Volkswagen T-Cross review

Our opinion on the Volkswagen T-Cross

The Volkswagen T-Cross has all the fundamentals to provide stiff competition in the compact SUV segment. Among its many attributes are a practical cabin with a sliding rear bench seat, and a strong engine line-up, which provides enough performance and decent fuel-efficiency. However, it’s not quite capable of toppling the best in the class.

Many of the T-Cross’ rivals are much more eye-catching, for instance. The VW is rather plain inside and out, and as a result, lacks the fun factor that many alternatives offer. It’s as refined and easy to drive as you’d expect a VW to be, although that comes at the expense of the T-Cross not being the most exciting behind the wheel. 

Pricing and specifications have been adjusted throughout the T-Cross's life cycle to address concerns that rivals were undercutting it, resulting in the T-Cross now being one of the more affordable options in the sector. Indeed, our preferred entry-level trim is so well equipped that it makes more expensive trims look redundant.

About the Volkswagen T-Cross

The Volkswagen T-Cross started from a rather left-field concept called the Breeze that was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The Breeze looked pretty much identical to the production-spec T-Cross, aside from not having a roof. The Volkswagen T-Roc Convertible filled VW’s drop-top SUV niche a few years later, and the T-Cross took on the popular small SUV segment, first going on sale in March 2019. It’s been well-received by buyers, and has only needed minor updates to keep it relevant today.

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Over time, the T-Cross line-up has expanded to include five trim levels; Life, Match, Style, R-Line and Black Edition.

Key features of Life trim:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Ambient interior lighting
• High beam assist
• An eight-inch touchscreen

Key features of Match trim:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Tinted rear glass
• Rear view camera
• Keyless entry and start

Key features of Style trim:

• Semi-automated driving assistance - predictive cruise control, cornering assistance and lane-centering
• Discover Media navigation
• IQ.Light adaptive headlights

Key features of R-Line trim:

• Chrome-plated exterior detailing
• Sports seats
• 10.25-inch Digital Dashboard Pro screen

Key features of Black Edition trim:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black exterior detailing
• LED tail lights with dynamic signals

The majority of the VW T-Cross line-up is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine that produces either 94bhp or 113bhp, while higher-spec models can also be had with a 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine. The 1.0 motor comes with a five-speed manual in 94bhp form, or can be paired with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission in 113bhp form; the 1.5 is auto-only.

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As you’d expect with most of the brand’s offerings, the Volkswagen T-Cross is a car that you can just get into and instantly feel comfortable with. All of the control weights are nicely matched to one another; the clutch engages smoothly when you press the pedal, the throttle response is consistent through the rev range, and the steering is light and precise. Throw in its compact dimensions, and the T-Cross is a stress-free experience overall.

The VW’s ride is smoother than in a SEAT Arona, but the 18-inch wheels of R-Line models make the T-Cross fidget over low-speed bumps more than the smaller wheel sizes, although the VW does settle down the faster you go. The big wheels increase road noise, too, so refinement on a motorway cruise is better with the smaller 16- or 17-inch wheel sizes certain models get. The six-speed gearbox of the more powerful 113bhp 1.0-litre engine contributes to noise reduction by keeping the revs lower than they would otherwise be with the entry-level engine, which only gets a five-speed gearbox. The brakes, meanwhile, feel strong and inspire plenty of confidence for emergency stops.

Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed

The T-Cross’s engine line-up is straightforward: there’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine offered with two power outputs (94bhp and 113bhp), and a 1.5-litre petrol unit with 148bhp.

The lesser 94bhp petrol model is okay, particularly if you only intend to drive around town. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds, and pulls smoothly from around 2,000rpm, even in fifth gear. It will struggle below that point, so steep uphill sections on a country road may need a downshift. Officially, the top speed stands at 112mph.

For most people, we’d recommend the more powerful 113bhp unit. At 200Nm, its maximum torque is 25Nm higher than in the cheaper model, and is available across the same rev range. It’s a similar story when it comes to power: both variants hit peak power at 5,000rpm, but the 113bhp unit can maintain its figure for a further 500rpm. As a result, the engine feels stronger at any speed, as shown by its 10.0 second 0-62mph time and 120mph maximum. The automatic version has a marginally slower acceleration time of 10.3 seconds.

