VW T-Roc Review: Is It Worth Buying?

Good to drive, spacious, and decently affordable, the Volkswagen T-Roc has been one of the standout picks in the small SUV class since 2018. Is it worth buying? Here’s what you need to know.

Is the VW T-Roc Reliable?

Reliability has been a little mixed historically, but has improved in recent years. Volkswagen’s TSI petrol engines are well-proven across the wider VW range and have shown good long-term durability, with most owners reporting few mechanical issues.

Which Engine Should You Choose?

The sweet spot is the 1.5 TSI with 150 horsepower, delivering smooth acceleration and effortless overtaking without a significant fuel economy penalty. The entry-level 1.0 TSI with 115 horsepower provides adequate power for urban driving but can feel strained when fully loaded. For more performance, the 2.0 TSI produces up to 190 horsepower with all-wheel drive as standard.

Used T-Roc Value

The T-Roc launched in 2017 with a price topping £30,000, but well-equipped used examples can now be found from around £7,000, representing strong value for a car that still feels up to date.

T-Roc vs Tiguan: Which Should You Choose?

The T-Roc offers more distinctive styling, easier urban manoeuvrability, and typically lower running costs. The larger Tiguan provides significantly more interior space and a bigger boot. If you prioritise style and city-friendly dimensions, the T-Roc is the better choice; families needing maximum room may prefer the Tiguan.

Company Car Considerations

The T-Roc’s higher price means a higher P11D value, so company car drivers pay more in BiK tax compared with cheaper rivals like the Ford Puma. Hybrid versions help reduce this, though they still won’t be as cheap for tax purposes as an electric SUV.