VW's Most Impressive Hybrid SUV Is Not Available for American Consumers | Carscoops

      The VW T-Roc, the second best-selling SUV in Volkswagen's lineup, has received significant enhancements throughout.

      This new version features a larger frame with updated styling and a completely redesigned interior. Engine options now include gasoline, mild-hybrid, and VW’s first full-hybrid powertrain.

      As one of the most sought-after models in Volkswagen's range, the T-Roc is set for a major upgrade, arriving eight years after the original model's launch. The second-generation crossover boasts a bigger size, sharper aesthetics, and an entirely revamped interior. It also debuts a full-hybrid powertrain for the VW Group, alongside enhanced mild-hybrid options.

      The exterior retains the original T-Roc's essence while adopting modern proportions and a more assertive stance. Its front end draws inspiration from VW’s family of electric vehicles, featuring a sleek look with a full-width LED bar and a lit badge, replacing the traditional grille. Sporty bumper intakes and a subtle skid plate complete the design.

      The silhouette remains familiar, showcasing a distinctive "hockey-stick" line leading into a robust C-pillar; however, the cleaner surfaces and sculpted fenders provide a more contemporary look. Buyers can opt for wheels up to 20 inches, with the sloping rear windshield and wide LED taillights contributing to a coupe-like feel. Thanks to the redesigned bodywork, aerodynamic efficiency improves by 10%, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.29 cd.

      Regarding trim options, VW will offer the new T-Roc in base, Life, Style, and R-Line trims. The sport-oriented R-Line stands out with larger bumper intakes, a rear diffuser, and an optional Black Style package that adds darker exterior details. Six color choices are available, including Canary Yellow, Flamed Red, and Celestial Blue, with select combinations featuring contrasting black roofs.

      Dimensionally, the SUV now measures 4,373 mm (172.1 inches) in length, 122 mm longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase has increased by 28 mm (1.1 inches) to 2,631 mm, resulting in a slightly more spacious footprint. This places the T-Roc between the smaller Taigo and T-Cross and the larger Tiguan and Tayron within VW’s European SUV lineup.

      Inside, Volkswagen claims the new T-Roc matches the quality standards set by the Tiguan and Tayron. The dashboard has replaced hard plastics with a fabric finish, and the cabin features higher-quality materials along with ambient lighting that shines through perforated leatherette. Sustainability is also emphasized, with about 20% of the plastics in the interior coming from recycled materials.

      At the center of the dashboard is a free-standing infotainment screen, available in sizes of 10.4 or 12.9 inches, accompanied by a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and an optional head-up display. Although the criticized touch sliders remain below the screen, VW has balanced this with a physical control knob on the center console taken from the Tiguan. This multifunction knob manages volume, drive modes, and ambient “atmospheres,” reducing dependence on touch menus.

      Optional features include an ergoActive seat with 14-way electrical adjustments and a massaging function, along with a Harman Kardon audio system.

      The T-Roc also enhances its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). A new version of the Travel Assist system facilitates automatic lane changes and sports improved predictive control for speed limits. Additionally, a new exit warning system and Park Assist Pro enable semi-automated parking up to a distance of 50 m (164 feet) with an optional memory function.

      Practicality has also been improved, offering taller passengers more cabin space, while luggage capacity expands to 465 liters (16.4 cubic feet), which is 20 liters more than before.

      Under the hood, the T-Roc utilizes the updated MQB Evo platform. The launch lineup comprises two mild-hybrid versions of the 1.5-liter eTSI engine. The base model generates 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), while the more powerful variant delivers 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Both are equipped with a seven-speed DSG transmission and supported by a 48V system that can briefly add 19 hp (14 kW).

      The major advancement arrives later with VW’s debut of a full-hybrid system, signifying a breakthrough for the group. This configuration combines the 1.5-liter TSI evo2 with an electric module and lithium-ion battery located under the rear seats. Two output options will be available: 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) or 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS), each producing 306 Nm (225 lb-ft) of torque.

      For those preferring traditional power, a 2.0-liter TSI