Used Volkswagen T-Roc for sale: everything you need to know
Roughly the size of a Volkswagen Golf but fashionably taller, it’s no surprise the T-Roc is a strong seller, regularly appearing in the UK’s top ten list. That’s good news for used buyers, who have an enormous selection of models to choose from, from economical family wagons all the way to the hot hatch-like T-Roc R.
Smart styling, a sensible interior layout and a wide range of engines and trim levels are all part of the T-Roc’s appeal, and running costs shouldn’t be too painful either. Below we cover the T-Roc’s engine lineup and trim levels in more detail, and highlight a few cars you might consider instead.
Should you buy a Volkswagen T-Roc?
Aesthetics are subjective, but chunky good looks have to be part of the Volkswagen T-Roc’s appeal. The designers clearly understood the assignment, as it’s not too flash, but has just enough interesting details to make it feel a little special, such as the prominent wheel arch blisters, and on facelift models the neat daytime running lights around vents in the front bumper.
Those facelifted cars get an updated cabin too, but whichever model you go for the T-Roc packs plenty of practicality and sensible features into that distinctive exterior design. Interior space is generous - there’s enough room for adults in the rear seats, as well as the front - and the 445-litre boot is spacious too. All the regular touchpoints in the cabin look and feel good too, and you still get physical controls for things like heating and headlights - which are easier to use than the touch-sensitive ones in more recent VWs.
On the road, the T-Roc feels more car-like than SUV-like, but you still get a seating position that puts you higher than something like a Golf. It handles neatly and the ride is good too, and it’s refined on the move, whether you’re driving around town or on a motorway. A wide choice of petrol and diesel engines gives you options - and there’s not a poor choice among them.
The T-Roc is similar under the skin to other Volkswagen Group SUVs including the Audi Q2, Skoda Karoq, and SEAT Ateca, and all of these make compelling alternatives - the Audi has badge appeal, while the Skoda and SEAT are even more sensible than the T-Roc, being slightly larger and therefore more spacious. Cars like the Peugeot 3008 and Toyota C-HR are stylish options too.
What’s the best used Volkswagen T-Roc model to buy?
Our pick of the engines is the 1.5 TSI petrol, which has brisk performance but still offers economy in the mid-40mpg range, barely lower than the less powerful 1-litre TSI. If you prefer diesel then the 2-litre TDIs are the ones to go for - a 1.6 TDI was offered, but the 2-litre feels better suited to pulling the T-Roc along, and you get the option of all-wheel drive with the larger engines too. Style trim would be our pick of the later trim levels, for its larger digital instrument display and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. As for the T-Roc R, it’s an entertaining diversion - but we suspect most driving enthusiasts would be better served by the lighter, leaner, and barely less practical Golf R.
Used Volkswagen T-Roc fuel economy and performance
- Volkswagen T-Roc 1.0 TSI: A 1-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 110PS is enough to get the entry-level T-Roc from 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds, and return economy of up to 47.1mpg with a six-speed manual gearbox.
- Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 TSI: The larger 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine makes 160PS and comes with manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic options - with 0-62mph times of 8.4 and 8.3 seconds respectively. Economy is up to 45.6mpg combined.
- Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 TSI 190: You get even more power with the 2-litre TSI, with 190PS and a standard automatic gearbox and 4Motion four-wheel drive. 0-62mph now takes only 6.8 seconds, while combined economy is quoted at up to 36.2mpg.
- Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 TSI 300: The T-Roc R gets its own 300PS variant of the 2-litre turbo, and is again DSG auto-only and four-wheel drive. With a 0-62mph time of only 4.9 seconds it’s got hot hatchback pace, and economy is up to 32.8mpg.
- Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 TDI 115: With a 2-litre, 115PS diesel engine the main benefit is economy, thanks to a quoted 58.9mpg average. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and 0-62mph takes 10.4 seconds.
- Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 TDI 150: Boosted to 150PS and with either manual or automatic options (the latter also optional with four-wheel drive), economy is just over 50mpg at its best, and 0-62mph takes around eight seconds.
What used Volkswagen T-Roc trim levels are available?
- The Volkswagen T-Roc SE gets 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, LED daytime running lights, black roof rails, a variable boot floor, climate control, automatic wipers, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system including DAB, USB input and Car-Net smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and front assist.
- The Volkswagen T-Roc Design upgrades to two-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, auto emergency braking, Car-Net ‘App Connect’, adaptive cruise control with Front Assist and City, and black roof rails.
- The Volkswagen T-Roc SEL gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Car-Net Security and Service and Guide and Inform, front and rear parking sensors, and navigation for the 8-inch display.
- The Volkswagen T-Roc Life is the current entry-level model and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, and a digital instrument cluster.
- The Volkswagen T-Roc Style includes standard navigation, a larger digital instrument cluster, LED headlights and front and rear parking sensors.
- The Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line gets a sportier appearance with deeper bumpers, different wheels, and a rear spoiler, plus sports seats and piano black trim.
- The Volkswagen T-Roc R is the hot range-topper and most notable for its 300PS TSI engine. It gets a set of larger alloy wheels and pumped-up styling, while equipment is otherwise similar to the R-Line.
Used Volkswagen T-Roc dimensions and boot size
The Volkswagen T-Roc’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,236mm
- Width: 1,819mm
- Height: 1,584mm
The Volkswagen T-Roc’s boot space is:
- 445 litres (392 litres in 4Motion models)
- 1,290 litres with rear seats folded (1,237 litres in 4Motion models)
Used Volkswagen T-Roc road tax
The T-Roc arrived after changes to the tax system meant a flat rate of VED for almost all cars, so most of the range will cost you £190 a year as of 2024/2025. The exception to that is the T-Roc R, which thanks to its list price of over £40,000, attracts a surcharge taking the bill to £600.
How much is it to insure a Volkswagen T-Roc?
Most of the T-Roc range is on par with similarly-sized family cars for insurance at the lower end, with the most affordable models starting in group 15. Insuring the better-equipped, more powerful variants might start to get a bit more expensive, while the T-Roc R maxes out at group 34 - pretty much the same as the Volkswagen Golf R whose drivetrain it shares.
