All-new Volkswagen T-Roc debuts with hybrid power

The second-gen Volkswagen T-Roc has been unveiled, the brand’s best-selling compact SUV in Europe and a popular model in Australia too. The new 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc sports a larger body and sharper design, upgraded interior, and for the first time, hybrid technology.

A key model for Volkswagen

Since its launch in 2017, the T-Roc has sold more than two million units worldwide. It is Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV, following the Tiguan, and has become a vital entry point for buyers seeking a practical crossover with premium features. Last year alone, almost 292,000 units were sold in Europe, cementing its position as VW’s most successful SUV after the Tiguan mid-size SUV.

The 2026 model is expected to play an even bigger role, as it may be one of Volkswagen’s last new petrol-powered vehicles before the company pivots more heavily to electric and hybrid cars. Production continues at Volkswagen’s Palmela plant in Portugal – the same site that has built every T-Roc since 2017.

2026 Volkswagen T-Roc price

European pricing has been confirmed, while Australian prices are yet to be announced. Expect a higher entry point than today’s $38,990 (before on-road costs) when it eventually arrives locally.

What’s new in the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc?

The new Volkswagen T-Roc is not just a facelift but a completely redesigned model.

• Length: up 122mm to 4373mm
• Width: up 9mm to 1828mm
• Height: up 9mm to 1562mm
• Wheelbase: up 28mm to 2631mm
• Boot space: now 475 litres (+30L)

This growth in size provides the Volkswagen T-Roc with more cabin space for passengers, particularly in the rear seats, while also enhancing boot capacity for family use.

New design language

• Sharper lines and a sportier roof profile
• LED headlights as standard, with optional Matrix LED headlights
• 3D-effect LED tail-lights with light bars and illuminated VW logos on higher trims
• Choice of up to 20-inch wheels
• Black Style and R-Line packages for sportier looks
• Six colours will be available, including new Canary Yellow, Flamed Red, Celestial Blue and Grenadilla Black. A contrasting black roof can also be optioned.

Upgraded interior

Volkswagen has focused on improving interior quality – one of the key criticisms of the outgoing T-Roc.

• Dashboard with new fabric trim
• Ambient lighting integrated into door panels and dashboard
• New 10-inch digital instrument cluster
• Choice of 10.4-inch or 12.9-inch infotainment screens
• Updated infotainment with ChatGPT-powered voice assistant
• Experience Dial: rotary controller to switch between volume, drive modes, or lighting themes
• Optional features: head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, ventilated wireless phone charger, and 14-way ergoActive seats with massage

The dash panel uses a new soft-touch fabric material, giving the cabin a more lounge-like feel.

Powertrains: Mild Hybrid Now, Full Hybrid Coming

The 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc offers Volkswagen’s full-hybrid system, designed to work more like Toyota’s setup, capable of driving short distances on electric power alone.

At launch in Europe, the SUV will be offered with 1.5-litre mild-hybrid turbo petrol engines:

Key details:

• Mild hybrid allows coasting and adds up to 14kW boost
• Fuel savings: up to 0.5L/100km
• Full hybrid versions to follow, expected in 100kW and 125kW variants (reports suggest FWD only)
• A 2.0-litre turbo petrol with AWD will return later, with mild-hybrid tech
• T-Roc R performance model planned for 2027

Safety and technology

The Volkswagen T-Roc now runs on Volkswagen’s MQB evo platform, enabling it to share the latest software and driver-assist systems with larger models, such as the Tiguan.

New safety features:

• Travel Assist with automatic lane-change function
• Park Assist Pro with memory parking (stores up to 50m of previous movement)
• Exit warning system to prevent opening doors into traffic or cyclists
• Driver monitoring and overspeed warning (required in Europe)
• Park Assist Pro which can be controlled via smartphone, letting the T-Roc drive itself into and out of parking spaces

Versions and equipment

The 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc introduces a clearer trim structure, with four versions: Trend (budget-focused), Life (comfort), Style (design and technology), and R-Line (sporty).

Volkswagen says it has cut the number of option packages by 50%, streamlining the ordering process.

Lifestyle touches

The Volkswagen T-Roc’s towbar now supports an 80kg drawbar load – enough for heavy e-bikes, highlighting its appeal to active families.

Launch and availability

Volkswagen will open pre-orders for the new T-Roc in Europe shortly, with deliveries beginning in November 2025. For Australia, however, timing remains uncertain. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed it has nothing to announce at this stage.