Up close with the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc

Our seasoned contributor saw the 2nd-gen Volkswagen T-Roc – due in Mzansi in the 2nd half of 2026* – at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. Herewith his impressions…*

Cars.co.za recently reported that Volkswagen had revealed the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc. The Wolfsburg-based brand exhibited the 2nd iteration of its boutique small crossover at the IAA Mobility show, again clad in Canary yellow. That’s canary like the islands, not the bird. Visually, I’m immediately a fan.

I think we can agree that Volkswagen has the largest range of crossovers/SUVs with names that begin with the letter T – and it’s expanding. First, the upcoming Tengo, followed by the Taigo and T-Cross small crossovers, the Tiguan family car and its Tayron sibling, which slots beneath the Touareg premium SUV.

‘2026 Volkswagen T-Roc is no wallflower’

Do you see how easy it is to lose the T-Roc in the melee, especially when you consider its proximity in the portfolio to the T-Cross? Not this time; the new T-Roc is no wallflower cloned from the Audi Q2 (ahem).

Instead, it incorporates sharp style lines, ornate lamp work and chunky, ebony alloy hoops under each gaping arch. A fun party trick is optional self-centring logo caps… completely unnecessary, but very fun.

Bolder styling & improved practicality

Whereas its predecessor was an unsung hero appealing to those who needed a relatively spacious small crossover, but appreciated the coupe-like aesthetic and didn’t mind the compromise, the 2026 model is more capacious, bold and purposeful, with styling in line with contemporary Volkswagen iconography.

LED matrix headlights are available as an option (standard on the R-Line and Style derivatives) and are connected to the white illuminated Volkswagen logo with a subtle light strip. At the back, the T-Roc also features a continuous LED crossbar with a red illuminated Volkswagen logo (depending on spec).

Muscular haunches and blacked-out grilles and diffusers complete the look, giving it a tough street presence somewhat reminiscent of what comes out of Ingolstadt. But you never heard that from me.

Hop aboard and you’ll encounter a well-appointed cabin where large LCD screens and infotainment systems abound. The ergonomics appear bang up to date, and the surfaces feel suitably upmarket.

More importantly, the passenger cell feels airy, allowing plenty of light to flood the dark materials. It’s a comfy and pleasant space that absolutely teems with active and passive safety systems.

2026 Volkswagen T-Roc engine line-up

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a mild-hybrid powertrain, which should translate into South African spec T-Rocs without hassle. For Europe, there are two 48V mild hybrid drives (1.5 eTSI) with 85 kW and 110 kW.

Next comes a pair of full-hybrids developed entirely from scratch, but most likely destined to remain in Europe. All will come exclusively with front-wheel drive, with 4Motion all-wheel drive variants, a 2.0-litre TSI mild hybrid (mHEV) and a T-Roc R, all possibly coming down the line in the not-too-distant future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the new Volkswagen T-Roc due in South Africa?

A: The 2nd-gen Volkswagen T-Roc is due to arrive in Mzansi (South Africa) in the 2nd half of 2026.

Q: What engine powers the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc?

A: The new T-Roc will have a mild-hybrid powertrain. For Europe, there are two 48V mild hybrid drives (1.5 eTSI) with 85 kW and 110 kW.

Q: What are the key styling features of the new T-Roc?

A: The 2026 T-Roc features sharp style lines, ornate lamp work, and chunky alloy wheels. It also has optional LED matrix headlights connected to a white illuminated Volkswagen logo with a light strip, and a continuous LED crossbar at the back.