Did you know the Volkswagen T-Cross has received a significant update? The 2025 model now comes with way more standard safety features, enhanced interior comfort, and a punchy driving experience thanks to its torque-y engine.

The facelifted T-Cross aims to build on its reputation as a versatile small SUV, blending practicality with efficiency and driving dynamics. So, how does it stack up? Let’s dive into the details in today’s review!

How much does the 2025 Volkswagen T-Cross cost?‍

The facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross will start at just $34,990 ($33,990 RRP, an increase of $3000 compared to last year) for the Life trim under a driveaway offer that currently has no end date.

You can step up to the mid-trim Style for $39,990 driveaway ($37,490 RRP, an increase of $4000 compared to last year), with the range-topping R-Line coming in at $43,990 driveaway ($40,990 RRP, an increase of $4900 compared to last year’s Style + R-Line package).

This means the range has been simplified down from eight combinations of model grades and options to just three trim levels:

2025 Volkswagen T-Cross Pricing:

• T-Cross Life - $34,990 driveaway
• T-Cross Style - $39,990 driveaway
• T-Cross R-Line - $43,990 driveaway

What’s the exterior like of the Volkswagen T-Cross?

In terms of design, the T-Cross has had a few changes that bring it in line with the rest of the Volkswagen range of SUVs. Up front, you now get auto-dimming IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights on the Style and R-Line trims, while the Life trim gets LED headlights and daytime running lights as standard. Additionally, the Style and R-Line models are fitted with Touareg-inspired light bars that run across the grille and meet at the VW badge. This is mirrored in the rear with a distinctive and premium looking taillight signature. It is good to see that LED lighting is now standard for the T-Cross range.

You get some slightly revised front and rear bumpers with silver underbody protection, and the R-Line sports a honeycomb air intake for a slightly more aggressive look, with honeycomb trim at the rear to match.

New this year is the addition of ‘Clear Blue Metallic’ paint colour, ‘Grape Yellow’ paint, and ‘Kings Red Premium Metallic’ paint which pays homage to the GTI and is available in R-Line trim only.

The wheels are different sizes for each model grade - the base Life spec gets 16-inch alloys fitted with ‘Gitti’ tyres, while the Style gets 17-inch alloys and the R-Line gets sporty 18-inch alloys, both the Style and R-Line specs also come with superior Hankook tyres. Additionally, the T-Cross is not a large car, at just shy of 4.1m in length, meaning the front and rear overhangs are very short and give the wheels a larger appearance than they might otherwise have.

Roof rails are standard across all grades, but the Style and R-Line specs are finished with silver, while the Life gets basic black plastic trim. Keyless entry-and-go are also available on the Style trim and above, while the Life will get you a manual key. Across the range you will now be greeted with a light projector display on the floor as you unlock the car, which is a nice touch.

Unfortunately you don’t get any privacy glass on the rear windows, and the rear design remains largely unchanged except for the honeycomb trim and body-coloured insert on the bumper of the R-Line spec.

Overall, the most significant upgrade for this new T-Cross are the LED lighting that is now standard across the range, with some unique new lighting signatures that come on the Style and R-Line trims. 

What’s the interior like of the 2025 Volkswagen T-Cross?‍

Volkswagen has been listening to customer feedback, and on the interior of the new T-Cross this really shows. Firstly, they have replaced the hard, scratchy black materials across the dash with soft-touch materials, and enhanced many of the frequently touched surfaces within the cabin with new, premium materials.

You get new cloth and leather-lined seats on the Style trim with manual adjustment including lumbar support, while the R-Line trim gets the Alcantara treatment. The seats on the base Life model do feel a bit ‘base-spec’, but I found them to be very comfortable and supportive over a multi-hour drive programme.

In terms of technology, there has been a major overhaul in a few key areas. Firstly, VW’s 8-inch ‘Digital Cockpit’ is now standard for the Life Trim and is a high-resolution, colour accurate display that shows most information including phone and media controls. Stepping up to the higher grades you will find ‘Digital Cockpit Pro’ which is a bit nicer and has a few additional customisation functions and display configurations, including a navigational maps view.

Infotainment has also improved across the range, with DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto (wired on the Life trim), complemented by a 15W wireless charger for all model grades. The display is crisp, super responsive with an intuitive interface, and app connectivity was a breeze. If I had to give one critique it would be the quality of the reversing camera.

