2026 Volkswagen T-Roc R review

Production of the current-generation Volkswagen T-Roc R has wrapped up, but that’s not to say it’s forbidden fruit until the next-generation small SUV rocks up.

So far, the T-Roc has existed for only one generation, and it has been with us in Australia since 2020 despite entering production in 2017. The high-performance T-Roc R flagship, meanwhile, was rolled out overseas in 2019, followed by its Australian debut as part of a 2022 model year range.

Effectively a jacked-up Golf, the T-Roc has quickly become one of Volkswagen Australia’s most popular models. So far in 2025, it’s been outsold by only the Amarok ute within the German auto brand’s local stable, and it leads the premium small SUV segment in which it competes.

That’s an excellent effort for a compact SUV in a market that tends to prefer mid-sizers.

Granted, the top-shelf R is far from the most popular variant, as several more logical and budget-friendly grades are available within the T-Roc range. That doesn’t mean Volkswagen has given it the cold shoulder, though.

As has been historically the case with other models like the Tiguan, Touareg and Golf, Volkswagen has given its popular small SUV its special Wolfsburg Edition treatment. The result is the car on test here: the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc R Wolfsburg Edition.

Typically reserved for performance trims and named after Volkswagen’s German hometown, the Wolfsburg Edition brings several choice modifications to the already-hot T-Roc R. These include unique 19-inch alloy wheels, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, matte grey paint, and various other cosmetic tweaks.

Of course, you could wait for the next-gen T-Roc R to arrive, but that likely won’t be until 2028. Volkswagen Australia still expects T-Roc stock to last into the first part of 2026, and while the Wolfsburg Edition doesn’t currently appear on the German brand’s online configurator, it’s still possible to buy one new.

Plus, the model’s imminent demise could reap you savings through run-out deals. Is the Wolfsburg spice a worthy addition to the T-Roc R recipe?

How much does the Volkswagen T-Roc cost?

The Wolfsburg Edition is the most expensive T-Roc currently in showrooms, priced at $69,290 before on-road costs.

While that’s certainly a lot to fork over for a small SUV, the Wolfsburg Edition’s value equation isn’t half bad. None of the significant enhancements are normally available as options for the T-Roc, but other Volkswagen Group products provide an idea of the value they represent, given the $5000 price premium over the standard R.

The Akrapovič exhaust alone is a $5950 option for the Cupra Ateca SUV, while options like matte paint and the unique alloy wheels typically cost more than $1000 each for models where they’re available.

You may not get any additional power or more substantial mechanical tweaks, but the Wolfsburg Edition’s extras cost less than you’d pay to build a similarly bespoke T-Roc R yourself.

As for rivals, the standard T-Roc R goes up against the likes of the Ateca VZx ($68,990 drive-away), Audi SQ2 ($70,800 before on-roads), Lexus LBX Morizo RR ($76,490 before on-roads), and perhaps even quick (albeit not as dynamically sharp) small electric SUVs like the Zeekr X AWD ($62,900 before on-roads).

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

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What is the Volkswagen T-Roc like on the inside?

Given the T-Roc has now been on sale for nearly six years, its interior now seems a relic of previous-generation Volkswagen.

Tell-tale signs are the smaller infotainment screen and isolated climate control system, the latter still characterised by Volkswagen’s fiddly haptic buttons and sliders. Newer-gen VW products feature much larger screens with integrated climate controls, which contribute to a more modern feel.

While we typically praise older-style setups for their ease of use, the T-Roc’s lack of real buttons is as annoying as ever. We’ve never quite gotten used to these touch-sensitive controls, and they feel needlessly cumbersome whenever you need to make an adjustment.

Not to mention they’re finished in piano-black plastic, which means they’re permanently covered in fingerprints and smudges. Nowhere is that more obvious than on the steering wheel, where the haptic ‘button’ clusters quickly look second-rate, and their layout makes precise inputs difficult.

The T-Roc’s haptic controls create a rare situation where we’d rather have a screen-heavy setup. Fortunately, overseas images of the next-gen model show real steering wheel buttons and the same infotainment system we’ve experienced in the new Tiguan, which should be a nice upgrade.

There aren’t really any Wolfsburg-specific additions in the cabin, but the T-Roc R’s interior is quite good on its own. You may notice some extra glossy black trim on the infotainment screen and the air vent surrounds, which look fine in images but contribute to the piano-black overload in real life.

The blue stitching and steering wheel accents remain, while the seats are still finished in sporty leather and carbon-look upholstery. It’s also easy to get positioned thanks to the power driver’s seat adjustment, and the front pews are supportive yet decently comfortable.

Meanwhile, the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a quality unit, with a premium-feeling perforated surface and sporty sculpting. It also features two large paddle shifters, which are unfortunately made of plastic – even a hybrid Honda ZR-V has metal paddles, and that isn’t at all a sporty SUV.

That’s one of the other gripes with this car’s interior. It can often feel plasticky, with hard surfaces practically everywhere beyond the more welcoming seats and steering wheel. Not a major concern, but it doesn’t necessarily scream $70,000-plus.