The 1.5-litre petrol engine is only available with Style and R-Line trims, and unsurprisingly, it has the best performance figures of the lot. It takes 8.4 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint, and the top speed is 124mph. The SEAT Arona and Skoda Kamiq both offer this engine, with the SEAT trailing the VW by 0.1 seconds to 62mph, and the Skoda achieving a matching 8.3-second sprint time. 

Both the five- and six-speed manual ‘boxes shift smoothly and are paired with a light clutch pedal, which makes driving in heavy traffic easy. The DSG dual-clutch auto, on the other hand, isn’t the best in the business: it can be jerky when parking, and is often slow to kick down when accelerating out of a corner.

Town driving, visibility and parking

The T-Cross’s supermini DNA makes it a breeze to dart around town in. Light and forgiving controls help to take the sting out of stop-start traffic, while the high driving position provides good visibility all around. This VW’s small size means parking is a doddle by SUV standards, too.

B-road driving and handling 

Head out onto the open road, and the T-Cross’s handling is safe rather than entertaining like the Ford Puma. There’s plenty of grip and the balance is neutral, but the steering offers little in the way of feedback. The higher centre of gravity is noticeable when compared to the Volkswagen Polo on which the T-Cross is based, but the driving position is much more like an SUV, so it gives you a good view out.

Motorway driving and long-distance comfort

Every T-Cross engine is capable of taking on motorway runs, but the occasional dim-witted nature of the DSG automatic gearbox can mean overtaking takes a little bit longer than we’d like. Opt for a manual model, though, and there’s a decent amount of shove in all six gears. The clutch is light, too, so your left leg shouldn’t feel too sore if you encounter a traffic queue.

“When it comes to driving dynamics, there’s not a lot separating the Volkswagen T-Cross from the Skoda Kamiq; unsurprising when you consider they share a platform. Like the Kamiq, the T-Cross has a strong engine, is easy to drive around town and agile when cornering at higher speeds. We especially like the feel of VW’s manual gearbox; it’s light, slick and precise.” - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer.

The running costs of the Volkswagen T-Cross are likely to be a major consideration for most small SUV buyers. The T-Cross isn’t available with a hybrid powertrain like the Renault Captur, or as an EV like the Peugeot 2008, but the petrol engines do provide good fuel returns. 

The T-Cross engine range starts with a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet. The entry-level 94bhp version is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and manages a claimed maximum of 51.5mpg, with CO2 emissions from 125g/km. 

The 113bhp model gets a six-speed manual gearbox, and has slightly better fuel economy at 51.9mpg while emitting 124g/km of CO2. If you opt for the DSG auto, claimed fuel economy drops to 49.7mpg, while CO2 emissions increase to 129g/km.

When we tested the T-Cross against the Skoda Kamiq and Citroen C3 Aircross in a group test, the VW (powered by the 113bhp 1.0-litre engine with six-speed manual) returned an average of 43.8mpg. This was slightly less than the Kamiq, which managed 45.3mpg despite sharing the same powertrain. The Citroen languished behind both VW Group cars, though at just 38.3mpg.

If you need more power, choose the 1.5-litre three-pot turbo petrol engine. VW says this engine will average 47.1mpg and emit 135g/km of CO2, both of which aren’t far off the smaller 1.0-litre engine with the same gearbox. That’s because this engine has clever cylinder deactivation technology that saves fuel when cruising by shutting off two of the engine’s four cylinders when they’re not needed.

Insurance groups

The Volkswagen T-Cross will be relatively cheap to insure, like many of its rivals. Life trim with the lower-powered engine is in group 11, while those fitted with the 113bhp engine are in group 14. On the other end of the spectrum, an R-Line model with the most powerful engine and automatic gearbox tops out at group 20. Equivalent versions of the SEAT Arona are in similar insurance groups.

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Tax

The T-Cross isn’t available with hybrid or electric power, but this wouldn’t affect Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) road tax anyway because all fuel types are now liable to pay the same rate. Therefore, all T-Cross owners must pay the standard rate of VED. Company car users will also be far better served by an electric car if they want to enjoy the biggest Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax savings. Some good news, though, is that all variants of the T-Cross steer well clear of the £40,000 luxury car tax.

Depreciation

Our experts predict that the T-Cross will hold onto between 47 to 52 per cent of its value after 36,000 miles or three years, with the 1.0-litre 115 TSI in Match trim expected to retain the most.

These figures are above average for the class, most likely thanks to the cachet of the VW badge. By contrast, the Skoda Kamiq is expected to retain around 47 to 50 per cent of its value. The Renault Captur, meanwhile, performs slightly better, retaining between 52 to 54 per cent on average.

