The new T-Roc -
International Media Drive

In a nutshell
The T-Roc is Europe’s most popular SUV – a completely new T-Roc is now being launched

Key aspects

• New range of hybrid drives – the T-Roc is the first Volkswagen to be launched with a fully hybridised range of drive systems
• New level of assist systems – the T-Roc is the first SUV in the segment with the latest evolutionary stage of Travel Assist including Emergency Assist
• New status quo – the interior of the T-Roc creates a bridge to the Tiguan class with high quality levels, more space and an innovative cockpit
• A new dimension in lighting – the T-Roc brings new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with high-performance high beam to the compact SUV class

Face in the crowd. The first T-Roc already had its own unique style – an unmistakable yet appealing face that stood out from the crowd. Its hallmark features included a striking silver stripe extending from the A-pillar to the distinctive T-Roc C-pillar. This stripe helped to extend the roof line and was christened the ‘hockey stick’ by designers on account of its shape. Another of the T-Roc’s clear archetypal features was the sharp, muscular and powerful shoulder section above the rear wheel arch. As part of this product line’s iconic DNA, these features have also been incorporated into the successor’s new design. So, despite its redesign and enhancements, this makes it immediately recognisable as a T-Roc – right down to the very last millimetre. The ‘face’ now shows a stylistic proximity to the family of other modern Volkswagen models and thus becomes a bridge to the Volkswagen design of the future. The new ‘family face’ is just the starting point from which the designers have created a ‘product face’ for the new T-Roc with the greatest possible autonomy. Every line, every edge, every surface and every curve is based on logic and functionality. In addition, the SUV has become more aerodynamic: the new drag coefficient of c_d = 0.29 corresponds to an improvement of 10 per cent compared with the predecessor and – together with the new drive system range – serves as the basis for the significantly improved efficiency of the second T-Roc generation.

1.5 eTSI for launch. The new T-Roc is the first Volkswagen product line whose entire drive range consists exclusively of efficient hybrid systems. One of the most successful Volkswagen drive systems of this era will be offered straight from the launch: a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine as a 48 V mild hybrid (1.5 eTSI) in two output levels with 85 kW (116 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS). Both versions of the 1.5 eTSI used for the first time in the T-Roc are high-tech systems: they convert kinetic energy into electrical energy by means of recuperation and store this in a compact lithium-ion battery. As a result, the efficient combustion engine can be switched off repeatedly during a journey – this coasting mode saves fuel and reduces emissions. If the four-cylinder engine is in operation, two cylinders are also shut down as often as possible, which also reduces fuel consumption. In addition, the hybrid system’s electric boost optimises the performance when driving off, as a 48 V belt-driven starter-alternator with an additional electric torque of up to 56 Nm – particularly noticeable when pulling away on uphill gradients – supports the petrol engine.

2.0 eTSI and 1.5 Hybrid as new hybrid systems. In 2026, two new hybrid developments will make their debut in the T-Roc: a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48 V mild hybrid system (2.0 eTSI) and a 1.5-litre full hybrid (Hybrid). The new hybrid drives will also be available in two output levels: the new 2.0 eTSI is always coupled to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive in the T-Roc. The 2.0 eTSI 4MOTION with 150 kW (204 PS) will be launched first. Towards the end of next year, the new and even more powerful high-end flagship version of the SUV product line with this drive technology will follow: the T-Roc R 4MOTION developed by the premium performance brand Volkswagen R. Also in 2026, the two new 1.5-litre full hybrid engines with front-wheel drive and outputs of 100 kW (136 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS) will complement the range. The T-Roc engine range will thus consist of six versions – four with front-wheel drive and two with all-wheel drive, all equipped with automatic gearboxes.

First SUV in its class with Travel Assist. The second T-Roc generation is based on the MQB evo – the latest evolutionary stage of the modular transverse matrix. This is accompanied by a new range of assist and convenience systems in the T-Roc class. What is more, thanks to the MQB evo, the new SUV has technologies on board that are also used in the larger Tiguan and Tayron. A new feature in the T-Roc class is the next development stage of Travel Assist, which not only supports automatic lane changes, but also reacts more smoothly and in an even more anticipatory way to speed limit changes. An important safety system is Emergency Assist, which automatically steers the SUV to the side of the road and brings it to a standstill in the event of an emergency – if the driver has health problems. The exit warning system is also new on board. It warns the passengers before opening a door if a vehicle is approaching from behind. Particularly in inner-city traffic, the exit warning system can help to prevent accidents that are particularly dangerous for cyclists due to the sudden opening of the vehicle door. For the first time, the T-Roc is equipped with Park Assist Pro, which enables fully automatic parking over distances of up to 50 metres thanks to the memory function and remote parking using a smartphone.

