2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Photos, engines & full specs

Volkswagen introduced the T-Cross on the market in 2018 as its smallest crossover available. It built the car on the same MQB-A0 platform as the Polo or the Audi A1. It was a successful model, and customers liked it for its high-quality materials and bold stance, even though it wasn't a big vehicle. Come 2023, the T-Cross broke cover with a refreshed version.

With an exterior that challenged most people to play the guessing game of "spot the differences," the T-Cross. At the front, the most significant change was noticeable on the side scoops that Volkswagen placed on the lower bumper. While the 2019 model year had them in a rectangular shape, the 2024 model year came with new, triangular ones, which sported LED daytime running lights on their outer sides. In addition, the plastic element that mimicked an underbody shield was thicker. On the sides, the only noticeable change was for the wheels, which got redesigned. Still, the black plastic moldings remained in place. Finally, at the back, the automaker changed the rear bumper. It featured a thick plastic trim that resembled a shield, an element that was not available for the 2019 model year.

Inside, Volkswagen completely redesigned the dashboard, neatly integrating the touchscreen for the infotainment system into it. In addition, the automaker offered a choice of different trim colors that matched the car's exterior on the dash and center console. Like on the 2019 model year, the 2024 version featured a color display for the instrument cluster. Furthermore, the seats sported new colors and upholstery options but no leather. Thanks to the tall greenhouse, the 2024 T-Cross offered enough room for two adults in the back on the 60/40 split-folding bench seat. Even though the vehicle was available only with a front-wheel-drive setup, the automaker profiled the car's floor with a center tunnel for improved rigidity and protection in case of an accident. Nevertheless, the trunk space remained at the same value of 286 liters (10.1 cu-ft).

New rules and regulations in terms of emissions were just around the corner, and Volkswagen tried to be up-to-date with its engines. Thus, under the T-Cross hood, it installed a choice of gasoline and turbo diesel engines ranging between 95 PS (94 HP) and 150 PS (148 HP). Both base versions fueled by diesel and gasoline sent their power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. For the rest of the range, Volkswagen offered either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox. A classic, torque-converter, six-speed automatic was the only option for the top trim level that was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged unit.

Volkswagen fitted the MQB-A0 platform with McPherson struts at the front and semi-independent trailing arms at the rear. Even though it was not the best technological solution, it was the only one that allowed the carmaker to keep the T-Cross price down. The small-sized crossover segment was highly contested by most European mass-market automakers.