Volkswagen T-Cross vs LDV D90
What's the difference?

Volkswagen T-Cross

$19,888 - $39,990

2024 price

View pricing & specs

LDV D90

$14,800 - $26,880

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 Volkswagen T-Cross

2020 LDV D90

By Laura Berry

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

9.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Lots of features for not much money
Easy and fun to drive
Spacious and practical for the class

Makes more sense as a diesel
People-mover practicality
Affordable

Dislikes

A hybrid version is needed
Some rivals start at a lower price
Some turbo lag in stop-start traffic

Terrible software
Cheap interior
A bit unwieldy to drive

2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Summary

The Volkswagen T-Cross is the smallest SUV in the brand’s entire range, but it’s incredibly practical, great to drive and has an excellent level of safety.

It’s just been updated with some new features and it’s probably more affordable than you think.

So if you are thinking of a Mazda CX-3 or a Toyota Yaris Cross, then put the T-Cross on your list to check out, too.

View full pricing & specs

2020 LDV D90 Summary

It’s pretty hard to miss the LDV D90.

Mainly because it is gigantic; it's one of the biggest SUVs you can buy. In fact, I’d say what’s drawn you to this review is maybe you’ve seen one of these behemoths trucking past, and you’re wondering what the LDV badge is all about and how this relatively unknown SUV stands up against popular rivals and other notable newcomers.

To get one confusing thing out of the way, LDV once stood for Leyland DAF Vans, a now-defunct British company which has been brought back to life by none other than China’s SAIC Motor – yes, the same one which also resurrected MG.

So, is this MG big brother worth looking into? We took the recently released diesel version of the D90 on test for a week to seek some answers…

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2024 Volkswagen T-Cross 2020 LDV D90

Verdict

There are so many new little SUVs out there and it might be easy to think they’re all the same - a tiny cheap SUV is just a tiny cheap SUV. But I’m convinced the Volkswagen T-Cross isn’t like the others.

Yes, it’s tiny and relatively cheap, but it can do more than most of the others from the storage and space it offers to the value-for-money and its level of refinement. Then there’s the way it drives - which can’t in my books be matched by any of its rivals.

The sweet spot in the range is the entry grade Life. At $35K drive-away the value is best and with no difference in engines between the grades there are no huge reasons to step up higher in the range unless you have the money.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

Looking for a cheap, powerful diesel SUV with huge cabin space and a humane third row for adults? The D90 is a really sound offering, especially considering the price of entry for this top-spec diesel which should resonate with Aussies a bit better than the petrol version.

It has plenty of issues that could be ironed out, but they’re all so small and not sale-breaking it’s almost annoying how much better the D90 could be with just a little work. Rivals should be looking over their shoulder for what comes next.

Volkswagen T-Cross vs LDV D90 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen T-Cross vs LDV D90
What's the difference?