Volkswagen T-Roc review – the logical SUV step up from a Golf

Verdict – is the Volkswagen T-Roc a good car?

The Volkswagen T-Roc is yet another car in the brand’s lineup that caters to the current craze for SUVs, marking a logical step up from the mechanically-similar Volkswagen Golf if you want a little more practicality and higher driving position. Despite this, the T-Roc doesn’t feel wallowy, but instead drives much like a conventional hatchback and feels comfortable, too. It’s not the best-value car, though, and there’s no option of a hybrid which could make it even more attractive with lower running costs.

Volkswagen T-Roc models, specs and alternatives

There are now numerous SUV options in Volkswagen’s lineup, but the T-Roc sits just above the T-Cross and Taigo as a high-riding, practical option for a small family. The T-Roc shares most of its tech and underpinnings with the Golf mid-size hatchback, but gives a slightly more commanding view of the road and more rugged and fashionable SUV look. As a result, it’s been a big seller for Volkswagen and underwent a facelift in 2022 to keep it fighting fit in the segment.

Direct rivals to the T-Roc include the Nissan Juke, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30, Renault Captur and Ford Puma but you could also consider models like the Audi Q2, BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA as premium alternatives – all are attempting to grab the attention of buyers who want the practicality and low running costs of a family hatchback, but looks of a small SUV.

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To stand out from the crowd, each of these small SUVs has a distinctive look and the T-Roc is no exception. It features large LED daytime running lights, plus plastic cladding over the wheel arches and around the door sills to give it a more rugged look. There's a wide range of paint options, plus you can also add a contrasting roof.

Volkswagen gave the T-Roc a facelift in 2022, but only eagle-eyed drivers are likely to spot the changes. The headlamps now use LED technology as standard, and selected models get an illuminated stripe across the grille. A silver bumper element gives a tougher look, while the rear light signature has been tweaked, the lenses are darker and the rear indicators now have a scrolling animation when activated.

Inside, a bigger ‘floating’ touchscreen is the most obvious change, while the climate control panel is also new (but more fiddly than before). Elsewhere, there are higher quality materials to help distinguish the Volkswagen from its rivals, including in-house competition from the likes of Skoda.

There are plenty of engines to choose from in the T-Roc, starting with the 113bhp 1.0-litre TSI petrol. This model will offer enough performance for most urban drivers and should be economical, but there’s always the option of the 1.5-litre TSI with 148bhp or even the 187bhp 2.0-litre TSI model. This model has 4Motion four-wheel drive and seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and comes in high-spec trim levels only. There’s also the T-Roc R (reviewed separately), a range-topping, high-performance version with 296bhp for keen drivers, and even a T-Roc Cabriolet convertible if you must.

While the T-Roc feels well-suited to petrol power, there are some diesel options that are ideal for long-distance driving. The range starts with the 2.0-litre TDI making 113bhp, though there’s a 148bhp version of this engine as well, paired with either two or four-wheel drive. Buyers after any sort of hybrid power or electrification will have to look elsewhere, at rivals such as the Kia Niro.

Trim levels consist of Life, Match, Style, R-Line, and Black Edition which replace the old line-up of S, SE, Active, Design, SEL and R-Line. The new simplified range makes it easier to choose the T-Roc that’s right for you, although the discontinuation of the more basic trim levels has pushed the starting price up.

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Considering it’s the new entry-level model, Life trim brings an awful lot of standard features. These include wireless phone connectivity, a ‘basic’ version of VW’s digital instrument cluster, two-zone climate control, parking assistance and high-beam assist. Style adds upgraded headlights and that illuminated grille, plus bigger digital dials, sat nav and tinted windows. R-Line gets a sporty visual makeover and heated front seats.

The T-Roc's greatest attraction has to be the way it drives. It's built on the same MQB platform as the Volkswagen Golf and models from other brands within the VW Group, and therefore feels very un-SUV-like to drive, with a good balance between comfort, responsive steering and acceleration. Even the entry-level 1.0-litre TSI petrol is a pleasure to drive, which begs the question as to whether many will feel the thirsty range-topping 2.0-litre petrol is necessary.

Any T-Roc makes a genuinely enjoyable family car that isn't averse to a little adventure, while a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating proves that it has the strength its stocky looks suggest. Our pick is the 1.0-litre TSI petrol with a manual gearbox in Life trim; it offers a great blend of performance, low running costs and decent equipment, which makes it good value too.