Volkswagen T-Roc: Is it worth it compared to a Golf?

We tested the new Volkswagen T-Roc and identified the main advantages and disadvantages of this compact SUV compared to the Volkswagen Golf.

The Volkswagen T-Roc is the German manufacturer’s latest bet in the SUV segment. This compact crossover is built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf, a car with which it shares many similarities and which has accumulated more than 34 million units sold worldwide since production began in 1974 (meaning that Volkswagen sells one Golf every 40 seconds). Can the T-Roc steal some of those sales from the all-powerful Golf? Is this new SUV worth it compared to the compact that has brought Volkswagen so much success? Here we tell you the main advantages and disadvantages of the T-Roc compared to the Golf:

Advantages of the T-Roc over the Golf

1. Bolder design

The Volkswagen T-Roc offers a really striking styling. Its muscular design breaks away from convention… quite the opposite of the Golf, a car that for years has maintained a continuity-driven line; a design that works but does not offer major changes from generation to generation; there are no surprises with the Golf…

Volkswagen has sought a bolder look with the T-Roc, and the reality is that the car offers many elements (exhausts integrated into the bodywork, fake air intakes in the rear bumper, a revolutionary silhouette for the front position lights) that make it a different and attractive car.

2. More customisation options

Unlike the Golf, the Volkswagen T-Roc is available with a two-tone body, meaning the roof can be chosen in a different colour from the rest of the bodywork. This option is available from the Style trim (it carries an extra cost of 600 euros) and also allows customising the interior: the dashboard and centre console can be chosen in a colour (blue, yellow and orange) that contrasts with the rest of the cabin.

3. Increased roominess

The Volkswagen T-Roc is somewhat roomier than a Golf. The main differences are found in the rear seats and the boot. The rear seats have more legroom. Their position is also higher, which makes several tasks easier, including getting into the car or fitting a child seat. The reality is that for frequent use, passengers will be more comfortable in the rear seats of a T-Roc than in those of a Golf.

On the other hand, the T-Roc’s boot offers a capacity of 445 litres, while that of the Golf reaches only 380 litres.

4. Better prepared for driving off the tarmac

The body of the Volkswagen T-Roc offers greater ground clearance than the Golf, which gives a clear advantage when heading into the countryside. You will find it harder to scrape the underside of a T-Roc on your off-road outings. Does this mean the T-Roc is a conventional off-roader? No, the new SUV from Volkswagen does not offer special protection for the underside of the chassis, nor does it have a reduction gear or special tyres, but it is still more capable than the Golf when facing uneven terrain.

Furthermore, the car also offers greater resilience over potholes or kerbs thanks to its raised body.

Disadvantages of the T-Roc compared to the Golf

1. More expensive

For the same trim and version, the Volkswagen T-Roc is on average 1,500 euros more expensive than the Golf. Whether it is worth paying that extra depends above all on your priorities, but it is important to bear in mind that for that money you can equip your Golf with some very interesting extras: the DSG dual-clutch gearbox (which we have tested and which feels excellent) or the best sat-nav in the range come close to that price (€1,500).

2. Poorer interior materials

The Volkswagen T-Roc does not offer the best finishes in the interior of its segment. Both the dashboard and the centre console use plastics with a poorer feel and presence than the average for their category. The fit is good, which ensures the absence of annoying noises and vibrations in the cabin, but it is true that in terms of materials one misses the quality found in other vehicles, especially given the price range it sits in.

In the case of the Volkswagen Golf, the situation is completely different. The compact is a benchmark in its category when it comes to quality of finish.

3. Slightly lower driving dynamics

After testing it for a week, we were delighted with the driving of the T-Roc. The car responds with great agility and smoothness on winding roads, and although its body is higher than that of the Golf, it offers steering composure very similar to the Golf’s. In fact, the Volkswagen T-Roc is one of the best cars in its class in this respect, so the least important disadvantage on this list is probably this one. Without doubt, it is closer to the Golf than to the Tiguan in this area.

If good driving dynamics are a priority for you, then the Golf offers a little more, but only if we put the car to the test in demanding conditions. The reality is that in everyday use you will hardly notice any difference between the two, and you will not find many compact SUVs with a balance of composure and driving smoothness like this T-Roc’s.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverVolkswagen T-Roc7 versions · from 34,285 €