Volkswagen T-Cross review
The Volkswagen T-Cross is proof that small SUVs offer a genuine upgrade over superminis and small hatchbacks. This is a crossover that feels just as comfortable and high-quality, but it brings a big boost in practicality and overall space. But should you pick a VW T-Cross over its endless list of rivals? Read our Volkswagen T-Cross review.
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Pros
- Sliding rear seats and big boot
- Petrol engines are efficient
- High-quality, even if not hi-tech
Cons
- Only one fuel choice
- Touch-sensitive climate controls
Interior
Our rating: 6/10
Driving position
The Volkswagen T-Cross really delivers on the SUV feel that so many buyers desire these days – it feels ever-so-familiar from behind the wheel if you’ve been in any small VW like the Polo, but it’s noticeably higher.
Where the T-Cross excels compared to the Polo (on which it’s based) is around-town visibility – you can spot gaps in traffic far easier and see what’s going on ahead.
We wouldn’t say the A-pillars are particularly slim, but they don’t create too much of a blind spot either.
Much of the driving position also comes down to how easy the cabin is to operate – everything’s sensibly laid out on the dash and within reach.
Our only gripe is that, while the climate controls have an entire section dedicated to it lower on the centre console, it’s all touch-sensitive so you need to take your eye off the road to find the control you want. It could so easily have been physical buttons, which we’d have much preferred for on-the-go usability.
Tech and features
Volkswagen T-Cross trim levels
– Life
– Match
– Style
– R-Line
– Black Edition
The T-Cross has come a long way since it first hit UK roads, and post-2023 facelifted models offer far more value.
Entry-level Life is a great option, because it gets a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and all-round parking sensors.
Most cars come with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, but R-Line and Black Edition models get a bigger 10.25-inch ‘Pro’ version. There’s not a lot in it, so it’s not worth paying more just for that.
It is more customisable, but you’ve already got everything at hand right next door on the main touchscreen.
One upgrade worth considering are the IQ.LIGHT headlights, which are VW’s matrix headlights that adapt to prevent blinding oncoming traffic when the high beams are on. Even so, all models come with LED headlights that a bright enough.
While the T-Cross doesn’t look the most hi-tech inside (compared to something like the Ford Puma, which has a much bigger screen), it actually still has most of the same features in a far more understated way.
So, if you like quality without shouting about it, a T-Cross could be the way to go.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
Engines and power
Volkswagen T-Cross performance stats
– Power: 95hp to 150hp
– 0-62mph: 8.4 to 11.2 seconds
– Top speed: 112 to 124mph
– Driven wheels: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Most buyers will probably pick one of the 1.0-litre engines, but in our experience it’s worth upgrading from the 95hp variant to the 115hp variant.
Both are available with manual gearboxes and the 115hp model can also have a DSG automatic ‘box.
There’s a good second or so between the two in terms of acceleration to 62mph, so it’s a welcome upgrade.
Top-spec versions also get an optional 150hp 1.5-litre petrol, which is noticeably quicker but also pricier to buy and run.
Naturally, there are no diesels at this end of the market, but it would be nice to have some hybrid or mild hybrid options.
The Ford Puma has an impressive mild hybrid system, and the Renault Captur has a self-charging hybrid option.
Our pick: VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115hp DSG
Handling and ride comfort
We might describe the T-Cross' ride as slightly firmer than many other crossovers, but it helps offset the relatively high shape, giving it more stability.
It’s plenty comfortable enough around town, but you might want to avoid some of the bigger alloy wheel options to keep the ride more compliant around town or on poorer surfaces.
We also took the T-Cross on longer motorway tips and found it to be more refined than expected at quicker speeds – sound insulation is good compared to other small crossovers.
It’s about in line with another popular crossover, the Nissan Juke, but pick the Ford Puma if you want something with more direct steering for an enjoyable country road trip.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
Boot space
Volkswagen T-Cross boot space
– Boot space: 385 to 455 litres
– Incl. Rear seats folded: 1,281litres
VW deserves a lot of credit here, because the T-Cross' designers did something really smart with the boot.
Instead of prioritising either boot space or rear passenger space, they added a sliding rear bench on all models to let the driver decide where they need the most space.
385 litres is already a strong start, but 455 litres is more similar to cars from the next class up.
Do consider that, in the most forward position, the rear seats leave virtually zero legroom.
They fold 60:40, which is normal for most cars.
The Ford Puma does fight back with its ‘Megabox’ under-boot storage area, so that’s worth bearing in mind.
Boot space is actually similar to the T-Cross, at 456 litres including the Megabox or 376 litres excluding it.
Rear seats
The sliding rear bench means you can push the seats back fairly far, so legroom can be better than in other small crossovers.
Headroom is also generally better than most rivals, with the T-Cross having a more ‘baby SUV’ design than sportier-looking alternatives.
Storage solutions
It might be a small car, but VW has fitted some nice upgrades to the T-Cross where it matters the most.
For example, the central armrest only has a small cubby within it, but you can adjust the height and reach of it for maximum driver comfort.
You get all the usual storage areas, like door bins and a pretty compact glovebox, and four USB-C ports that deliver up to 45W of power for quick charging.
Volkswagen T-Cross dimensions
– Height: 1,573mm
– Width: 1,977mm (incl. mirrors)
– Length: 4,127mm
– Kerbweight: Up to 1,215kg
Safety
Apart from the useful driver aids like adaptive cruise control and all-round parking sensors, you also get safety aids like lane assist and driver attention monitoring
It got a five-star safety rating in 2019 and three stars in a 2025 retest – this is a sign of stricter testing procedures rather than a less safe car.
Still, it would be good to see VW targeting at least four stars like the Puma and Captur.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Fuel economy
Whichever petrol engine you pick, official MPG figures are in the mid- to high-40s, which we found to be vaguely true on a steady run. Stop-start traffic will bring this to the mid- to high-30s mark, which is totally acceptable.
Mild hybrid models tend not to see such a huge difference in reality, but self-charging rivals including the Toyota Yaris Cross are cheaper to run in towns and cities.
Reliability
VW’s longstanding reputation for reliability helps the T-Cross stand out, with few major problems reported by owners. Still, the industry-standard three-year warranty isn’t much to shout about.
The verdict
Interior
6/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
8/10
With so many compact crossovers to pick from, the VW T-Cross stands out by not standing out. It feels as premium as any Volkswagen should, comes with all the understated tech you’ll ever need and feels comfortable in day-to-day driving.
Still, its infotainment screen is easy to use, but doesn’t look as good as that of the Ford Puma, and its looks might not be to everyone’s tastes as we start to see more coupé-SUVs on the roads.
On the engine front, VW’s 1.0-litre petrol has decent performance and shouldn’t cost too much to run, but it would be nice to have a bit more choice in there.
So, if you want a dependable and spacious crossover, the T-Cross might just be the one for you, but if you’re after a specific trait (hybrid power, sporty looks, big screens), then you’re better off looking elsewhere.
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