Tesla Model Y vs Volkswagen T-ROC
What's the difference?

Tesla Model Y

$58,900 - $89,400

2026 price

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Volkswagen T-ROC

$25,990 - $58,888

2024 price

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Summary

2026 Tesla Model Y

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC

By Andrew Chesterton

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

6.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Seriously practical
A seating layout that makes perfect sense
Long-distance driving range

Easy and fun to drive
Sturdy, quality feel
Value without options

Dislikes

Ride might be too firm for some
Compromised vision from driver's seat
Lack of Apple CarPlay a turn-off

Options become pricey
Minor ergonomic quirks
Might feel outdated to some

2026 Tesla Model Y Summary

This is the new Tesla Model Y L, of course, but before we even start I need to ask you a very important question.

How often, honestly, do you use all seven seats in your seven-seater? Or if you only have five seats, how often is there a human in every single one?

Rarely, if ever?

Yep, me too. So stick around, because this is, by far, the best family SUV seating layout. And one where there’ll finally be no fighting over who gets stuck with the dodgy seat.

And as a result, the six-seat Tesla Model Y L might just be among the best all-electric SUV offerings around.

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2024 Volkswagen T-ROC Summary

For a small SUV that technically starts under the $40,000 mark, the 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc has a fair bit going for it.

It’s still in its first generation, but updates have made some parts of the T-Roc feel properly up to speed. And the parts that haven’t? Well, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

We’re driving the mid-spec Style 110TSI, which sits above the base CityLife, but below the R-Line. Then of course, there’s the wicked R variant.

But is this a Euro that could replace your trusted Japanese small SUV?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Tesla Model Y 2024 Volkswagen T-ROC

Verdict

If you like the five-seat Model Y, then you'll like the six-seat L version even more. I think this the best example of Tesla's electric SUV to date, and the cabin layout just makes a lot of sense, and would suit plenty of families who don't need to squeeze someone into a compromised middle seat.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Verdict

So that’s the T-Roc, a bit of Euro style that’s still priced to take the fight to some small SUVs from Japan or Korea.

Is it the cheapest style-forward small SUV you can get? No, but it’s far from the expensive end of things.

Plus, if you can resist ticking some option boxes, it beats some value-focused rivals and looks good doing it.

If the feeling of a sturdy fit-out and a confidence inspiring drive is important to you, I reckon the T-Roc should be an entry on your shopping list.

Tesla Model Y vs Volkswagen T-ROC What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Tesla Model Y vs Volkswagen T-ROC
What's the difference?