Volkswagen T-Cross - TopCarNews

Volkswagen T-Cross (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a small SUV/crossover based on the Polo supermini hatchback. It is the smallest model in Volkswagen’s SUV range, sitting just below the slightly larger T-Roc.

The T-Cross has received good to very good reviews from the UK motoring media since its launch in early 2019. As of December 2021, it is one of the highest-rated small SUV/crossovers as ranked by The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating index, although a few points behind the class-leading Ford Puma.

The Volkswagen T-Cross has received particular praise for its comfort, practicality and driving dynamics. However, it has been marked down for providing less value than some cheaper rivals, as well as being less economical as well. The interior quality is also considered disappointing compared to other Volkswagen models.

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £18,615 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SEL“The little Volkswagen T-Cross looks like being another successful SUV for VW. It blends style and practicality into a package that’s perfect for the city.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The small Volkswagen T-Cross SUV turns on the style in new Black Edition trim.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Volkswagen T-Cross is a competent small SUV, but others offer better value.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol 115 TSI R-LineScore: 8 / 10“Volkswagen’s baby crossover is small but well packaged, and makes for an appealing addition to the firm’s burgeoning range of SUVs.”
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Autocar

Score: 9 / 10“New compact crossover Volkswagen T-Cross retains its classy, substantial feel on UK roads, even in mid-range, lower-powered form.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 150 R-LineScore: 7 / 10“The Volkswagen T-Cross remains a classy car in this market but the Ford Puma recently moved the driving experience onwards, while I’ve got a soft spot for the Kia XCeed, which drives with a fine blend of comfort and engagement in its lightest-engined, small-wheeled form. Both are longer than the T-Cross – which could be more or less appealing, depending on your outlook.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6 TDI SEScore: 8 / 10“If you’re less bothered about driving a diesel, want the best economy and don’t mind changing gear, the oil-burning version of the T-Cross is worth a look.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 9 / 10“If you’ve decided on the compact crossover segment already and like a car of substance as well as style, you should absolutely consider the Volkswagen T-Cross.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 95 TSIScore: 9 / 10“New compact crossover retains its classy, substantial feel on UK roads, even in mid-range, lower-powered form.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre 115 TSI SELScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen T-Cross may not be as funky, flashy or sporty as some in the crossover niche, but neither is it flaky, flimsy or frivolous. It’s a mature, considered and very complete product.”
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Car

Model reviewed: TDIScore: 8 / 10“Volkswagen has a knack at churning out cars that aren’t the most inspiring, but are very, very good – and this T-Cross is a fantastic example.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen T-Cross is entirely unexciting and brings little new to the field, but its appeal is clear.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8.2 / 10“The Volkswagen T-Cross is one of the class leaders in the small SUV sector.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The VW T-Cross is a small-on-the-outside, big-on-the-inside SUV that’s loaded with plenty of equipment as standard. It’s not as comfy as alternatives to ride in, though, and its design is on the conservative side.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SELScore: 7.9 / 10“The Volkswagen T-Cross makes sense on paper for emissions and running costs, and it is a good-looking small crossover that offers practicality as well as style.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SELScore: 6 / 10“If you slip inside the Volkswagen T-Cross, you’ll immediately see why many people will choose this over the cheaper Polo.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Comfortable and easy to drive.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The T-Cross is Volkswagen’s answer to the Nissan Juke and in-house SEAT Arona.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol automatic 115 TSI“A few minor criticisms, but nothing even approaching a damnation. This is a good looking, quite classy, reasonably priced little SUV that is exactly what a lot of people want. It’ll sell like hoT-Cross buns.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen T-Cross is based on the Polo supermini, but is longer and taller, with a suitably pumped-up look.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 9 / 10“An enticingly competent choice among so-so small crossovers”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual“Volkswagen’s latest venture into the SUV market does not break down any new barriers, but it is good at what it intends to be.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manualScore: 8 / 10“This decent looking and commodious baby SUV/crossover from the VW stable beats rivals hands down in ride comfort and body control, but the three-cylinder engines are a lot less economical than their NEDC figures, the manual gearboxes aren’t great and the cabin trim is cheap.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic R-LineScore: 5 / 10“This is pretty much the same Volkswagen T-Cross we know and don’t really love. Sorry VW. You see, the problem with making so many crossovers is eventually there’s always going to be an idea-bereft forgotten child, and that’s the T-Cross.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“Happily VW’s mini-SUV is a bit more than just a jacked-up Polo.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 10 / 10“The Volkswagen T-Cross is exactly what many small SUV buyers are looking for. It’s very comfortable and easy to drive, without feeling like a wallowy barge for those that like a car to entertain.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Volkswagen T-Cross is a decent, practical and reassuring SUV, but one tinged with disappointment. The car drives well and has clean, fuel-efficient engines. But it’s the scratchy cabin plastics that are a letdown and feel below VW’s usual standards.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019

97%

ADULT OCCUPANT

86%

CHILD OCCUPANT

81%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

80%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Volkswagen T-Cross has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If the T-Cross is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

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