Volkswagen finally goes hybrid! New T-Roc compact SUV debuts with Toyota-fighting technology

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 John Mahoney 9438 Views hybrid, T-Roc, Volkswagen, VW

Look out Toyota, the second-generation 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc compact SUV has debuted Volkswagen’s first petrol-electric hybrid system.

The new T-Roc also debuts a much bolder, sportier styling and enhanced cabin tech.

It’s also said to to be the final combustion-powered car Volkswagen launches, unless it changes its current strategy.

The all-new Volkswagen Group hybrid (HEV) that comes in two outputs and front-wheel drive, with the plugless electrified petrol powertrains set to offer Toyota levels of efficiency.

The new tech allows either an electric motor or a small combustion engine drive the wheels, with both working together when maximum power is needed.

Full details of the HEV will be released later but the new engine will come with either 100kW or 125kW, with up to 306Nm of torque.

Understood to work like the Toyota HEV system in the RAV4, the new powertrain will deploy electric power at low speed around town to cut emissions and enhance efficiency.

Volkswagen has sold two million of the first-generation VW T-Roc globally and it is also its Australian top-seller part from the Amarok ute.

Measuring in at 120mm longer than before, the 4373mm long T-Roc will once again be a rival for compact SUVs like the Toyota Corolla Cross and C-HR, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona.

With that in mind, VW says the five-seat interior offers more space, claiming a 1.85m tall occupant can sit comfortably behind another 1.85m driver, while boot space has been enlarged to 475 litres (+30 litres).

Carrying over the SUV-coupe shape of the first gen T-Roc, the new VW borrows much from the latest Tiguan and Tayron, including its wraparound lightbars.

Upfront the T-Roc proudly sports a large front grille, C-shaped twin-blade intakes and is available in brighter colours and large 20-inch alloy wheels.

On sale in Europe before the end of this year, from its introduction the T-Roc will be offered with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that comes with either 85kW or 110kW.

Some markets will also get a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with either 110kW or 150kW, plus a 2.0-litre turbo petrol that will produce 150kW.

At the top of the tree will be a 245kW version of the 2.0T that will power the T-Roc R, with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission available on the most powerful variants.

Initially, the VW T-Roc will miss out on plug-in hybrid tech but later a PHEV may be introduced which will based on the eHybrid tech used in the Golf Mk8.5, that delivers an EV range of around 130km.

If you’re wondering where the all-electric version of the small SUV is, that is expected to follow with the ‘ID. Roc’ name already trademarked.

The battery-powered version expected to sit on an entirely different SSP platform, with its development likely to be twinned with the Mk9 Volkswagen Golf that’s due in 2028.

The new T-Roc gains interior features shared with the latest Tiguan, including its 10-inch digital instrument cluster and its 12.9-inch infotainment system that both work with a new head-up display.

Some physical controls remain, including a new rotary dial on the centre console that adjusts the drive modes, sound system volume and other interior functions without having to dive into the sub-screens on the infotainment.

A total of six paint options are available on the T-Roc: Pure White solid, Wolf Grey Metallic, as well as Canary Yellow solid, Flamed Red metallic, Celestial Blue metallic and Grenadilla Black metallic, with the roof available in black for a two-tone finish.

In Europe, the T-Roc is available in base Life, Style and R-Line trims that can all be configured with additional option packs.