable views and plenty of information available via the steering wheel buttons. The infotainment screen is an 8in number as standard across the range, but doesn’t really offer anything of interest. It’s not particularly dynamic (and VW’s native satnav isn’t the best) but you do get wireless Apple/Android connectivity as standard, which is useful. 

As is the way these days, the aircon buttons that worked just fine have been junked in favour of a touch panel that doesn’t add anything but frequently irritates. It’s certainly not as bad as the systems you’ll find on Volkswagen’s electric cars these days, so there’s always that. More in the interior tab.

What powertrains can I have?

You’ve the choice of four petrol or two diesel engines. The entry level petrol is a 1.0-litre 3cyl with 108bhp and six-speed manual, then there’s a 1.5-litre 4cyl with 148bhp and the option of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG auto, then there’s a 187bhp 2.0-litre petrol that comes kitted with the auto box and 4WD. The range topping petrol is the 296bhp 2.0-litre petrol from the performance R model. 

The diesel options are both 2.0-litre 4cyls, with either 113 or 148bhp. The less powerful diesel only comes with the six-speed manual, but the more powerful version offers the seven-speed DSG auto and four-wheel drive as options.

The 1.0-litre petrol felt rather lethargic and is probably best avoided, with the 1.5-litre a far better fit. The diesel engines are still a viable option if you do a lot of motorway miles, but come with their own baggage these days.

Does it drive well?

The T-Roc drives as well as it can within the bounds of physics – you know us, we'd always prefer a nice hatchback or estate. The steering is precise enough and the ride well mannered, with only moderate lean through corners. There is a fair amount of road noise – especially on the higher trims with their bigger tyre sizes – as well as wind noise, but it’s hardly deafening. Full details on the driving tab.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from around £28k for the entry level 1.0-litre petrol Life, rising to £46k for the spicy R model. See the buying tab for the full breakdown.

Car buyers love a little crossover, as the T-Roc's stats have proven. That’s in no small part thanks to its Golf-like looks, comfortable driving experience and handy size. Even if the rear is a little limited for space compared with its rivals. 

Sure, the T-Roc is getting on a bit by this point, but it’s a dependable, reliable package that won’t let you down. As a family crossover that’ll likely be used for ferrying the kids to school, the weekly supermarket run, and perhaps the odd trip away, it’ll do most folk just fine. Just don’t expect much more beyond that.