The second best-selling SUV in the VW lineup adds hybrid power, sleeker styling and smarter tech
One of the most popular models Volkswagen’s lineup is getting a major upgrade. Eight years after the debut of the first T-Roc, the second-generation crossover arrives with a larger body, sharper styling, and a completely reworked interior. It also introduces something new for VW Group, a full-hybrid powertrain alongside updated mild-hybrid options.
The exterior builds on the original T-Roc’s character while leaning into modern proportions and a more confident stance. Its front end takes inspiration from of VW’s family of EVs, swapping the traditional grille for a sleeker look defined by a full-width LED bar and illuminated badge. Sporty bumper intakes and a subtle skid plate finish the design.
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The profile remains recognizable with its distinctive “hockey-stick” line flowing into the strong C-pillar, though cleaner surfaces and sculpted fenders give it a fresher appearance. Buyers can now choose wheels up to 20 inches, while the sloping rear windshield and wide LED taillights add a coupe-inspired feel. Thanks to its reshaped bodywork, aerodynamic efficiency improves by 10 percent, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.29 cd.
Trim Lineup And Dimensions
VW will offer the new T-Roc in base, Life, Style, and R-Line trims. The sportier R-Line distinguishes itself with larger bumper intakes, a rear diffuser, and the option of a Black Style package that adds darker exterior accents. Six colors are available, including Canary Yellow, Flamed Red, and Celestial Blue, with a contrasting black roof on select combinations.
In terms of dimensions, the SUV now measures 4,373 mm (172.1 inches) in length, 122 mm longer than before. The wheelbase grows by 28 mm (1.1 inches) to 2,631 mm, creating a slightly more spacious footprint. This places the T-Roc neatly between the smaller Taigo and T-Cross and the larger Tiguan and Tayron within VW’s European SUV range.
More Tech And Better Quality Inside
Volkswagen says the new T-Roc’s interior now matches the standards set by the Tiguan and Tayron. The dashboard replaces the hard plastics of its predecessor with a fabric finish, paired with higher-quality materials throughout the cabin and ambient lighting that shines through perforated leatherette surfaces. Sustainability also plays a role, with about 20 percent of the interior plastics sourced from recycled materials.
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At the center of the dash sits a free-standing infotainment screen, available in 10.4 or 12.9 inches, complemented by a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and an optional head-up display. While the much-criticized touch sliders remain below the screen, VW balances them with a physical control knob on the center console borrowed from the Tiguan. The multifunction knob handles volume, drive modes, and even ambient “atmospheres,” reducing reliance on touch menus.
Optional features include an ergoActive seat with 14-way electrical adjustments and massaging function, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
The T-Roc has also stepped up the ADAS game. A new version of the Travel Assist system supports automatic lane changes and has an improved predictive control for speed limits. This is joined by a new exit warning system, and the Park Assist Pro which allows trained and fully automatic parking to a distance of up to 50 m (164 feet) with the optional memory function.
Practicality improves as well. Taller passengers benefit from increased cabin space, and luggage capacity rises to 465 liters (16.4 cubic feet), 20 liters more than before.
Electrified In Different Ways
Under the skin, the T-Roc rides on the updated MQB Evo platform. The launch lineup includes two mild-hybrid versions of the 1.5-liter eTSI engine. The base produces 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), while the stronger variant offers 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Both are paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission and supported by a 48V system that can briefly add 19 hp (14 kW).
The bigger development comes later with VW’s first-ever full-hybrid system, marking a milestone for the group. This setup pairs the 1.5-liter TSI evo2 with an electric module and lithium-ion battery under the rear seats. Two outputs will be available, 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) or 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS), each producing 306 Nm (225 lb-ft) of torque.
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For those preferring traditional power, a 2.0-liter TSI will eventually join the range in both standard and mild-hybrid form, with the added option of 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Availability
European pre-sales for the new T-Roc will start at the end of August, with deliveries slated for November. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. Volkswagen does not plan to bring the T-Roc to North America, where the Taos fills the role of the brand’s smallest crossover.
Since its debut in 2017, the T-Roc has sold over 2 million units worldwide. In 2023 alone, VW delivered 292,000 examples, making it the brand’s second most popular SUV after the Tiguan
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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