Volkswagen T-Roc verdict
Should you buy one?
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a very good, solid car with a lot of merits – space, practicality, user-friendly tech, pleasant driving experience. It just doesn’t really stand out from the crowd. However, the fact that it remains a good choice despite being the oldest car in its class by some margin says an awful lot about the fundamental rightness of its design.
The T-Roc’s funky styling is a big part of its appeal, as well. It’s also cheaper and more practical than the very similar Audi Q2, if not the Skoda Karoq. The less-than-exemplary interior quality lets it down, though.
We recommend picking the 1.5-litre petrol engine if you can. It’s the best all-rounder, striking a good balance between performance and efficiency. It’s also available with a manual or automatic gearbox. Having said that, we like that the T-Roc is still available with diesel engines for high-mileage drivers.
What we like
The VW T-Roc seamlessly blends family-friendly functionality and funkiness, creating an appealing family SUV. It’s surprisingly enjoyable to drive and the ride is fairly cosseting – in models with small wheels, at any rate. It’s also available with a wide range of trim packages and engines to suit different tastes and needs. The VW badge is always reassuring, as well.
What we don’t like
The VW T-Roc interior is something of a disappointment – we’ve come expect better from VW in both design and quality. Top-spec models are rather pricey, too. And there’s a brand-new version of the T-Roc arriving in late 2024, so you may want to hold out for that.