New Volkswagen T-Roc: Portuguese success enters its second generation

Although German by passport, the Volkswagen T-Roc is also Portuguese, and its story has been one of success.

Built at Autoeuropa in Palmela, it has sold more than two million units since its 2017 debut and achieved the feat of overtaking the Golf to become Volkswagen’s best-selling model in Europe. In Portugal, it is not simply “another SUV”; it is something of a prodigal child of the country’s automotive industry.

That places considerable responsibility on the newly unveiled second generation. It is already clear that the new Volkswagen T-Roc represents a positive step forward in several respects - and it could hardly be otherwise.

Larger, more aerodynamic and more expressive

The 2026 T-Roc has grown in every dimension, moving further away from the T-Cross and closer to the Tiguan. It is 122 mm longer, at 4.373 m, 9 mm wider, at 1.828 m, and 9 mm taller, at 1.562 m, while its wheelbase has increased by 28 mm to 2.631 m.

This added size brings clear benefits inside, with more elbow room, legroom and luggage space. Boot capacity now stands at 465 litres (+20 litres), enough for a family holiday without having to play “Tetris” with the suitcases.

The second-generation model retains a familiar silhouette - now more coupé-like, with a redesigned “hockey stick” and a new rear spoiler - but it is also aerodynamically more efficient. Its C_x drag coefficient is now 0.29, 10% lower than before, which should help with both fuel consumption and refinement.

That said, Volkswagen has not taken major styling risks - as the saying goes, you do not change a winning team. However, the German brand has brought the T-Roc closer to its latest models, giving it more expressive styling details such as front and rear light clusters now connected by illuminated strips. For the first time, the new T-Roc also features an illuminated Volkswagen badge at both the front and rear.

Fewer buttons and more technology

Inside, Volkswagen promises improved quality, with a padded fabric covering for the dashboard and ambient lighting shining through perforated leatherette.

The cabin design takes another step towards minimalism, featuring fewer buttons and fewer conventional decorative elements. It is also more sustainable: the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc uses up to 40 kg of recycled plastics in the interior, accounting for 20% of the total. Several Easter eggs are hidden in different storage compartments, too, including small German cultural references such as pretzels and coffee.

The transmission selector - with DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission now the only option, as there is no longer a manual gearbox - has moved to the steering column. This has freed up and made better use of the centre console, which now offers more storage areas. Wireless smartphone charging also benefits from active cooling.

The latest-generation MIB4 infotainment system is accessed through either a 10.4-inch screen, without navigation, or a 12.9-inch display, with navigation able to be activated later via download. Volkswagen says the system is more intuitive to operate, thanks to fixed shortcuts, a new home screen and a top bar.

The 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro retains its customisable information displays, while a head-up display makes its Volkswagen T-Roc debut. For those who are not keen on touchscreens, voice control is available through the IDA assistant, which incorporates ChatGPT.

Although the number of buttons has been reduced, a new multifunction control on the centre console allows occupants to switch between volume settings, driving profiles and even the cabin atmosphere.

The Volkswagen T-Roc’s first full hybrid

Among the biggest additions in the second-generation Volkswagen T-Roc is the introduction of a full-hybrid powertrain requiring no external charging, as already offered by brands including Toyota, Renault and Hyundai.

It will not arrive until 2026, but it is already known that it will use the familiar 1.5 TSI petrol engine as its basis, paired with an electric motor and offered in two power outputs: 136 PS and 170 PS, both with 306 Nm of torque. It promises fully electric driving over short distances and fuel consumption 15% lower than that of the 48 V mild-hybrid models.

While the T-Roc Hybrid is awaited, the launch range will be limited to mild-hybrid petrol engines. These are already familiar from other Volkswagen models: the 1.5 eTSI with 116 PS and 150 PS, always paired with a seven-speed DSG gearbox. They promise efficiency through ACTplus cylinder deactivation and coasting mode, which switches off the engine.

At the top of the range will be the all-wheel-drive 2.0 TSI 4MOTION, although specifications for this version have not yet been announced. Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen’s chief executive, has also confirmed that the T-Roc R will return.

Last but not least, the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc will come equipped with an extensive suite of driving assistance systems. Standard equipment includes Front Assist, Lane Assist, Cruise Control, driver fatigue alert and emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

The optional systems raise the bar further: Travel Assist with assisted lane changes, predictive road adaptation and even automatic stopping if the driver falls asleep at the wheel. Park Assist Pro can memorise manoeuvres of up to 50 m and enables parking via smartphone. All this is complemented by 360° vision and Exit Warning alerts when opening the doors.

When does it arrive?

The new Volkswagen T-Roc does not reinvent the wheel, but it develops the aspects that matter in a model defined by remarkable commercial success. It will continue to leave Palmela for markets around the world, carrying not only the weight of Portuguese production but also the responsibility of being one of Europe’s best-selling models.

It will be publicly unveiled at the Munich Motor Show (IAA Mobility 2025) on 9 September, coinciding with the start of pre-sales, while the second-generation T-Roc is scheduled to reach the market in November 2025.

Prices have not yet been announced, but with the 1.0 TSI disappearing from the line-up and Portugal’s outdated tax system penalising engine capacity, the entry price of the new T-Roc is expected to exceed the current €32,342.