This DriverReviews review answers whether the new Volkswagen T-Roc earns its place as the compact SUV to buy in 2026, or whether fresher rivals have moved the goalposts. Vicki Butler-Henderson drives the all-new second-generation T-Roc to find out how it performs on the road, what the redesigned interior is like to live with, and whether more than two million sales since 2017 have made this the default choice in the segment for good reason.
The new Volkswagen T-Roc is a compact SUV available in three trim levels with two 1.5-litre mild-hybrid turbocharged engines producing either 116hp or 150hp. Prices range from around £32,000 to £39,000. The second-generation model is longer, wider and taller than before, yet 10 per cent more aerodynamic, and brings 475 litres of boot space, a new interior with a padded dashboard and a head-up display available for the first time.
The T-Roc tested here is fitted with Bridgestone Turanza 6 tyres, rated 4.7 out of 5 by thousands of drivers on DriverReviews and Highly Recommended in the Best Tyres for Small and Mid-Size SUVs category in the DriverReviews Customer Choice Awards.
Inside, the T-Roc gains a more premium feel throughout, with a padded dashboard, perforated artificial leather doors that shimmer with light, a column-mounted gear selector that frees up more storage between the seats, a larger digital display and four USB-C sockets. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and three ISOFIX-compatible seats are all standard. The optional £950 Technology Pack adds a head-up display and rear cross-traffic warning, while Style trim adds self-parking and massage seats.
Rivals include the Ford Puma and Kia Sportage. Vicki gives her full verdict on whether the new T-Roc belongs at the top of your compact SUV shortlist.
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— Chapters —
00:00 Introduction to the new Volkswagen T-Roc
00:36 Price and engine options for the Volkswagen T-Roc
01:54 Exterior design and dimensions of the Volkswagen T-Roc
02:51 Boot space and towing capacity of the Volkswagen T-Roc
03:32 Tyres fitted to the Volkswagen T-Roc
04:06 Find the right tyres with DriverReviews
04:43 Interior and controls of the Volkswagen T-Roc
05:57 Technology and trim levels of the Volkswagen T-Roc
07:10 Rear-seat space in the Volkswagen T-Roc
07:30 Engine performance of the Volkswagen T-Roc
08:26 DSG gearbox in the Volkswagen T-Roc
09:18 Handling and ride comfort of the Volkswagen T-Roc
10:04 Rivals and final verdict for the Volkswagen T-Roc
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Would you buy the T-Roc R, or is there a better hot SUV for the money?
I'm so disappointed that I wanted to buy this car R version, but it only arrives 2027 and I can't wait that long, so I need to buy another car 🙁
Nice car. Would Volkswagen pay for me to go to evening classes to fully master the computer gismos. It's going to be difficult to train your eyes to move them away from the screens. I'm 86 perhaps I should book into a retirement home and leave these modern cars to the computer boys and girls.
VW have dropped the ball. They lowered their standards while other brands have raised theirs.
Overpriced VAG crap car. One of many…
38,000 quid and no elec seats or tailgate 😢
€46000 euro in ireland absolutely scandalous price
Yes totaly agree. The 1.5 engine en gears not enough for smooth ride. Should be maybe 1.8 engine.
Volkswagen has strategically positioned the T-Roc as a model specifically for European and international markets, leading to its absence in the United States for several key reasons:
Reasons for Absence in the U.S. Market:
* *Segment Overlap:* Volkswagen already offers the Taos and the Tiguan in the United States. The T-Roc occupies a similar footprint to the Taos, and adding it to the lineup would create internal competition, diluting the sales potential of their existing compact SUV offerings.
* *Production Localization:* The T-Roc is primarily manufactured in European plants (such as Palmela, Portugal). Importing a mass-market vehicle from Europe often incurs high logistics costs and currency exchange challenges, which would make the T-Roc difficult to price competitively against domestic-made rivals in the U.S.
* *Market Preferences:* American consumers have historically favored larger vehicles with specific configurations. The T-Roc was designed to cater to European preferences for maneuverability and specific emission standards, which may not align with the typical requirements of the average U.S. buyer who often prefers the longer, more traditional SUV profile of the Tiguan.
* *Regulatory Hurdles:* Homologating a vehicle for the U.S. market requires significant investment to meet specific safety and emissions regulations (such as EPA and NHTSA standards). Volkswagen has determined that the costs associated with these modifications do not provide a strong enough business case compared to the success they see with their current U.S. SUV portfolio.
Over 40k for a car that sits below the Tiguan is criminal.
Way too expensive. Chinese bringing it to the table.
Can’t believe they have the climate slider controls again so annoying 😢
Nice too nice 👍
will it be coming to the USA any time soon ??
I think being taller wider may be it’s Downfall, just like Skoda when they stopped the yeti
No and I’m coming from a VW but not this time, T-Roc’s interior is still a disappointment, no full hybrid and expensive, I bought a Lexus LBX Vibrant Edition instead as I don’t need the rear passenger room.
You can buy a discounted Tiguan for those prices 😂 over priced tat as usual from VW group.
As always great review 👍
Sounds pretty good but where is the spare tyre???????
Looks quite neat, but for me in this class Cupra Formentor is the choice, especially that VZ with Audi RS 5 cylinder engine, Vicki review coming of that toy?
I don't know about the 2026 VW T-Roc, but my 83 year old Glasgow born dad currently drives a 2021 VW T-Roc R-Line, absolutely loves it. He had 8 Porsche before that, an air cooled and a water cooled 911, Boxster S and Boxster, 2 Cayman, 2 Macan S. Sold his 2nd Macan S 2 years ago to my brother. He has had some amazing cars over the years, including Ford Sierra Saphire RS Cosworth 4×4. ❤