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Photo of a Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen's smallest SUV at launch found 1.2 million buyers in four years.12

Researched October 30, 2026 from 29 sources

Also called

  • jacked-up PoloA label for its Polo-based SUV format; the T-Cross is 136 mm longer than the hatchback.13

At a glance

0100200
94–158 hpPower
07.515
8.4–14 s0–100 km/h
0125250
180–202 km/hTop speed
0150300
145–250 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,195–1,390 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3678

Engine
1.0 L TSI I3; 1.4/1.5/1.6 L gasoline I4; Europe: 1.6 L TDI I436
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive; MQB A0 family3
Built at
Pamplona, Spain; Curitiba, Brazil; Anting/Changchun, China; Chakan, India36
Units built
Worldwide: 1 million by 2022; Brazil: 500,000 by February 202536

The story

Volkswagen built its European entry SUV for young families around the Polo Mk6's MQB A0 platform. Inside, the rear bench slides 140 mm and luggage space spans 385–455 L.23

2016: Breeze previews it as a convertible20162018: Bischoff and Stackmann preview the SUV · One unveiling, three continents20182019: April deliveries beside the Polo20192021: India gets the Taigun20212023: 1.2 million customers in four years20232024: Matrix lights join the European facelift20242025: Euro NCAP: strong sides, weak chest2025 Volkswagen CrossPolo (Polo Mk5): 2010 (debut)Volkswagen CrossPolo (Polo Mk5)Volkswagen Taigun concept: 2012–2016 (project)Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze concept: 2016Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze conceptVolkswagen T-Cross (C11): 2018–presentC11 201020122014201620182020202220242026
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones3620
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2010 (debut)Volkswagen CrossPolo (Polo Mk5)
2012–2016 (project)Volkswagen Taigun concept
2016Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze concept
2018–presentVolkswagen T-Cross (C11)
2016Breeze previews it as a convertible
2018Bischoff and Stackmann preview the SUV
2018One unveiling, three continents
2019April deliveries beside the Polo
2021India gets the Taigun
20231.2 million customers in four years
2024Matrix lights join the European facelift
2025Euro NCAP: strong sides, weak chest
  1. 2016

    Breeze previews it as a convertible

    The T-Cross Breeze appears at the Geneva Motor Show as a four-seat convertible with a fabric roof.3

  2. 2018

    Bischoff and Stackmann preview the SUV

    Design chief Klaus Bischoff and sales chief Jürgen Stackmann explain the T-Cross design as Volkswagen previews it with a sketch and video.4

  3. 2018

    One unveiling, three continents

    On October 25, Amsterdam, Shanghai and São Paulo host the reveal. Brazil and China get a 2,650 mm wheelbase; Europe's is 2,551 mm.3

  4. 2019

    April deliveries beside the Polo

    European customers start receiving cars in April; Volkswagen Navarra builds the T-Cross alongside the Polo in Pamplona, Spain.3

  5. 2021

    India gets the Taigun

    The Taigun reaches India in September on the locally adapted MQB A0 IN platform; production is at Chakan.3

  6. 2023

    1.2 million customers in four years

    By July, about 1.2 million buyers have chosen it. Annual output averages 300,000, with Tacqua and Taigun names used outside Europe.2

  7. 2024

    Matrix lights join the European facelift

    The first-quarter facelift brings a softer dashboard, IQ.LIGHT matrix headlights and optional Travel Assist.2

  8. 2025

    Euro NCAP: strong sides, weak chest

    The tested 1.0 TSI has a stable cabin and maximum side-impact points, but weak driver chest protection and no occupant-to-occupant countermeasure in far-side impacts.35

Every generation

  • Volkswagen CrossPolo (Polo Mk5)
    Volkswagen CrossPolo (Polo Mk5)2010 (debut)
  • Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze concept
    Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze concept2016
  • Volkswagen T-Cross
    C112018–present

Power over the years

From 94 hp to 158 hp in 4 years.

050100150200 2018202020222024 hp 2019 · 94 hp · Europe 1.0 TSI2019 · 94 hp · Europe 1.6 TDI2019 · 113 hp · Europe 1.0 TSI, higher output2023 · 158 hp · China 1.5 TSI, June 158 hp China 1.5 TSI, June 94 hp Europe 1.0 TSI
36
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
201994Europe 1.0 TSI
201994Europe 1.6 TDI
2019113Europe 1.0 TSI, higher output
2023158China 1.5 TSI, June

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • T-Cross / Life / Style (Germany)

    Standard

    T-Cross / Life / Style (Germany)

  • Standard

    S / SE / SEL (UK)

    2019

  • Standard

    Match / Style Edition / Black Edition

  • Standard

    Sense / 200 TSI / Comfortline (Brazil)

    2026

  • Standard

    Highline 250 TSI (Brazil)

    2026

  • Standard

    Taigun GT Line (India)

    2024

  • Special

    Copper Style (Japan)

    2023

  • Limited

    1st Edition (Switzerland)

    113 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • A boxy five-door body and high roof give it an upright small-SUV silhouette.10
  • Early cars have a broad horizontal trim panel connecting the taillights.16
  • Original Brazilian cars have a longer wheelbase and flatter nose; European noses are more pointed.317
  • China's T-Cross uses the long body with its own front and rear bumpers.3
  • China's Tacqua uses the long body and resembles the Brazilian T-Cross; R-Line has different styling.3

Year by year

  1. 2024 European facelift

    Reworked front and rear styling brings new LED headlights, daytime running lights and rear lamps.2

  2. 2024 European facelift

    Base cars switch from halogen to LED headlights; IQ.LIGHT matrix headlights join the range.2