A stand-out win for the T-Cross is the beautiful leather-wrapped steering wheel that you get across the range. It feels great to hold, and Volkswagen has done away with those silly touch media and driving assistance controls, replacing them with proper buttons. In fact, you get physical buttons in most places now apart from the climate temperature controls on the Style and R-Line trims, while the Life gets physical buttons. You also get an awesome leather-wrapped manual handbrake, and a traditional automatic shifter with paddles on the steering wheel.

You also get dual-zone climate control on the Style and above, as well as some other minor inclusions for the infotainment such as ‘Discover’ media navigation and voice control, as well as floor mats in the front and rear.

Practicality within the T-Cross is class-leading, with massive doorbins, a large centre console storage area, a decent glove box, and even some under seat storage. You also get a couple of small cupholders in the centre and connectivity is great with two USB-C ports and a 12V socket.

Overall, I think the biggest winner this year is the base-spec Life trim, which benefits from a lot of the quality-of-life, technology and safety upgrades across the range, while having the smallest increase in price from last year. 

What about back seats?

You do take a slight hit to quality in the rear, with hard scratchy black plastics in more places. That being said, the rear seats are very spacious for such a small car, so comfort is great with plenty of legroom, toe room and headroom. The seats slide forward and back, allowing boot space to be extended, and though seat reclining is possible with the seats forward, they do not lock into place in a reclined position which is an odd choice.

Amenities are limited in the rear with no air vents, but you do get two USB-C ports and a small storage area, and some mat pockets as well. Unfortunately cupholders are relegated to the door bins as there is no central folding armrest, and I would say that four adults can comfortably sit in the rear, however it might be a squeeze with a fifth sitting in the middle.

What’s boot space like in the Volkswagen T-Cross?

Like I mentioned in the previous section, the rear seats can be slid forward, which increases boot space to a whopping 455L - making the T-Cross one of the most practical small SUVs you can buy. This beats out competition like the Kia Seltos and Nissan Juke, and with the second row folded you get 1281L which is also near segment-leading, though it does get beaten by the Seltos and Juke in that regard.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 Volkswagen T-Cross?

Volkswagen have recognised the powertrain as a strength of the outgoing version of the T-Cross and decided not to change it; the 85 TSI - a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine returns with 85 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque delivered to the front wheels via a 7-speed DCT.

How does the Volkswagen T-Cross Drive?

Driving the updated Volkswagen T-Cross, specifically the Life spec, gave me a solid sense of what this compact SUV is all about. The 85 TSI engine under the hood is the same as in the previous model. It’s not the most powerful engine out there, with 85 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque, but it’s torque-y enough to handle everyday driving situations with ease. The turbo gives it a bit of a boost, making the T-Cross feel responsive when you’re moving through city traffic or merging onto a highway. Efficiency seems to be a key focus with this engine, and it does a decent job balancing power with fuel economy.

The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. I noticed that while it’s generally smooth, it can be a bit sluggish, especially when starting from a stop. In stop-and-go traffic, the transmission hesitates slightly before engaging, which can make for a less smooth driving experience. However, once you’re on the move, the shifts are quick, and the transmission works well, particularly when you switch to manual mode. Using the paddle shifters adds a bit more engagement, and on twisty roads, the car handles pretty well, making the most of its compact size.

Handling is another area where the T-Cross performs competently. With the wheels positioned close to the corners of the car, it feels agile and easy to manoeuvre. The steering is direct, and the car holds its line well through corners with minimal body roll. It’s front-wheel drive, but it feels stable and sure-footed, even in less-than-ideal conditions. The suspension is set up to favour comfort, which is noticeable when driving over rougher surfaces; it smooths out most of the bumps without feeling too soft.

The Life spec I was driving comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, which contribute to a comfortable ride. I didn’t notice much difference when compared to the Style spec with its 17-inch wheels, so either option seems fine in terms of comfort. The ride is comfortable enough for daily commuting, and the T-Cross feels stable and composed, whether in the city or on more winding roads.

Overall, the T-Cross offers a balanced driving experience. It’s not going to blow you away with power, but it handles day-to-day driving with confidence and a bit of fun when you push it. The improvements in safety tech across the range, like adaptive cruise control and lane assist, are a nice addition, making the T-Cross a well-rounded option in the small SUV segment.

What do you get with the Volkswagen T-Cross?

