Choosing between two Volkswagen SUVs might seem like an unusual dilemma, even more so when they are essentially the same car but with different rear ends. So how do you decide between the Taigo and T-Cross? This comparison, that's how.
The Taigo, launched in 2021, brings swoopy coupe styling to the practical SUV formula, whilst the T-Cross, which arrived in 2019 and received a facelift in 2024, prioritises traditional SUV practicality with its upright, boxy design. Both models share mechanical components with the Polo supermini.
The fundamental choice here is a bit like a lower budget version of choosing between a BMW X6 and BMW X5. Do you prioritise style or substance?
Volkswagen Taigo vs Volkswagen T-Cross
Practicality
When it comes to interior space, both cars offer surprisingly generous accommodation for their compact dimensions, though the T-Cross has a clever trick that gives it a practical edge. The Taigo provides excellent rear-seat space for a coupé-styled SUV, with almost as much headroom as front passengers enjoy despite the sloping roofline. Legroom is generous enough for four adults, and while three-abreast seating in the back isn't ideal for long journeys, it's perfectly acceptable for shorter trips. Front-seat occupants benefit from loads of adjustment in both seat and steering wheel positions, plus ample shoulder room.
The T-Cross matches the Taigo for front-seat space but gains a significant advantage with its sliding rear bench seat. This innovative feature allows you to trade rear legroom for extra boot space or vice versa, making the car far more versatile. With the seats pushed all the way back, rear passengers get plenty of legroom, though things become rather tight when the seats are moved fully forward.
The Taigo offers 440 litres of boot space space, making good use of its extra length over the Polo and coming close to rivals like the Ford Puma. The T-Cross provides 385 litres with its rear seats in the rearmost position, but this expands to 455 litres when the seats are slid forward by 14cm. This flexibility makes the T-Cross more adaptable to different loading requirements, though the Taigo's fixed boot space is still very respectable.
Driving Impressions
Both the Taigo and T-Cross share their mechanical foundations with the Polo, which provides a solid basis for their driving characteristics. The engine lineup is identical across both models, starting with a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol in two power outputs: 94bhp in the entry-level version and 113bhp in the mid-range variant. The more powerful version is the sweet spot of the range, offering better performance across a wider range of driving situations. At the top of the range sits a 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol that provides genuinely brisk performance; expect 0-62mph in around 8.5 seconds when paired with the standard seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
The driving experience differs subtly between the two models, though both prioritise comfort over sportiness. The Taigo, even on large 17-inch wheels, rides smoothly and cushions occupants well from road imperfections, though the rear suspension can shudder through particularly challenging potholes. The steering is light and doesn't provide much feedback, which limits engagement on twisty roads but makes for relaxed everyday driving. The T-Cross offers one of the more comfortable rides in its class, with well-controlled body movements and an absorbent suspension setup. R-Line models with 18-inch wheels compromise the ride quality somewhat, but the car remains comfortable regardless of trim level.
Neither car sets the class standard for driving enjoyment – that honour goes to the Ford Puma – but both are competent, comfortable companions for daily driving. The T-Cross handles neatly with tidy, precise steering responses, while the Taigo feels typical of modern Volkswagens: easygoing and refined rather than engaging. Both are front-wheel drive only despite their SUV styling.
Technology and Equipment
Interior quality represents a key differentiator between these two Volkswagen siblings, though neither quite matches the premium feel of older VW models. The Taigo's cabin disappoints with plenty of cheap-feeling, scratchy plastics. This is especially galling when the mechanically similar Polo costs around £3,000 less and the T-Cross is about £1,000 cheaper. However, the Taigo does avoid the frustrating touchpad-only setup found in newer Golfs and ID electric models, retaining proper steering wheel buttons and a physical volume knob, though climate control still relies on fiddly touch-sensitive panels.
The T-Cross initially suffered from similar interior quality issues, with too many hard, shiny plastic panels that fell well below Volkswagen's traditional standards. However, the comprehensive 2024 facelift addressed these concerns with an extensive interior redesign featuring much plusher materials that better deliver the premium feel expected from the VW badge. Unfortunately, this refresh also replaced the previous physical climate control buttons with touch-sensitive panels that are more distracting to use while driving, though it's still better than burying these functions within the infotainment menus.
Standard equipment levels are generous across both ranges. The Taigo comes well-equipped even in basic trim, with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and automatic LED headlights all included. The top-spec R-Line adds dual-zone climate control and built-in satellite navigation. The T-Cross post-facelift lineup starts with Life trim, which includes 16-inch alloys, LED lighting, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add features like keyless entry, rear-view camera, and climate control, with R-Line models getting a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Both cars offer much more user-friendly infotainment systems than Volkswagen's latest models, with helpful shortcut buttons making operation straightforward.
Running Costs
Purchase prices for these two VWs are very similar, and put them in line with key rivals like the Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq, and Toyota Yaris Cross, though both are notably more expensive than the Polo with which they share so much mechanically.
Fuel economy figures are virtually identical between the two models, as they share the same engines and gearboxes. The 1.5-litre TSI engine, while the most enjoyable to drive, returns a relatively modest 46.3mpg officially, though real-world consumption is more likely to be around 40mpg unless driven very carefully. The three-cylinder 1.0-litre units should achieve closer to 50mpg, with the more powerful version actually slightly more efficient than the entry-level engine because it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain pace. Early T-Cross models also offered a 1.6-litre TDI diesel that could return up to 54mpg, though this was later discontinued as diesel demand waned.
Both models should hold their value relatively well, which benefits both cash buyers at resale time and PCP customers through more attractive monthly payments. This is partly due to the popularity of the small SUV segment and partly because Volkswagen is unlikely to flood the UK market with either model. Servicing costs are identical, with both cars offering fixed or flexible service intervals depending on annual mileage.
Verdict
The Taigo offers more distinctive coupe-inspired looks and a larger fixed boot capacity of 440 litres, making it appealing to those who want something a bit different on the driveway. However, it also feels somewhat like a box-ticking exercise, filling a niche in Volkswagen's lineup without substantial creative or engineering innovation.
The T-Cross emerges as the more sensible choice for most buyers, especially following its 2024 facelift that significantly improved interior quality. Its sliding rear seat system provides genuine versatility that the Taigo can't match.
While neither car is as engaging to drive as a Ford Puma, both offer the comfort and refinement expected from Volkswagen, and are ultimately going to be very easy to live with. Both, then, are highly competent small SUVs that will serve their owners well, but the T-Cross just about has the edge as far as we are concerned.