Otherwise, the T-Roc’s cabin is generally functional. That 9.2-inch screen (available only on the T-Roc R) supports wireless smartphone mirroring, with Apple CarPlay generally behaving reliably during our week with the car, aside from the odd drop-out under Melbourne’s toll gantries.

Volkswagen’s so-called ‘Digital Cockpit Pro’ instrument display also looks the part, with tidy graphics and a surprising amount of configurability. There are quite a few menus to flick through, as is typical in the regular R, ranging from map displays to lap timers.

In the middle of the cabin is also a nicely sized gear selector (surrounded by more piano-black), a rotary drive mode selector, and various storage options. There’s a curious three-way cupholder, a slot for thinner items or the car’s key fob, and a phone-sized cubby with a wireless charging pad – not exactly generous, but still workable.

Other convenience items include a pair of USB-C ports and a 12V outlet, alongside seat heating. There’s unfortunately no seat ventilation to tackle hot Australian summers, but perhaps that will be rectified with the next T-Roc.

Of course, the rear bench seat is finished in the same carbon-fibre accented leather upholstery as up front, and there’s plenty of room to get comfortable despite the compact SUV proportions. Three people can squeeze in, but the AWD driveline tunnel compromises passenger foot space in the middle.

Rear-seat occupants are well catered for with dual USB-C charging ports and air vents on the back of the centre console. There’s also a fold-down centre armrest that reveals a pass-through to the boot, and it offers cupholders as an alternative to the bottle holders in the doors.

As for the boot, 392 litres of seats-up capacity is much more generous than the 266L of the Lexus LBX Morizo RR, despite both being all-wheel drive. It’s also comparable to the Hyundai Kona, which offers 407L.

You’ll find there’s plenty of room for groceries, though the sharply sloped roofline will compromise tall cargo. It’s a case of what you see is what you get, except for the space-saver spare that’s neatly hidden away under the boot floor.

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Wolfsburg Edition is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as the regular T-Roc R, pumping out 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).

Our week with the car was mainly spent commuting on the highway, though we did spend some time on more scenic country roads to offset that monotony and stretch the car’s legs.

In any case, we’re impressed that we were able to match Volkswagen’s fuel economy claim, which is already reasonably frugal in the realm of performance SUVs.

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

How does the Volkswagen T-Roc drive?

The T-Roc R has arguably become a benchmark for small performance SUVs, so it’s fitting that the Wolfsburg treatment hasn’t really altered the formula.

In fact, the most significant tweak makes itself apparent before you even set off. Cold starts reveal a hearty exhaust note, as the Akrapovič system allows the engine’s characterful tone to shine without being obnoxious.

It’s quite pleasant to listen to, and we’re glad that no fake noise gets pumped through the car’s speakers. If you’re not satisfied with the volume, you’ll be pleased to know it’s a valved exhaust system, which means you can adjust it to be as quiet or as loud as you like. This function is tied to drive modes by default.

The system is a worthwhile addition to the T-Roc R package and only improves the driving experience. As ever, the heart of that experience is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which hasn’t lost any of its potency.

It’s more than happy to shove you in the back thanks to consistently strong performance regardless of the drive mode, and that 4.9-second 0-100km/h sprint claim feels bang-on. The all-wheel drive system has no issue getting that wild power to the ground either, and there’s something genuine and authentic about the way everything behaves.

You do still notice some DSG-induced stumbles at low speed, which can make the car a little tedious to drive in traffic. It all smooths out once you’re on the move, providing consistently slick shifts that you’d hardly notice if it wasn’t for the audible exhaust.

Better yet, it’s very responsive. There’s no hesitation if you plant the throttle from a standstill, and it kicks down promptly when you need a quick burst of speed while you’re already rolling. As a bonus, the gearbox lets the engine sing with its newfound voice.

But all of that is a little meaningless if the handling package can’t keep up. Fortunately, the T-Roc offers a very well-sorted chassis, making its transformation into a full-fat R model a relatively easy process for Volkswagen’s engineers.

This is an aspect where the model’s age isn’t apparent at all. The Wolfsburg darts into turns with the agility of a lower-slung hatch, doing so with composure that will take you off guard if you’re (understandably) expecting the increased ride height to produce some instability.

Mid-corner bumps don’t unsettle the car too much either. Combined with well-weighted steering, the T-Roc R is a properly fun small SUV that’s entirely predictable when you’re pushing harder, backed by the strong and consistent bite from the R-specific brakes.

It’s worth noting that while all that is best experienced in the sportiest ‘Race’ drive mode, the car isn’t completely muzzled in any of its other, more docile settings. For example, the ride becomes a little less firm on account of the adaptive suspension, but it’d be wrong to call it plush.

However, the ride remains well-sorted at all times, which makes the Wolfsburg livable in daily driving despite its stiffer chassis setup and tighter body control. At no point were we uncomfortable behind the wheel, and we can’t knock it too much for its ride quality on rough rural roads either.

