Volkswagen is close to revealing a second-generation T-Roc, with the latest prototype to be spied wearing barely any camouflage gear.
The current T-Roc is a compact crossover closely related to the Golf hatchback. It made its debut in 2017 and has since spawned a high-performance T-Roc R variant and open-top T-Roc Cabriolet. The latter isn’t expected to get a repeat with the new generation, however.
The new T-Roc should debut later this year. Considering VW ruled out selling the current T-Roc in the U.S., it’s likely the new generation will also skip this market. Instead, the automaker offers the bigger Taos as its entry-level crossover here.
The new T-Roc looks like it will follow an evolutionary design path. There are new details, though, such as a clamshell hood and a larger lower intake with a new mesh pattern. It’s hard to judge but there also appears to be less body sculpting on the flanks of the vehicle. A final key change is the less steeply raked rear windshield, resulting in more of a fastback design.
2025 Volkswagen T-Roc spy shots – Photo via Baldauf
The vehicle rides on the latest version of Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which the automaker uses for volume brands. In the U.S., the platform is found in the Golf GTI and Golf R, as well as the related Audi A3 range. It will also underpin a redesigned Tiguan due in the U.S. later this year.
Front-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive will be available. It’s possible only electrified powertrains will be offered this time around.
The current T-Roc is a close relative of the Audi Q2 crossover. Don’t look for a redesigned Q2, though. Former Audi chief Markus Duesmann in a 2022 interview indicated that the Q2 and the smaller A1 hatchback will be phased out after their respective current generations.
Fans of electric mobility can look forward to an electric T-Roc. It is being developed alongside an electric next-generation Golf hatchback, with the two EVs destined to be built at VW’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, starting late this decade. VW in February confirmed the two vehicles will be based on VW Group’s next-generation SSP EV platform, which aims to standardize things like software and battery cell design across most of the automaker’s brands.
