Volkswagen, keen to accommodate the active lifestyle of millennials, has designed two smaller SUVs that tick most of the boxes of larger sports utilities, while being smaller in size. The T-Cross and the T-Roc are two examples of cars that will effortlessly go from busy city streets to the scenic countryside without the driver worrying if they are up to the challenge. While both are classified as subcompact crossover SUVs, there are some noticeable differences to consider before setting your mind on one of them.
Brand History
Established in 1937, the Volkswagen Group has been at the forefront of the car making industry for decades. Not only is Volkswagen one of the most noticeable car brands today, but they also stay up to date with current trends and customer demands.
Though the T-Roc was presented as a concept car at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, it only made its debut in 2017. The T-Cross, on the other hand, first hit the streets in 2019, increasing the Volkswagen SUV family to a range of five different models.
Design
If the T-Cross is the SUV version of the Polo hatchback, then the T-Roc is the SUV version of the Golf. In other words, if you prefer a Golf to a Polo, you would probably still go for the T-Roc over the T-Cross. In the same way, the T-Cross has the more playful appearance that you will find in some Polo models, while the T-Roc has a more sophisticated look.
The T-Cross might be the smallest SUV made by Volkswagen, but the exterior design is a bit flashier than its big brother. It is a bit harder on the eye, with aggressive spoiler designs and visible rugged corners. As for the T-Roc, though it is still a robust-looking car, it has smoother lines and a slightly sleeker look.
Volkswagen offers various options to personalise each car, from unique colour coding to wheel sizes. While the T-Roc feels as much at home in the city as it does in rough terrain, it’s important to note that the 4MOTION all-wheel drive is an extra option and does not come standard on the entry-level models. The T-Cross, on the other hand, has no all-wheel drive options.
Interior
The T-Cross has a funkier finish with a more energetic appeal, and the T-Roc is a bit more reserved, with a more basic dashboard and uncomplicated display. Both cars have Sat Nav options with certain models, as well as leather trim as an extra, if you are prepared to pay for it.
Practicality
While each car has a larger boot than its non-SUV counterpart, the T-Roc’s 445 litre luggage space is still larger than the T-Cross’ 385 litres of available space. Both cars are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They also have spacious door bins, cupholders, USB charging points, tethering straps, and IsoFix brackets for car seats.
The T-Roc has a panoramic glass roof, which surprisingly steals away some head room, and a through-loading hatch in the middle rear seat. Since the cars have been designed for the more adventurous individual, great care has been taken to keep it as practical as possible.
Performance
This is probably the deciding factor for most shoppers. The T-Roc sports a range of engine options, the lowliest entry-level 1.0 TSI model having 116hp and the 2.0 TFSI all-wheel drive pumping out 300hp. The top end model will take you from standstill to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
Sadly, the T-Cross only has smaller options available. That said, the entry-level S1.0 Litre TSI with 115hp still has way more power than the 70hp offered by the entry Polo models.
CO2 emissions of the larger of the two SUV’s is at 190 grams per mile, while the T-Cross is at 186 grams per mile. This puts both cars in an acceptable level when considering the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted.
When you combine performance, practicality and design, it’s important to decide whether you want a funky town runner with some minor limitations that will still take you and your small family where you need to go, or if you are in the market for a slightly bigger car with a bit more power and more clearance for the undercarriage.
The verdict
As a head to head comparison, the T-Roc comes out on top with more power, boot space and even versatility with the option of all-wheel drive. That said, the T-Cross does have its merits, with a more playful, energetic appearance and a more compact design compared to the T-Roc.
