Volkswagen Taigo vs T-Roc: which SUV to choose?

The SUV segment, which is very buoyant, continues to grow. Manufacturers do not hesitate to multiply the variations to have their share of the cake. Volkswagen, which already has a very rich range, has released a new model for 2022: the Taigo. This coupé-like SUV is only slightly shorter than the recently restyled T-Roc. Could the two models, with fairly similar arguments, cannibalize each other?

More engines available for the T-Roc

Despite 3 cm difference only, the Taigo and T-Roc are based on a different platform. The first, a newcomer to the range, is manufactured on the MQB A0 platform of the group’s small models. It is used in particular by the VW Polo, Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia city cars, as well as small SUVs such as the T-Cross. The T-Roc is based on the Golf platform. It is 6 cm wider (1.82 m against 1.76 m for the Taigo). To finish on this chapter size, the T-Roc is barely higher with 1.57 m, against 1.52 m for the Taigo, with a more stocky look. This one has a more inclined rear window than the T-Roc, with a more vertical tailgate. This does not really affect the habitability, however, since the trunk volume is almost identical: 438 liters for the Taigo, 445 liters for the T-Roc (or 392 liters for the 4×4 variants).

If the Taigo uses the modular platform of VW’s city models and stretches it to the maximum, the T-Roc prefers to use the MQB from the Golf and other models from the group. Thereby, the T-Roc has more powerful engines : it starts with a 1.0 TSI of 110 hp, only available on the entry-level Life, but above all has a four-cylinder 1.5 petrol engine of 150 hp and 2.0 TDI diesels of 116 and 150 hp. It can even afford a 2.0 TSI petrol unit of 300 hp for the sports variant T-Roc R. This has a 4Motion all-wheel drive system, also offered on the 150 hp diesel. On his side, the Taigo only offers 95, 110 and 150 hp petrol units. And like the Polo and the T-Cross, it does not have hybridization or diesels or 4×4 transmission.

Almost identical interior and equipment

On board, the differences are, again, few. We also find the same air conditioning block with touch control (from Life on the T-Roc, on the high-end Style or R Line for the Taigo) and a very close multifunction steering wheel. The counters are digital as standard from the entry level on both models, which each have a central touch screen for the multimedia system ranging from 8 inches to 9.2 inches. The integration of the screen on the dashboard is slightly different, since the Taigo takes up that of the Polo. The T-Roc, with its revised dashboard integrating more valuable materials since the restyling, benefits from a slightly higher screen.

In terms of equipment, the two models have almost similar finishes: Life, Style and R Line on the two SUVs, supplemented by an Exclusive Style variant on the T-Roc. The entry-level Life is similar: 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, 8-inch central touch screen, adaptive cruise control, Front Assist, LED headlamps, etc. On the other hand, the Taigo also offers a central airbag from the entry level (which prevents front passengers from colliding in the event of a collision) or Travel Assist (level 2 semi-autonomous driving), reserved for higher finishes on the T-Roc. The latter has from the entry level automatic Park Assist parking, Keyless Access keyless entry and starting or automatic switching of the high beams.

Price: Taigo more accessible

The Volkswagen Taigo starts at €23,850 with the 95 hp three-cylinder petrol engine in Life finish. It climbs to €24,690 with the 110 hp version in the same finish. With the same engine and the same Life finish, the T-Roc starts at €27,990. The T-Roc, wanted more premium for a few months (it started around 21,000 € when it was launched in 2017), therefore displays higher prices than the newcomer. In contrast, the two models come together almost with an equivalent finish and engine in some cases, such as with the 1.5 TSI of 150 hp in the Style finish. The Taigo is offered from €32,360 with this combination (only with a DSG7 gearbox) while the T-Roc starts at €32,650 with the six-speed manual gearbox, and €34,780 with the DSG7 gearbox.

Surprisingly, the gap widens a little more with the R Line finish, which starts at €30,480 on the Taigo in 110 hp but costs at least €36,780 for the T-Roc with the four-cylinder 1.5 of 150 hp. Note that the T-Roc also has a convertible version, available from €36,160, and a sporty R variant, from €51,490 (excluding penalties).

Photos : DR.

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