VW Taigo vs. T-Roc: which is better?
Not sure between the VW Taigo or T-Roc? Read our comparison guide to see how they stack up
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If you’re weighing up the VW Taigo vs. T-Roc, you’re probably looking for a smaller SUV that feels luxurious and comfortable to drive.
Good news – both the Taigo and T-Roc tick all these boxes. Bad news – you’re going to have to pick between the two.
Both models are at the beating heart of the SUV trend, but the T-Roc is probably the model you're more familiar with. That doesn’t mean you should rule out the Taigo, though.
Take a look at our VW Taigo vs. T-Roc review to learn more about both and help you make your choice.
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Taigo vs. T-Roc
Our guide will answer:
Which VW SUV has the better styling?
Is the T-Roc or Taigo better to drive?
Does the Taigo or T-Roc have better tech?
Is the T-Roc or Taigo more reliable?
What are the Taigo vs. T-Roc dimensions?
Taigo vs. T-Roc: styling
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The Taigo and T-Roc are similar in size, but the T-Roc is slightly bigger. You can think of it as the older brother – though not by much.
We think the Taigo has the more interesting look about it, despite being the cheaper option. That doesn’t mean the T-Roc is unattractive, but it does blend in more with other SUVs, while the Taigo’s coupe shape feels fresher.
It’s worth noting that the T-Roc has some interesting variants like the convertible T-Roc and the souped-up T-Roc R, while the Taigo is currently limited to just one shape and no sporty version.
So, while they’re both good-looking motors, the cheaper and more unique Taigo might feel better value for money against the elegant but classic T-Roc.
Taigo vs. T-Roc: what are they like to drive?
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You can get the Taigo with three versions of two petrol engines – a 1.0-litre with 94hp or 109hp, or a 1.5-litre with 148hp.
The T-Roc also has 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines, but also a 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel – loads to choose from. These can also be punchier than the Taigo, with the 1.5-litre getting 150hp and the 2.0-litre 190hp.
They’re both easy and comfortable to drive, feeling at home on the motorway and around town.
Efficiency isn’t an issue, either. To get the most for your money, the diesel T-Roc claims up to 58.9mpg, while the 1.0-litre 109hp Taigo aims for 52.3mpg.
Taigo vs. T-Roc: interior and technology
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A VW interior is always a nice place to be, and both the Taigo and T-Roc are great examples of this.
The T-Roc is more practical and comfortable than flashy, but it does feel high-quality. On the other hand, the Taigo feels slightly more stylish and there are some groovy interior colourways.
Both cars get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range, plus a digital drivers display instead of your classic analogue dials.
One thing that can be frustrating across both cars is the ‘capacitive’ controls that replace the physical buttons for climate controls, etc. These can be hard to navigate, but it’s definitely not a deal breaker.
Taigo vs. T-Roc: boot space and practicality
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SUVs are coveted for their space and practicality, and both the T-Roc and Taigo measure up. They're spacious and hard-wearing, so ideal for family life.
The T-Roc has a 445-litre boot with the seats upright, but the four-wheel drive variant squashes that to 392 litres.
The Taigo sits just underneath the T-Roc with a 440-litre boot – not enough to notice a difference and impressive since it’s the smaller car.
You can fold the seats for more boot space in each car. The T-Roc can stretch to 1,237 litres, while the Taigo reaches 1,222 litres.
Taigo vs. T-Roc: safety and reliability
It should come as no surprise that both the T-Roc and Taigo are reliable and safe cars with the stats to prove it.
The Taigo was given its Euro NCAP test in 2022 and scored the full five-stars, with the T-Roc getting the same score in 2017.
Both cars get similar safety tech, like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and cruise control.
Reliability reviews are impressive as well, and drivers in the forums have good things to say about both cars.
It helps that you get that VW badge for reassurance – you know these are tried-and-tested machines.
Taigo vs. T-Roc: dimensions
VW Taigo
Width: 1,757mm (excluding mirrors)
Length: 4,266mm
Height: 1,518mm
Boot: 440 litres (1,222 litres with rear seats folded)
VW T-Roc
Width: 1,819mm (excluding mirrors)
Length: 4,236mm
Height: 1,584mm
Boot: 445 litres (1,237 litres with rear seats folded)
Verdict: VW Taigo vs. T-Roc: which should you buy?
The VW SUV you should buy depends on what you want from your car, but price point is often a good place to start.
You’re always going to be getting something superb with a Volkswagen car, so it might be more sense to save some money and opt for the Taigo. It’s not as expensive or as popular as the T-Roc, but it’s still every bit as impressive.
The T-Roc does bring more engine options and it’s slightly bigger all round, so that might swing you over into that camp.
The Taigo also doesn’t have the efficient diesel pick that the T-Roc offers – could that be a deal breaker?
Learn more about each model and compare options by checking out our range of used VW Taigo and T-Roc cars.