Summary
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a compact SUV/crossover that sits between the larger Tiguan and smaller T-Cross in the Volkswagen SUV family. It was unveiled in the summer of 2017 with the first cars arriving in the UK by Christmas the same year.
There is a high-performance model called the T-Roc R, and a convertible version of the T-Roc, called the T-Roc Cabriolet, has been on sale in the UK since 2020.
The Volkswagen T-Roc has received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media, with an overall Expert Rating of 67% (as of January 2024) that is competitive in its market segment. The T-Roc has received particular praise for its comfort and overall refinement. However, it has been criticised for not maintaining the same sort of interior quality that the rest of the Volkswagen range offers, while top-spec models are relatively expensive compared to its rivals.
In a 2020 What Car? survey of the most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the Volkswagen T-Roc ranked equal 47th.
A T-Roc facelift arrived in the UK in Spring 2022, consisting minor of exterior styling tweaks and on-board tech updates.
- Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Volkswagen Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Compact SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £27,045 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2017
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Volkswagen T-Roc is a joy to drive, but lacks in material quality compared to other VW models.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift
Score: 8 / 10
“It might not set pulses racing but we commend the Volkswagen T-Roc’s straightforward approach with a good range of powertrains, solid practicality and competitive pricing.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen T-Roc Golf-based SUV is fun to drive, great to look at and family friendly – but cabin quality is most un-VW-like.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volkswagen T-Roc is stands well clear of most compact crossovers as both something to look at and interact with.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Some of the dashboard materials are iffy and you’ll have to be seriously careful with the options list to get the best value for money. Plus, it’s not what you’d call exciting to drive. But how many crossover buyers really care about that last point?”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Design
Score: 8 / 10
“Interested in a Volkswagen T-Roc? Get this one. It’s a much more convincing package in this specification than the higher-performance cars we initially tested.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 7 / 10
“If you love the SUV styling and want a drop-top with a raised ride height, it’s this or a four-year-old Range Rover Evoque Convertible, which is worth noting is just about the same price. With decent-sized rear seats and a usable boot, you could happily use the T-Roc every day.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Volkswagen T-Roc looks good, drives well and offers plenty of space, but it’s pricey and some rivals have a nicer interior.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volkswagen T-Roc is a small, stylish SUV with a high-tech interior and a big boot, but alternatives are cheaper to buy and come with more space for back-seat passengers.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Design
“The likeable T-Roc could become a stand-out model in VW’s line-up.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Design
Score: 9 / 10
“It may not result in a dramatic conclusion, but there is actually very little about the Volkswagen T-Roc to fault. The 1.0 TSI petrol model on test felt light and agile, it offered decent performance and economy, it was refined and quiet, and it was a practical body style.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s much to like about the Volkswagen T-Roc, most notably its refinement and comfort. It’s not the last word in excitement when it comes to driving, but it’s very capable nonetheless.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel
“This is a small Volkswagen that appeals more to the heart than many of its siblings and stands comparison with the class best.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volkswagen T-Roc is like a Golf that’s grown in every direction. It looks more distinctive, too. It starts to look expensive once you’ve progressed through the range, and its engines are surprisingly vocal for a Volkswagen. Not that any of these grumbles will stop it from selling like hot (rock) cakes.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Good-looking and fun SUV that’s great to drive and packed with kit”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual
“Drivers should bear in mind the Volkswagen T-Roc skimps on the interior to look good where it matters- but once you get behind the wheel it’s a joy.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic R-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“A Golf with muscles and some dad jeans”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual SEL
Score: 6 / 10
“If you want a diesel family crossover this Volkswagen T-Roc is one of the more desirable options. However, there’s still no escaping that it has a high price and a small boot compared with its petrol-powered counterparts.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen T-Roc stands out in the crowded SUV market thanks to its funky styling and fun driving experience. It’s not as spacious as a Seat Ateca, and the quality of some of the interior plastics might not be as plush as you’d expect, but neither of those points are deal-breakers for what is a very good SUV indeed.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Just what the market ordered. Stylish crossover for people who don’t need family space. But don’t dig too deep beyond that.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Stick to the cheaper trims and engines and the T-Roc is a fine buy. Its soft ride and practical boot will appeal to families, while its high-set driving position is just what SUV buyers crave, and something that many other small SUVs fail to deliver.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 79%
Safety assist: 71%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.5 TSI OPF Petrol FWD Manual
Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: April 2023
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.4 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 2.8 / 10
Reliability rating
As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Volkswagen T-Roc to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as we have sufficient data on the T-Roc, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 45 mpg | C | 42 – 48 mpg | C – D |
Diesel models | 54 mpg | B | 49 – 60 mpg | A – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 143 g/km | B | 133 – 186 g/km | A – C |
Diesel models | 130 g/km | A | 122 – 153 g/km | A – B |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 21 | A | 10 – 27 | A – B |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £166 | A |
Year 2 | £462 | A |
Year 3 | £763 | A |
Year 4 | £1,004 | A |
Year 5 | £1,352 | A |
Overall | £3,747 | A |
The Volkswagen T-Roc has a running cost report that’s mostly good. Insurance and road tax should be very cheap, as should scheduled servicing costs for the first five years.
However, fuel consumption – the biggest running cost – is not as good as you’d expect for this size of car. A score of ‘C’ for petrol versions is average, while diesel versions are good. But other small SUVs are better.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen T-Roc has received
2023
- What Car? Awards – Best Small SUV
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Small SUV for Comfort
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Volkswagen T-Roc, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q2 | Citroën C3 Aircross | Dacia Duster | Fiat 500X | Ford EcoSport | Ford Puma | Honda HR-V | Hyundai Bayon | Hyundai Kona | Jeep Renegade | Kia Stonic | Mazda CX-3 | MG ZS | Mitsubishi ASX | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | SsangYong Tivoli | Suzuki Vitara | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Crossland | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Cross
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Volkswagen T-Roc at The Car Expert
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