Back in 2017, when Volkswagen launched the very first T-Roc, not everyone was convinced. The compact SUV market was crowded, and VW already had the Tiguan holding strong in the family SUV space. But the T-Roc struck a chord. It was youthful, versatile, and carried just enough Volkswagen DNA to feel familiar while offering something fresh. Fast forward eight years, and more than two million T-Rocs have been sold worldwide, making it VW’s most successful SUV after the Tiguan.
Now, in 2025, the T-Roc has entered its second generation. And this isn’t just a mild refresh; Volkswagen has rebuilt it from the ground up, giving it more space, more tech, and more character. The result? A compact SUV that no longer feels like the “little brother” in the family, but a confident model in its own right.
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A Design That Means Business
The new T-Roc is immediately recognizable, yet clearly more mature. Volkswagen stretched the body by 12 cm compared with the outgoing version, and that extra length changes everything. The car sits more planted on the road, with stronger proportions that highlight its sporty coupé-like rear.
Up front, LED headlights now come as standard. For those who want to go further, VW offers IQ.LIGHT matrix LED headlights, connected by a slim illuminated strip that runs through the nose and meets a glowing VW badge. At the rear, higher trims add a full-width LED light bar with a red VW emblem, giving it a modern, premium look usually reserved for larger SUVs.
Color choices are also more vibrant this time around. Alongside traditional shades like Pure White and Wolf Grey, VW has added bold new options including Canary Yellow, Flamed Red, Celestial Blue, and Grenadilla Black. Buyers can also opt for a black contrast roof, underlining the T-Roc’s youthful, customizable edge.
Step Inside: From Functional to Premium
Volkswagen knows the cabin was one of the weaker points of the first T-Roc. This time, the interior feels properly high-end. Soft-touch surfaces replace the harder plastics of the old car. The dashboard is wrapped in a newly developed fabric, giving it a modern lounge-like feel, and ambient background lighting allows owners to set the mood.
Front and center sits a new infotainment display, now up to 13 inches, angled slightly toward the driver for easier use. The system borrows much of its hardware and software from the larger Tiguan and Tayron, meaning faster response times and more advanced features.
For the first time in the segment, Volkswagen is offering an optional head-up display that projects navigation directions, speed, and safety warnings directly onto the windscreen. The driver can also customize driving profiles through the latest version of Driving Experience Control, which even allows the volume to be adjusted with a twist of the selector.
Space That Fits Real Life
That extra 12 cm in length wasn’t just for styling. The cabin is genuinely roomier now. Volkswagen points out that even if tall passengers (around 1.85 m) sit up front, equally tall people can comfortably fit in the rear. That makes the T-Roc a proper family car – no more compromises for rear-seat passengers.
The boot has also grown by 30 liters, now offering 475 liters of storage with the seats up. It’s enough space for strollers, shopping, or luggage for a long weekend. For added comfort, the ergoActive 14-way adjustable seat with massage function debuts on the Style trim – a luxury feature you’d usually only find in much bigger cars.
Smarter Than Ever: Safety and Assistance
Volkswagen has leaned heavily on its MQB evo platform to bring advanced tech into the T-Roc. The car is packed with features that not long ago were reserved for premium models.
- Travel Assist: Now in its newest version, it can handle lane-keeping, react more intuitively to changing speed limits, and even manage automated lane changes on certain roads.
- Park Assist Pro: This clever system memorizes a parking maneuver and can repeat it fully automatically for up to 50 meters – controlled by a smartphone if desired.
- Exit Warning System: Available as an option, it alerts passengers opening doors if cyclists or cars are approaching from behind.
These additions make the T-Roc not just more comfortable but also much safer, particularly for city driving where close encounters are common.
Under the Hood: Hybrid Power as Standard
Volkswagen has gone all-in on electrified drivetrains for the new T-Roc in Europe. At launch, buyers can choose from two 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid petrol engines:
- 115 PS (85 kW)
- 150 PS (110 kW)
Both engines are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Later, VW will introduce full hybrid versions, developed from scratch, that promise better fuel efficiency.
For those who need more muscle, the familiar 2.0 TSI will return as a mild hybrid with optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive. And yes, the much-loved T-Roc R will make a comeback, standing as the most powerful variant in the range.
Four Variants to Choose From
Volkswagen has simplified the model range, cutting down the number of packages by 50 percent to make it easier for buyers to pick. The trims are:
- Trend – budget-friendly, focusing on essentials and functionality
- Life – adds more comfort features
- Style – design and technology take center stage
- R-Line – sportiest trim with performance-oriented styling
For those who tow, every version can be ordered with a tow bar capable of handling heavy e-bikes thanks to an 80 kg drawbar load.
Built in Portugal, Made for Europe
Like its predecessor, the new T-Roc is built at Volkswagen’s factory in Palmela, Portugal, just outside Lisbon. It’s a car made with Europe in mind, both in size and in spirit. Last year alone, around 292,000 customers across Europe chose the T-Roc; proof of how deeply it resonates with drivers looking for a compact SUV that balances style, practicality, and everyday usability.
A Compact SUV That Has Found Its Confidence
When the first T-Roc arrived, it was praised for its fresh design and driving dynamics but sometimes criticized for feeling a little “budget” inside. The second-generation T-Roc addresses those gaps and goes a step further; it looks sharper, feels more premium, and offers technology that edges into luxury territory.
Prices in Germany start at €30,845 for the entry-level 1.5 eTSI, with pre-sales beginning August 28 and the official market launch in November 2025.
If the last eight years are anything to go by, expect this new T-Roc to be another common sight on European roads. Only now, when you see one, it won’t just blend in; it’ll stand out.
