Review: Volkswagen T-Roc

Volkswagen’s T-Roc has been a familiar sight on Britain’s roads since its launch in 2017, and the all-new second-generation model, tested here, arrived earlier this year with more space, improved technology and a sharper design.

The compact SUV has been a huge success for Volkswagen. Since its debut, more than two million examples have been sold worldwide, making it the brand’s second best-selling SUV after the Tiguan. Its popularity continues in the UK, where the T-Roc accounted for 28,075 of Volkswagen’s 178,607 registrations during 2025. It has also collected industry recognition, being named Best Small SUV at the 2026 What Car? Awards.

Like the Golf, the T-Roc is built on Volkswagen Group’s versatile MQB platform, giving it much of the hatchback’s refinement, reassuring build quality and impressive road manners. It’s an excellent choice for drivers who appreciate the Golf’s polished driving experience but want the higher driving position and extra practicality of an SUV.

The latest T-Roc has grown in every direction. It is 122mm longer and 9mm wider than its predecessor, while boot capacity has increased by 30 litres to a useful 475 litres. The styling remains smart and understated, with crisp lines and a more confident stance that helps it stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

After a week behind the wheel, it proved to be an easy car to live with and impressed both driver and passenger. In fact, it earned a rare compliment from my co-driver, who admitted it was one of the few cars he would genuinely consider buying himself.

One of the T-Roc’s biggest attractions is its raised seating position. It isn’t excessively high, but the extra elevation noticeably improves all-round visibility, making town driving, parking and motorway journeys less tiring. There is ample room for five adults, while the generous boot comfortably handles family luggage or the weekly shop.

The cabin feels well put together, with supportive seats, quality materials and tasteful chrome detailing lifting what could otherwise be a rather dark interior. Volkswagen has introduced a range of mild-hybrid and full-hybrid powertrains, and our test car featured the entry-level Life trim powered by the 1.5-litre TSI mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 148bhp. Style and the sportier R-Line complete the range.

Performance is stronger than expected. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 8.9 seconds, while overtaking is smooth, quiet and confidence-inspiring. Steering is well weighted and responsive, making the T-Roc equally at home threading through urban streets or covering long motorway miles.

My only real criticism concerns the technology. Volkswagen continues to favour touch-sensitive controls, which can be fiddly and distracting to use on the move. Thankfully, once familiar with the system, the eight-inch digital instrument display is clear and the 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen offers almost every feature you could want.

Prices for our Life test car started at a competitive £33,700, although a generous options list—including climate control, ambient lighting, the Technology Pack, LED headlights, Winter Pack, satellite navigation and metallic paint—lifted the final price to £37,956.

Price £ 34,575 (£39,615 as tested)

Engine: 1.5 TSI 150

Power: 148bhp

Torque: 184lb/ft

Transmission: seven speed DSG

Top speed: 128mph

0-62mph: 8.3 seconds

Economy:4 6.3mpg

CO 2 emissions:138g/km