  3. 2024 European facelift

    The cabin gains a free-standing infotainment screen and a soft-upholstered dashboard.2

  4. 2024 European facelift

    Grape Yellow, Clear Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic join the paint palette.2

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volkswagen T-Cross
    T-Cross
    Photo of a Volkswagen T-Roc
    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    The T-Roc is more coupe-like; the T-Cross has a boxier silhouette and high roof.31018

  • Photo of a Volkswagen T-Cross
    T-Cross
    Photo of a Volkswagen Tharu XR
    Volkswagen Tharu XR

    Volkswagen Tharu XR

    Longer front and rear overhangs stretch it to 4,355 mm, despite keeping the 2,651 mm wheelbase.3

  • Photo of a Volkswagen T-Cross
    T-Cross
    Photo of a SEAT Arona
    SEAT Arona

    SEAT Arona

    The Arona looks more angular; the T-Cross has flatter, slab-like sides.19

Against its rivals

  • T-Cross vs SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI 115 FR

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    T-Cross9.1 s
    SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI 115 FR9.2 s
    19

  • T-Cross vs Mazda CX-3 2.0 SkyActiv-G SE-L Nav+

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    T-Cross9.1 s
    Mazda CX-3 2.0 SkyActiv-G SE-L Nav+9 s
    19
  • Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI

    T-Cross vs Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    T-Cross8.4 s
    Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI8.3 s
    10

Prices

Value today $19.7K–$37.9K29

Price when newValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 201820202022202420262028 Value today: $19,700–$37,900 2019 · $30,376 · UK First Edition (period USD)2019 · $22,447 · UK base S (period USD)2019 · $24,824 · UK base SE (period USD)2019 · $28,595 · UK base SEL (period USD)2019 · $31,105 · UK base R-Line (period USD) 2019 · £16,995 · UK base, 2019 model year; period USD equivalent
91418
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2019Launch price$22,447UK base, 2019 model year; period USD equivalent
2019Price when new$30,376UK First Edition (period USD)
2019Price when new$22,447UK base S (period USD)
2019Price when new$24,824UK base SE (period USD)
2019Price when new$28,595UK base SEL (period USD)
2019Price when new$31,105UK base R-Line (period USD)
2026Value today$19,700–$37,900

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “A T-Cross you can race on your phone”
    • “The T-Cross and Touareg shared a designer”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 29 sources
  1. Used Volkswagen T-Cross (Mk1, 2019-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  2. Volkswagen reveals new T-Cross: major update for the successful compact SUV | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  3. Volkswagen T-Cross - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Volkswagen previews T-Cross compact SUV design - Car Body Design carbodydesign.com
  5. Euro NCAP | Volkswagen T-Cross euroncap.com
  6. VW T-Cross – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  7. Volkswagen T-Cross 2026: pre�os, vers�es, consumo e equipamentos do SUV - AUTOO autoo.com.br
  8. VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115 PS specs, quarter mile, lap times, performance data - FastestLaps.com fastestlaps.com
  9. VW T-Cross SUV Launched With £16,995 Starting Price | Carscoops carscoops.com
  10. Volkswagen T-Cross review 2026 - boot space, dimensions & problems | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen UK volkswagen.co.uk
  12. VW India Introduces Taigun GT Line & GT Plus Sport volkswagen.co.in
  13. フォルクスワーゲン、「T-Cross」特別仕様車“Copper Style”発売 | フォルクスワーゲングループジャパン株式会社のプレスリリース prtimes.jp
  14. VW T-Cross Launches In The UK With £23,150 First Edition Limited Run | Carscoops carscoops.com
  15. Limitiertes Sondermodell: VW T-Cross «1st Edition» ist ab sofort bestellbar | Volkswagen Medienportal vwpress.ch
  16. 2019 Volkswagen T-Cross: A Small, Capable European SUV caranddriver.com
  17. Por que o Volkswagen T-Cross europeu é mais invocado que o brasileiro? uol.com.br
  18. Review: The VW T-Cross Indirectly Previews a New Baby SUV | Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  19. Volkswagen T-Cross vs Mazda CX-3 vs SEAT Arona | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. Volkswagen Polo Mk5 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Volkswagen Polo Mk4 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Volkswagen launch the adaptable T-Cross with the help of Cara Delevingne and 80s avant-funkers ESG - Tracks & Fields news tracksandfields.com
  23. 【フォルクスワーゲン】ID.Buzzやポロ、T-CrossなどVW車で楽しむスマホ向けゲームを公開 | オートプルーブ - Auto Prove autoprove.net
  24. フォルクスワーゲン ジャパン、遊びながらフォルクスワーゲン車のラインアップを体感できるスマホ向けレースゲーム『Volkswagen DRIVE CARnival』を提供 | gamebiz gamebiz.jp
  25. VW T-Cross 1.4 TSI specs, quarter mile, lap times, performance data - FastestLaps.com fastestlaps.com
  26. Which Volkswagen T-Cross trim holds its value better? All of them! - Buying a Car - AutoTrader autotrader.co.za
  27. Volkswagen T-Cross Buyer's Guide (2019–2026) - Buyer's Guide - AutoTrader autotrader.co.za
  28. BUYING USED | A guide to the VW T-Cross sowetan.co.za
  29. Used Volkswagen T-Cross Ireland: Typical Price €24,700 motorly.ie
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • volkswagen-newsroom.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • carbodydesign.com
  • euroncap.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • autoo.com.br
  • fastestlaps.com
  • carscoops.com
  • volkswagen.co.uk
  • volkswagen.co.in
  • prtimes.jp
  • vwpress.ch
  • caranddriver.com

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