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According to the manufacturer, the Volkswagen T-Cross is intended to sport a more funky design than the brand’s larger SUVs. There are elements inspired by the rest of the VW family, such as the side crease that’s reminiscent of the Volkswagen Polo supermini, and the foglight surrounds mimic those on the Volkswagen T-Roc small SUV. Meanwhile, the full-width reflector around the back is designed to emphasise the car’s width. Cars equipped with the optional IQ light package (standard on Style trim) get a more arresting X-wing design in the rear lights.

In a class that’s full of quirky, colourful and interesting designs, the T-Cross is not the most eye-catching small SUV around, but it looks smart in a way that is sure to appeal to Volkswagen’s fan base. If you do want to liven things up beyond the usual array of white, grey and black paint options, the T-Cross is available in a fetching Clear Blue metallic, a pricey Kings Red metallic for £940, or a bold Rubber Ducky Yellow. The general public voted for the latter name as part of a social media poll.

The cabin doesn’t feel as premium as the Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008’s, but it’s all logically laid out. Entry-level Life and mid-range Match trims of T-Cross feature physical climate controls for the air-con system, which we’re always fond of. Style, R-Line and Black Edition cars have dual-zone climate control, which utilises a touch sensitive set-up that isn’t as easy to use on the move.

Interior and dashboard design

Inside, the dashboard layout is almost identical to that of the closely related Polo. That means there’s an eight-inch infotainment display sitting above a pair of central air vents, simple, logical control layouts and an attractive steering wheel design. Life and Match trims have a bit of silver trim across the dash that’s a bit more jazzy than the darker panels of R-Line cars, while Style can be had with a Cosmic Blue interior or a contrasting Mistral and Titanium Black interior.

The majority of the T-Cross line-up, including the base model, comes with an eight-inch digital driver’s display, while the range-topping R-Line and Black Edition models get a fully configurable 10.25-inch digital cockpit instead. The latter allows the driver to customise the information presented, choosing a regular-looking speedometer and rev counter, or prioritising trip or navigation readouts. The graphics are sharp, and while it isn’t completely essential, it does make the cabin feel more high-tech than those of many rivals.

Materials and build quality

There’s little in the way of soft-touch plastic within the T-Cross: the large expanse along the top of the dashboard is hard and scratchy, unlike in the Polo, where it’s made of a softer, rubberised material.

Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo

Every model in the T-Cross range comes with an eight-inch touchscreen as standard. In Life and Match models, this includes Bluetooth and a DAB radio, but no built-in satellite navigation, which is optional unless you stretch to a Style, R-Line or Black Edition model. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard-fit, so we don’t expect many people will bother forking over the extra cash, as they can just use a navigation app from their phone instead.

The infotainment system itself is still one of the best in its class. The graphics look clear and sharp, while the touch-sensitive shortcut buttons surrounding the display are big enough not to be distracting on the move. The two physical dials – one for volume and one to adjust the navigation zoom – are quite small and fiddly, though. Spring for the larger 10.25in screen that comes as part of the Discover Pro package, and these dials are removed altogether in favour of a pure touchscreen setup.

Programming the navigation system is easy, thanks to a large on-screen keyboard. Loading times are quick enough, and you can pinch and swipe on the display to preview a route.

The audio experience is the one area of the VW infotainment system that lets the side down. The sound quality from the standard speakers is nothing more than average; they lack clarity and punch. A six-speaker, 300-watt sound system is among the optional extras available, though. 

“The current T-Roc feels better than the pre-facelift car, with more soft-touch plastics in key areas, although some of the cabin layout is still disappointing. The climate controls, for example, feature buttons that are set low down on the dashboard.” - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor.

When it comes to practicality, the Volkswagen T-Cross is competitive within its class. Available in just the one five-door compact small SUV bodystyle, the car’s boxy dimensions and high roof translate into plenty of cabin space.

It scores big points for versatility, too, thanks in no small part to the sliding rear seat bench that’s standard across the range. Up front, it’s just as impressive, with a comfortable driving position that has enough adjustment to accommodate drivers of all shapes and sizes.

In addition to plenty of room, there are lots of spaces to keep items up front. A rubberised tray on top of the dash is ideal for small, lightweight items, while the huge cubby ahead of the gear lever has space for big smartphones and USB cables. The door bins are deep and wide enough to hold a large water bottle, and there is further storage space beneath the centre armrest. Passengers in the back can make use of similarly generous door bins and a pair of USB ports.

