Used Volkswagen T-Cross for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 600
Average Price: Around £17,000

Volkswagen T-Cross (2019-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to drive	Many rival compact crossovers are cheaper to buy
Funky SUV styling	VW's new-car warranty is no match for Kia or Hyundai
Practical cabin	Disappointing interior quality on early examples

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a popular compact SUV, first launched in 2019 and significantly facelifted in 2024. Closely related to the Polo supermini, it offers a comfortable ride and neat handling, although it's not as engaging as some rivals. A standout feature is its sliding rear bench seat, which allows for versatile boot space ranging from 385 to 455 litres, making it highly practical for its size. Engine options include lively 1.0-litre TSI petrols (94bhp, 108/113bhp), a more powerful 1.5-litre TSI (148bhp), and an earlier 1.6-litre TDI diesel, all offering reasonable running costs without a hybrid option.

Early models faced criticism for disappointing interior quality, but the 2024 facelift addressed this with plush materials and an updated infotainment system, though some physical climate controls were replaced with less intuitive touch-sensitive panels. Standard safety kit is generous, earning it a five-star Euro NCAP rating. While not the cheapest compact crossover, its smart looks, good equipment levels, and flexible cabin make it a strong contender, especially for small families seeking a well-rounded and comfortable SUV.

Best for: Small families, those seeking a practical and versatile compact SUV, buyers prioritising comfort and reasonable running costs, and those who appreciate good standard equipment and safety features.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers (as it's not the cheapest), those who prioritise the longest new-car warranty, buyers sensitive to interior material quality in pre-facelift models, or those seeking the most engaging driving dynamics.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the T-Cross if: You're a small family seeking a practical, versatile, and comfortable compact SUV with good equipment and reasonable running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You're on a tight budget, prioritise a longer new-car warranty, are sensitive to interior quality (pre-facelift models), or want the most engaging driving experience.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen T-Cross is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, offering a smart design, comfortable drive, and a highly practical and versatile cabin, especially with its sliding rear bench. While not the cheapest to buy and with some initial interior quality concerns addressed in the 2024 facelift, its reasonable running costs and comprehensive safety features make it an excellent choice for small families. It delivers a well-rounded package, even if rivals like the Ford Puma offer a more dynamic drive or the Skoda Kamiq provides more space.

Volkswagen T-Cross Review

The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.