Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the second-generation T-Roc, which could be the brand’s final combustion-engine vehicle, if market conditions allow. The Golf-based crossover gets an all-new look, bringing it in line with the larger Tiguan. It has a new interior that continues to rely on a touchscreen-based interface and a range of petrol and hybrid powertrain options.

1. New VW T-Roc is based on MEB Evo platform
2. Interior gets 10-inch digital driver’s display, 12.9-inch infotainment screen
3. T-Roc has sold over 2 million units worldwide

New Volkswagen T-Roc exterior design

Carries over family design from large Tiguan 

The new T-Roc looks like a scaled-down version of the Tiguan, with its wraparound headlamps and tail-lamps, connected by full-width light bars at both ends. It retains the coupe-like silhouette of its predecessor and has grown by 120mm, taking total length up to 4,373mm. That means it is now larger than the Taigun sold in India; the previous-gen T-Roc was sized very similarly to it.

Overall, the design is typically Volkswagen, with sharp, crisp lines and smooth surfacing. The front end gets a large, blacked-out grille with C-shaped surrounds and a gloss-black applique lower on the chin. Meanwhile, at the rear, there’s a two-tone bumper with a faux diffuser-like design. It also gets a suite of bold new colour schemes, and the wheels are now up to 20 inches in diameter. The new T-Roc gets four trims abroad – Base, Life, Style and R-Line – with various options and packages available on top.

Speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK, designer Stefan Wallburg said, “The T-Roc has a special identity of being more ‘lifestyle’ – a bit more cool and, I would say, more rugged and powerful, a bit more emotional.”

New Volkswagen T-Roc interior and features

Similar to newer Volkswagens 

The T-Roc interior is pretty familiar, resembling that of most modern VWs and even the Golf we have on sale in India. Highlights include a free-standing 10-inch digital instrument display and a 12.9-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. The dashboard looks minimalistic and has a satin silver surround; there’s a rotary dial on the centre console in the name of physical controls, and there’s a nice smattering of ambient lighting around the cabin. The rotary dial controls drive modes, audio volume and interior settings, but HVAC controls still come baked into the screen. Volkswagen says it has also paid particular attention to improving the quality and the fit and finish of materials.

 

New Volkswagen T-Roc powertrain options

At launch, the new T-Roc will come with two petrol engine options. It’s a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit that will be available in two states of tune – 115hp and 150hp – and both will come with mild-hybrid tech. A larger 2.0-litre mild-hybrid unit will be added to the range next year, and that will come equipped with an all-wheel-drive system. All versions will come with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

New strong-hybrid powertrain to come in 2026

The biggest highlight on the new T-Roc, however, is a new strong-hybrid powertrain (a first for Volkswagen) that will be introduced in 2026. Think of it as similar to Toyota’s ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain we have in India, where the petrol engine works in tandem with a small electric motor to maximise efficiency and reduce emissions. Specific technical details are still under wraps, but it is expected to be offered in two states of tune – 136hp and 170hp – with up to 306Nm of peak torque; it will also be capable of electric-only running. However, unlike other models based on the MEB Evo platform, the new T-Roc will not be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

 

All upcoming models could be exclusively battery powered 

Volkswagen says the new T-Roc will be the final pure-combustion model, but it will remain flexible with its powertrain strategy. All subsequent models are due to be exclusively battery-powered if the market conditions are right.

Speaking to Autocar UK, CEO Thomas Schafer said, “Let’s see,” when asked if all future unveilings will be electric. “For now, [the T-Roc] is the final totally new vehicle that we will put on a new platform on the combustion side. But with everything that’s changing around us, when you look at the EU… will there be an end of combustion engines in 2035, yes or no? And what are the thresholds on the way? Customers will decide, and then, if the demand is there, you will have to think about new vehicles, but for now, there is no plan.”