Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen T-Cross review – a well-equipped small SUV

“The Volkswagen T-Cross is one of the class leaders in the small SUV sector”

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Price
£24,125 - £31,825

Pros

  • Spacious
  • Well-equipped
  • Desirable badge

Cons

  • Expensive top models
  • Polo costs less
  • No hybrid model

​Verdict - is the Volkswagen T-Cross a good car?

The Volkswagen T-Cross certainly isn’t the first small SUV, but it’s now one of the ones to beat. It offers an impressive blend of style, comfort and peppy engines. The fact it’s based on the Volkswagen Polo is easy to detect from behind the wheel – there’s a similar relaxed nature to its road manners, and the T-Cross behaves better on the motorway than you might expect for a small crossover. The latest Move trim means it’s also more affordable. But, this is a crowded class, and which small SUV you pick may ultimately come down to which is offered with the best PCP deal, or what powertrain you’d prefer.

Volkswagen T-Cross models, specs and alternatives

The Volkswagen T-Cross is yet another small SUV from the German manufacturer, slotting in just below the T-Roc and alongside the Taigo with its coupe-style roof. It seems as though Volkswagen has every SUV niche covered, but as the cheapest of the lot, the Volkswagen T-Cross aims to offer more practicality and a higher ride height than a conventional supermini, for a better view of the road ahead.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Small SUVs have boomed in popularity in recent times, so the T-Cross isn’t without rivals. Its most direct competitors are the Ford Puma, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Hyundai Bayon and Citroen C3 Aircross, as well as cars with which it shares a platform, such as the Skoda Kamiq and SEAT Arona. Those sister cars are essentially high-riding versions of the Skoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza hatchbacks, much like what the T-Cross is to the Polo, so the T-Cross is a natural step up from that car. If you’d prefer a hybrid, the Toyota Yaris Cross is also likely to appeal.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen facelifted the Volkswagen T-Cross in 2023 to keep it competitive against rivals. This revision included a few exterior tweaks such as redesigned bumpers with lower air intakes, and the introduction of Volkswagen’s latest Matrix LED technology on some models. On the inside, Volkswagen slightly improved material quality.

Best small SUVsTop 10 best small SUVs 2024

As part of the facelift, an eight-inch infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster are offered as standard. The T-Cross is currently offered in four different trims, starting with Life, moving up through Match and Style to the sporty-looking flagship R-Line model.

The T-Cross combines VW’s typical sturdiness and planted feel with light steering that’s perfect in tight city streets. The T-Cross continues to drive well at speed without feeling too twitchy, which can be a side effect of light steering. It’s refined even up to motorway speeds, and keeps its composure over most bumps and small potholes. VW has certainly prioritised comfort over sportiness, which is what most small SUV buyers will prefer.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine can occasionally feel sluggish below 2,500rpm, which means you’ll have to rev it hard sometimes – when joining a motorway, for example. Volkswagen introduced a punchier 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine at the start of 2020 but in truth, the 108bhp 1.0-litre engine will suit most buyers, and the larger engine is only available with top trim levels. The T-Cross has the option of a smooth DSG automatic gearbox – it’s a bit more expensive, but could be a great choice if you do most of your journeys in stop-start traffic.

The 1.0-litre petrol returns around 49mpg. This is pretty similar to most of its rivals but the DSG automatic does increase fuel consumption to around 45mpg. You’ll get a similar figure from the 148bhp petrol engine. A diesel engine was briefly available but it was expensive and wasn’t much more economical than the smaller petrol options.

Despite its size, the T-Cross offers space for five, and adults should be comfy in the outer rear seats thanks to lots more headroom than in the Polo. The rear seats slide forwards and backwards, so you can choose whether you want more space for passengers or luggage. It has a big boot, regardless of where you have the back seats, while those in the front will enjoy a classy dashboard with a standard eight-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.0 TSI Life 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £24,125

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.0 TSI Life 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £24,125

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI Style 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £30,890

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi A6 review – an executive saloon all-rounder
Audi A6
In-depth reviews
4 Oct 2024

Audi A6 review – an executive saloon all-rounder

Kia EV6 review – one of the best EVs on sale
Kia EV6 facelift
In-depth reviews
3 Oct 2024

Kia EV6 review – one of the best EVs on sale

Renault 4 first glimpse! Retro-renaissance continues with new all-electric small SUV
Renault 4 front fascia teaser
News
1 Oct 2024

Renault 4 first glimpse! Retro-renaissance continues with new all-electric small SUV

Audi Q5 review – a good premium all-round SUV
Audi Q5 driving
In-depth reviews
27 Sep 2024

Audi Q5 review – a good premium all-round SUV

Have You Considered

MG ZS review – even better value than before
MG ZS front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
20 Sep 2024

MG ZS review – even better value than before

Kia EV3 review – small electric SUV hits the right notes
Kia EV3
In-depth reviews
11 Sep 2024

Kia EV3 review – small electric SUV hits the right notes

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best cars
4 Oct 2024

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024

More on T-Cross

Show me:
Top 10 best used small SUVs to buy
Best used small SUVs
Best cars
12 Jul 2024

Top 10 best used small SUVs to buy

Looking for a small but family-friendly used car? Read our list of the best used small SUVs you can buy
Top 10 best small SUVs 2024
Best small SUVs
Best cars
20 May 2024

Top 10 best small SUVs 2024

They’re more popular than ever, but which small SUVs are the best? We cover our top 10
Hot car deal: latest Volkswagen T-Cross for £137 per month
Facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross tracking front
Deals
18 Jan 2024

Hot car deal: latest Volkswagen T-Cross for £137 per month

Our hot car deal for January 18th is the facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross small SUV for an amazing £137 per month
New facelift for the Volkswagen T-Cross, still costs under £24k
Facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross tracking front
News
4 Jan 2024

New facelift for the Volkswagen T-Cross, still costs under £24k

Volkswagen Polo-based small SUV gets minor tweaks for 2024, including a new face and infotainment screen
Volkswagen T-Cross SUV now available in Black Edition trim
Volkswagen T-Cross Black Edition
News
9 Apr 2021

Volkswagen T-Cross SUV now available in Black Edition trim

Volkswagen T-Cross Black Edition gets black styling pack and extra equipment
Volkswagen Polo, T-Cross and T-Roc United editions launched
Volkswagen T-Roc, Polo and T-Cross United editions
News
24 Jul 2020

Volkswagen Polo, T-Cross and T-Roc United editions launched

New VW United models add extra equipment and value for money

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024