A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
3.7
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Volkswagen T-Roc brings crossover style and practicality to drivers who want something more distinctive than a traditional SUV. This compact crossover sits perfectly between a hatchback and a full size SUV, offering elevated driving position with car like handling. The T-Roc stands out in the crowded crossover market with its bold design, customisable colour options, and surprisingly spacious interior. It competes directly with popular models like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, but brings Volkswagen’s renowned build quality and refined driving experience to the mix.
What makes the T-Roc particularly appealing is its versatility. Whether you’re navigating city streets or heading out for weekend adventures, this crossover adapts brilliantly to different driving situations. The range of efficient petrol and diesel engines means you can find a version that suits your budget and driving needs. Inside, you’ll discover more space than the exterior suggests, plus modern technology that keeps you connected. For families stepping up from a hatchback or couples wanting something more practical than a saloon, the T-Roc offers an excellent compromise. With competitive running costs and strong resale values, it represents solid value in the competitive crossover segment.
What's the Volkswagen T Roc Like to Drive?
The Volkswagen T-Roc offers a well-rounded range of petrol engines that prioritise refinement over outright performance. The entry-level 1.0 TSI with 115 horsepower provides adequate power for urban driving and light motorway use, though it can feel a little strained when fully loaded. The sweet spot is the 1.5 TSI with 150 horsepower, which delivers smooth acceleration and effortless overtaking power. For those wanting more grunt, the 2.0 TSI produces up to 190 horsepower and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.0L TSI / 1.5L TSI / 2.0L TSI
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Power Output
115 - 190 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.2 - 7.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
38 - 45 mpg
- Boot Space
- 445 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Volkswagen T Roc: Comfort & Features
Step inside the T-Roc and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels distinctly upmarket. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with high-quality materials throughout and excellent build quality that VW is renowned for. The infotainment system is intuitive to use, with crisp graphics and responsive touchscreen controls. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring your phone connects seamlessly for navigation and music streaming.
A surprisingly capable and stylish crossover. The T Roc’s elevated driving position and nimble handling make it a genuine all-rounder, defying its compact dimensions.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volkswagen T Roc?
The T-Roc’s running costs are reasonable for a compact SUV, though they’re higher than equivalent hatchbacks. The efficient TSI petrol engines deliver respectable fuel economy, with the 1.5 TSI returning around 40-45 mpg in real-world driving. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, typically ranging from groups 15-25 depending on the engine and trim level. The initial purchase price reflects the premium positioning, starting from around £25,000 for used models.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volkswagen T-Roc
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Nissan Qashqai
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Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £25,000 | £24,000 | £26,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.5L TSI 150hp | 1.3L DIG-T 140hp | 1.6L T-GDi 150hp |
| Power | 150 bhp | 140 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 8.4 seconds | 9.3 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 44 mpg | 40 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 445 litres | 430 litres | 439 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium interior, Sharp styling, Refined ride | Spacious cabin, Proven reliability, Good value | Long warranty, Modern tech, Comfortable ride |
How Practical Is the Volkswagen T Roc?
The T-Roc strikes a good balance between compact dimensions and practical usability. The 445-litre boot is generous for the class and easily accommodates weekly shopping trips or holiday luggage for a small family. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split as standard, creating a flat load floor for longer items. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of useful storage spaces for phones, drinks, and everyday items, including a decent-sized centre console and useful door pockets.
Absolutely love my T-Roc. The styling turns heads and the interior quality is superb. It’s comfortable on long journeys and surprisingly nippy around town. The only minor gripe is that rear space is a bit tight for tall passengers, but overall it’s been brilliant.
The Volkswagen T-Roc stands out in the crowded compact SUV market by offering a distinctive design, premium build quality, and engaging driving experience. It successfully combines the practicality of an SUV with the refined dynamics of a well-engineered hatchback. The interior quality is among the best in class, with solid materials and thoughtful design throughout.