The beauty of the T-Roc R is that you can dial things up or down to make the car work for you, just like you can adjust how loud the exhaust is on the fly. Throttle response, ride stiffness, and steering weight are all independently adjustable if the default drive modes aren’t right for you, and the car will remember your settings.

Also fitted as standard are paddle shifters, which unlike most mainstream SUVs that seem to fit them for show, are actually supported by obedience from the transmission. It’s nice to be able to shift gears yourself, and having a drivetrain that responds to inputs makes it all the more engaging.

The Wolfsburg is a very complete package that’s best experienced from the seat of your pants, and most would describe it as well-engineered, agile, and fun.

Topping it all off is a comprehensive suite of well-tuned safety gear, something Volkswagen seems to be nailing even in its newer cars. We had no safety-related gripes – even when picking up the pace – and systems like adaptive cruise control were consistently reliable.

Visibility for head-checks is decent and the car is manoeuvrable and reasonably easy to park, even if those chunky, carbon-finished C-pillars can seem a little obstructive from inside.

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What do you get?

There are four standard grades of Volkswagen T-Roc, and the limited Wolfsburg Edition builds on the equipment list of the top-spec R.

2025 Volkswagen T-Roc CityLife equipment highlights:

• 17-inch ‘Johannesburg’ alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 tyres
• Space saver spare tyre
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Park Assist (semi-autonomous parking assist)
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless phone charger
• 6-speaker sound system
• 2 x front USB-C outlets
• 2 x rear USB-C outlets
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear air vents
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Height and reach adjustment for steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Fabric upholstery
• 60:40 split/fold rear seats

T-Roc Style adds:

• 18-inch ‘Grange Hill’ alloy wheels with 215/50 R18 tyres
• Static cornering lights
• Digital Cockpit Pro digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Microfleece upholstery

T-Roc R-Line adds:

• 18-inch ‘Nevada’ alloy wheels with 215/50 R18 tyres
• R-Line exterior appearance
• Black headliner and pillar trim
• Sport front seats with additional bolstering
• Heated front seats
• Power driver’s seat with memory, power lumbar
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Hill descent control

T-Roc R adds:

• 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels with 235/40 R19 tyres
• Adaptive suspension
• IQ. Light matrix LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights
• R exterior appearance
• Blue brake calipers
• Power tailgate
• 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system

T-Roc R Wolfsburg Edition adds:

• 19-inch ‘Pretoria’ dark graphite forged alloy wheels
• Akrapovič titanium exhaust system
• Indium Grey matte paint
• Black roof rails
• Black mirror caps
• Carbon-look C-pillars
• Gloss-black interior trim
• Black display control panel

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

Is the Volkswagen T-Roc safe?

The Volkswagen T-Roc achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2017 crash testing, but this rating has since expired and it is therefore unrated.

Standard safety equipment highlights:

• 6 airbags, incl:
  • Front
  • Front-side
  • Curtain
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Multi-collision brake
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera
• Travel Assist
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
  • Lane-keep assist

Style adds:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

How much does the Volkswagen T-Roc cost to run?

Like the wider Volkswagen Australia range, the T-Roc R is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, with pricing covered by a five-year ‘care plan’.

As for its Volkswagen Group stablemates, the Cupra Ateca is offered with a five-year service plan, but it’s much cheaper at $1990. A five-year service plan for the Audi SQ2 is also cheaper at $2890.

The Lexus LBX Morizo RR, meanwhile, has shorter six-month/10,000km service intervals, but is still covered by five years of capped-price servicing. It certainly isn’t cheap though, as 10 services will cost a whopping $6950 over those five years.

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Volkswagen T-Roc R

Time has been friendly to the outgoing T-Roc R, and while several aspects could (and will) be improved from a usability perspective for the next iteration, there’s much more to like about this grown-up hatch.

The fiddly touch-sensitive controls inside are the biggest drawback of this car, and we still have our complaints even after living with them in various Volkswagen vehicles over the past five years. At least we already know the next T-Roc will do away with these, and our positive experiences in other cars like the Tiguan suggest that’ll be worth the wait.

Other than that, the T-Roc R remains the same mature, understated performance vehicle it always was.

It may not be as raucous as the related Golf R, but whatever you miss out on is almost entirely offset by the fact this is still the cheapest ‘real’ R model you can buy, even with the Wolfsburg enhancements.

The engine, transmission, and drivetrain combo offer fantastic performance, while the adaptive suspension setup gives you a sharp yet livable driving experience – as sporty as it may be, it’s happy to wear multiple hats. Plus, the Wolfsburg’s exhaust is well worth the fuss if you want a little more character.

Naturally, there’s every possibility the next T-Roc R could be all that and more, which would be a welcome outcome, and we have faith that Volkswagen can pull it off. The initial overseas imagery we’ve seen certainly looks promising, and the brand has been hitting its stride across the board lately.

Still, if smaller performance cars are your thing, get your hands on one of these first-gen models before they’re all gone.

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