2026 Volkswagen T-Roc spied as next generation of brand's best seller

Volkswagen has been spied testing the next generation of its T-Roc crossover, which was its best-selling vehicle both here and in Europe in 2023.

It’s expected to debut during 2025.

Last year, Volkswagen confirmed the new T-Roc, Tiguan and Passat would be the brand’s last new combustion-powered vehicles in Europe, with electric-only replacements to follow after the release of an EV-only Mk9 Golf.

Photographers have spied the new model testing in a sneaky disguise – instead of draping the prototype in dazzle camouflage like most brands use, Volkswagen has mocked it up to look as much like the current generation as possible.

The new T-Roc has a similar silhouette to the current car, with a hatchback-like shape and a rakish tailgate.

Its headlight design has been refreshed with a slimmer profile, while an LED strip connects them across the restyled front grille. This brings the T-Roc in line with newer products like the latest Tiguan.

The lower section of the front bumper has received the most noticeable change, and now incorporates a larger opening surrounded by a significant amount of black trim. There’s also now large hexagonal webbing instead of a body-coloured bumper.

At the rear there’s a new lower bumper design with a different reflector shape, while there’s now an LED strip connecting the taillights behind the Volkswagen badge.

The new T-Roc is expected to offer both petrol and diesel options, while plug-in hybrid variants are also expected to be included for the first time.

It’s expected to continue to offer both front- and all-wheel drive options.

Three turbocharged engine options are available on the current-gen T-Roc in Australia, ranging in power from 110kW to 221kW.

The current range starts at $36,890 before on-roads for the base FWD CityLife, and extends to $63,490 before on-roads for the AWD R.

Last year, Volkswagen sold 8943 T-Rocs in Australia, well ahead of the second-place Amarok ute range with 6626 sales.

MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc MORE: Next T-Roc to be VW’s last new combustion car in Europe