Smart equipment matrix. Volkswagen has restructured and clearly designed the T-Roc’s equipment matrix. Standard and optional features and packages can be selected with just a few clicks. There has been an overall rise in the standard of equipment. Even the base version of the new T-Roc generation is anything but an entry-level model due to its standard equipment package and high-quality interior materials. The new T-Roc can be customised in a targeted manner with three additional equipment versions. The top versions correspond to the equipment level of the next higher class in each case. The following four T-Roc equipment lines are currently offered:

• Trend (base model)
• Life (medium equipment level)
• Style (elegant top-of-the range version)
• R-Line (dynamic top-of-the range version)

Quality at a new level. The design of the interior is clean and unmistakable – horizontally structured surfaces and clear lines ensure immediate orientation. The quality of the materials defines a new status quo in the class – soft, high-quality and fabric-covered surfaces in the area of the dashboard, perforated and illuminated leatherette decorative trim elements for the first time as well as haptically and visually appealing seat fabrics blur the class boundaries to higher classes. Operation has been thought through down to the smallest detail – easy-to-grip buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, robust and ergonomically optimised door openers and the multifunctional driving experience control for various functions and audio volume create an interior world that can be operated intuitively. A new feature on board the T-Roc is also a windscreen head-up display. User-oriented technologies include features such as the latest generation of infotainment systems including voice control and ChatGPT integration. Also new are the digital instruments in large rectangular format; in addition to the usual views, they now offer a black panel function with a completely stripped back display, as the full spectrum of information is not always required. As the first model in this SUV class, the T-Roc also has an optional three-zone climate control system (Air Care Climatronic) on board as an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic air conditioner, enabling separate climate control for the three-seat rear passenger area.

Much more legroom and luggage compartment space. Anyone who sits in the driver or front passenger seat of the T-Roc and looks out over the high and easily visible bonnet will not imagine they are sitting in a compact-class SUV. This impression is reinforced by the space offered by the second-generation T-Roc, which is suitable for long-distance journeys and families. Even if people taller than 1.85 m are sitting in the front, passengers of a similar stature have sufficient legroom in the three seats at the rear thanks to the extra 122 mm added to the length of the new T-Roc. In addition, the designers have also ensured that there is plenty of space for the luggage of five passengers. Thanks to the increase in length, the luggage compartment volume has increased by 30 litres to 475 litres when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests, which fold down in a 1/3 to 2/3 split. As from the Life equipment level, the area of the centre armrest, including the centre head restraint, can be folded down separately to create space for long objects such as skis.

Folding front passenger seat backrest. The seats have been ergonomically designed. The high sitting position is a characteristic feature of an SUV. As from the Life mid-range equipment line, the comfort seats already feature pneumatic lumbar supports in the backrests, which can be adjusted electrically. There is a comfortable centre armrest with an integrated stowage area between the front seats. In the Life and Style equipment levels, the front passenger seat backrest can also be folded down so that XL-sized objects can be transported on board the T-Roc.

Style with massage function. Designed for maximum comfort, the top-of-the-range Style version features an ergonomic ergoActive driver seat. Both Style front seats are equipped with a new pneumatic massage function – a feature that Volkswagen has transferred from the mid-size and luxury class segments to the T-Roc segment. The seat centre panels of the front and outer rear seats are finished in ArtVelours Eco microfleece in the Style equipment specification. The comfort seats for driver and front passenger are also heated and height-adjustable as standard.

R-Line with sports comfort seats. The sporty top-of-the-range T-Roc R-Line is equipped with ergonomic and visually individualised sports comfort seats at the front, including integrated head restraints. An ‘R’ for R-Line is incorporated into the centre sections of the driver and front passenger seats. Both the T-Roc R-Line and the T-Roc Style can be optionally ordered with seats in high-quality leather; in this case, the front seats are electrically adjustable. In the leather configuration, the Style line is also equipped with sports comfort seats Seating comfort in the T-Roc is therefore in a comfort league of its own within its class.

Optional equipment offers maximum variety. Options include details such as IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with high-performance main beam and 3D LED tail light clusters with dynamic flashing function, electrically adjustable seats, the head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system with an output of 480 watts, assist systems such as Travel Assist for semi-automated driving functions, the adaptive chassis control DCC in the T-Roc with 110 kW, a large tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof and a Black Style package with black exterior details including black alloy wheels. All versions of the T-Roc can be ordered with a towing bracket whose drawbar load of 80 kg is designed for transporting heavy e-bikes.

Volkswagen model with the highest proportion of recycled content. The new T-Roc is also a pioneer for Volkswagen in the area of general sustainability. This not only refers to the hybrid and efficient drive systems, but also to the particularly high proportion of recycled materials that Volkswagen uses in the new T-Roc. Up to 140 exterior and interior components are manufactured entirely or partially from recycled materials. Depending on equipment and engine variant, their gross weight is up to around 40 kg. This is equivalent to approx. 16 per cent of the plastic mass installed in the T-Roc. The largest components made from recycled materials include the underbody panelling and luggage compartment trim, headliner, front door trims, wheel housing liners and floor coverings. Likewise, up to 85 per cent of the textiles used contain recycled materials. As already known from the ID. models, the interior textiles are largely made from recycled PET bottle flakes. For example, the textiles on the standard seats in the Trend, Life and R-Line equipment versions are made from up to 100 per cent recycled PET. The same applies to the upper textile layer on the headliner, carpet and floor mats. The ArtVelours Eco microfleece (standard for the seats in the Style version) consists of up to 71 per cent recycled PET, which in this case is obtained from T-shirts, for example. Last but not least, an environmentally-friendly chrome replacement paint is used instead of genuine chrome. The new T-Roc thus currently has the highest recycled content of all current Volkswagen vehicles. The new SUV demonstrates par excellence how sustainability and quality are now visibly and tangibly in perfect harmony.