Standard Equipment

The 2025 Volkswagen T-Cross Life comes fully equipped with the following standard features:

• Wheels and Exterior:some text
  • 16-inch ‘Nottingham’ alloy wheels
  • LED headlights (NEW) with automatic high-beam functionality
  • Power-folding door mirrors
  • Surround lighting with light projection (NEW)
  • Roof rails for added versatility
• Interior and Comfort:some text
  • Leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters
  • 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Wireless smartphone charging
  • Manual climate controls
• Audio and Connectivity:some text
  • DAB+ digital radio for enhanced sound quality

Style Trim Additions

Upgrading to the T-Cross Style trim includes all features of the Life spec, plus the following enhancements:

• Wheels and Lighting:some text
  • 17-inch ‘Manila’ alloy wheels
  • Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam (NEW)
  • Illuminated daytime running light grille strip (NEW)
• Exterior Enhancements:some text
  • Chrome roof rails 
  • Keyless entry + go
• Interior and Technology:some text
  • Dual-zone climate control 
  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with widescreen map functionality
  • Satellite navigation system (NEW)
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (NEW)
  • Voice control functionality (NEW)

R-Line Variant Features

The 2025 Volkswagen T-Cross R-Line variant builds upon the Style trim with additional sporty and premium features:

• Wheels and Styling:some text
  • 18-inch ‘Misano’ alloy wheels
  • R-Line specific interior and exterior styling elements
  • Grey R-Line upholstery and black headlining
• Privacy and Comfort:some text
  • Rear privacy glass 
  • Alcantara sports seats
• Performance and Audio:some text
  • Driving Profile selection
  • Beats premium audio

Available Paint Colours

Choose from a variety of vibrant and premium paint options for the 2025 T-Cross:

• Pure White
• Grape Yellow
• Clear Blue Metallic (+$600)
• Kings Red Premium Metallic (+$900, R-Line only)
• Reflex Silver Metallic (+$600)
• Smokey Grey Metallic (+$600)
• Deep Black Pearl Effect (+$600)

Is the Volkswagen T-Cross safe?

The previous version of the T-Cross achieved a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating for the 2019 model year, which will expire by 2026. It scored very highly for Adult Occupant Protection (97%) and Child Occupant Protection (85%).

New for the facelifted T-Cross is the inclusion of VW’s IQ.DRIVE as standard across the range. This suite of features includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go function, which supports driving in traffic conditions. The driver attention and drowsiness monitor, along with the automatic kerb function for the passenger’s side exterior mirror when reversing, are also included. A distance warning display is provided to help maintain safe following distances, and Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring functions are integrated for urban driving scenarios.

Lane Assist offers lane departure warnings, and Manoeuvre Braking is included for both front and rear to mitigate low-speed collisions. The reverse driving camera is displayed on the infotainment screen, and Park Assist is available for parking bay and parallel parking assistance. However, a full surround camera system has been omitted. Parking distance sensors, located at the front and rear, feature an acoustic warning and automatic reduction of audio volume when activated.

The Proactive occupant protection system works in combination with Front Assist. Additionally, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert is included to help detect vehicles in blind spots, and Travel Assist brings together several driver aids to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience.

How much does it cost to run the Volkswagen T-Cross?

‍The Volkswagen T-Cross range is protected by a 5-year, unlimited km warranty. 

Petrol is recommended 95 RON or above, though fuel consumption is low with a claimed combined cycle of 5.6L/100km.

Service intervals and pricing have not been released but the outgoing model requires a service every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Three and five year service packs will be offered.

Final thoughts on the Volkswagen T-Cross

‍The 2025 Volkswagen T-Cross presents a compelling package in the small SUV segment, especially with the updates brought by this facelift. The price increases across the range are noticeable, with the Life spec now starting at $34,990 driveaway, but Volkswagen has justified this by simplifying the trim options and packing more standard features into each level. The streamlined approach means fewer configurations, making it easier for buyers to choose the right model for their needs without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices.

The decision to retain the same 85 TSI powertrain reflects Volkswagen’s confidence in the engine’s balance of efficiency and performance. While it may not be the most powerful in its class, it offers a good mix of torque and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, though occasionally sluggish, does the job well enough once you’re on the move, and the overall driving dynamics are surefooted and engaging, particularly on winding roads.

One of the standout improvements in the 2025 T-Cross is the inclusion of VW’s IQ.DRIVE as standard across all trims. The comprehensive safety suite, combined with enhanced interior comfort and practicality, adds significant value to the T-Cross, especially at the entry-level Life spec. The practicality of the T-Cross, with its class-leading boot space and flexible interior layout, also remains a strong selling point.

Overall, while the T-Cross’s price increases might give some potential buyers pause, the added value in terms of safety, technology, and practicality makes it a solid option in the small SUV market. The T-Cross continues to offer good value for money, particularly for those looking for a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on features or driving enjoyment.