Fresh small SUV revealed in leaked images: 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc looks like a shrunken Tiguan at the front but when will it arrive to battle Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and more?

Volkswagen is gearing up to replace its T-Roc small SUV, leaked images reveal. 

The Golf-sized crossover has appeared un-camouflaged for the first time in images shared to the Cochespias forum. 

There is no official timeline from Volkswagen for when the new T-Roc might launch, however the current generation has been on the market since 2017 (globally, and Australia since late 2018) suggesting its replacement is due late in 2025 or early in 2026. 

Up front, pictures show the new generation T-Roc getting a big makeover reminiscent of the larger Tiguan. There’s a broad front grille with big hexagons, more intricate aerodynamic detailing and fresh alloy wheel designs. 

Some of the T-Roc’s signature details remain including the lifted hatch proportions and chunky C-Pillar to accentuate the sloping roofline and give it a more coupe-like design. 

Underneath, the T-Roc is essentially a jacked up Golf Mk8.5 and thought to use that car’s MQB Evo underpinnings. The current T-Roc is based on a seventh-generation Golf. 

Upgrades include improved rigidity and stiffer mounting points and better compatibility with new plug-in hybrid powertrains. 

There are no interior snaps but if the T-Roc follows Golf and Tiguan, it will get new graphics, a fresh design and bigger 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen. 

Expect various engines, likely starting with the 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder. A mid-spec 150kW tune of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with AWD is likely to replace the 140TSI all-wheel drive grade. 

It is possible Volkswagen will release an R model as in the current T-Roc but tighter emissions standards in Europe and now Australia may make that unfeasible. A 195kW tune is available which could support a warmer model. 

In Australia, the Volkswagen T-Roc is a rival for the likes of the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek and Skoda Kamiq. 

The small SUV segment continues to grow in Australia accounting for roughly 15 per cent of sales and, as the T-Roc slipped to Volkswagen’s second-most popular model behind the Amarok last year, an update could be welcome. 

Volkswagen is yet to announce further details on the second generation T-Roc. Expect to hear more later in 2025.