Dimensions and size

The Volkswagen T-Cross measures 4,127mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,573 tall, so it’s a similar size to its VW Group siblings. The T-Cross is slightly longer than the Polo supermini which sits on the same platform, but it’s still comfortably shorter than a Golf, making this an ideal size for city driving.

Driving position, seats & space in the front

Up front, the T-Cross feels very spacious, largely thanks to its high roof and boxy stature. Headroom is generous, too, while the driver’s seat offers a wide range of adjustment (the height, in particular, can be varied by a huge amount).

The T-Cross also comes with ISOFIX mounting points both in the front passenger seat and the outer two rear seats.

Seats & space in the back

Headroom is equally good for back-seat passengers, while there’s more than enough foot space beneath the front seats. Legroom depends entirely on the positions of the sliding rear bench: in its rearmost position, the T-Cross is among the most spacious in its class. However, slide the bench forward its full 140mm of travel to maximise luggage capacity, and there won’t be any legroom whatsoever for people sitting behind a driver of average height.

Boot space

The T-Cross has between 385 and 455 litres of boot space, depending on the seat positioning. The sliding rear bench allows you to prioritise either boot capacity or rear legroom. Even with the seats in the most rearward position, the 385-litre volume is larger than that of a Volkswagen Golf, and sliding the seat forward all the way increases the volume to 455 litres. However, this leaves a significant gap between the raised boot floor and the back seats, which could result in the loss of smaller items.

The T-Cross comes with an adjustable boot floor as standard. In its raised position, there’s no load lip to lift items over, and should you need to, there's space to store the parcel shelf beneath it. The boot should be able to accommodate a set of golf clubs, although they’ll fit more easily in a Ford Puma, which features an innovative ‘Megabox’ system. This is a handy 68-litre tub moulded into the boot floor that allows you to stand a golf bag upright. It also features a plug at the bottom, making it an ideal spot to store muddy boots that can be washed out later.

The rear seat bench splits 60:40, and leaves a completely flat load area. This expands the total storage area to 1,281 litres, which is six litres more than you get in a Renault Captur.

Towing

The 94bhp 1.0-litre engine has a braked towing capacity of 1,000kg, while the more powerful 113bhp version increases this to 1,100kg, much like the Ford Puma. Opting for the 1.5-litre engine only increases capacity to 1,200kg, which is okay, but somewhat shy of the 1,600kg you can pull with a front-wheel drive, diesel-powered Volkswagen T-Roc.

VW has increased the weight the tow ball can take from 55kg up to 75kg, allowing you to carry up to three e-bikes on a dedicated bike carrier.

“With the rear seat set as far back as possible, there’s 385 litres of boot space, but if you slide the bench forward there’s an impressive 455 litres. However, with the seats forward there really isn’t much legroom at all with them in this position. Tall adults won’t be able to get comfortable unless the bench is set back, although headroom is good.” - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor.

All T-Cross models have airbags for the driver and front passenger, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags. There’s also a tyre pressure-loss warning system, an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a lane-keep assist system, plus adaptive cruise control.

Entry-level Life models are equipped with front and rear parking sensors. A reversing camera is a £350 extra, but is fitted as standard to Match trim cars and above. 

Euro NCAP tested the T-Cross in 2019 and awarded it a full five stars for safety, with 97 and 86 per cent scores for adult and child protection, respectively. It also received an 80 per cent score for its safety assistance technology.

The T-Cross didn’t appear in our most recent Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but it did finish in 35th place out of 50 cars in our 2024 best cars to own results. However, Volkswagen as a brand came 29th (out of 32) in our best car manufacturer rankings, well behind the likes of Skoda (23rd), Hyundai (17th) and Kia (3rd).

• Best buy: Volkswagen T-Cross Life 1.0 115 TSI manual

The T-Cross comes with enough kit in base Life trim that it’ll suit most buyers, not to mention keep the price down. The more powerful 1.0-litre engine provides enough oomph for town and motorway journeys, although we recommend going for the manual unless you specifically require an automatic, as this will save you even more money.

Alternatives

Rivals include the Citroen C3 Aircross, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Toyota Yaris Cross and Peugeot 2008, as well as the other similarly sized models from within the Volkswagen Group: the Seat Arona and Skoda Kamiq. The T-Cross is the smallest SUV in VW’s range, sitting below the Volkswagen Taigo and Volkswagen T-Roc.

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