Volkswagen T-ROC vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?

Volkswagen T-ROC

$21,330 - $62,890

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Audi SQ7

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2024 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC

2024 Audi SQ7

By Chris Thompson

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

12.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Growling V8 soundtrack
Spacious, classy cabin
Impressive ride and handling

Dislikes

Options become pricey
Minor ergonomic quirks
Might feel outdated to some

Lacks clever interior storage
Engine is thirsty
Expensive to service

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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2024 Audi SQ7 Summary

The Audi Q7 has come in for its second facelift as it enters its ninth year of production while the younger Q8 is in for its first refresh.

But these two aren't like the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross pair; Audi's MLB underpinnings were cutting edge at their launch 2015 and remain stand-out in the class with advanced suspension and chassis tech, connectivity and refinement.

A host of small visual and performance tweaks aim to make the range-topping SQ7 we're driving even better. But should you make the sensible seven-seat decision or go a little rogue and choose the sloping-roofed SQ8?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC 2024 Audi SQ7

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.

Verdict

There are newer options than the current Audi SQ7 and SQ8, including those which use the same platform, but don't write these luxury large SUVs off just yet.

It's a rare thing that a vehicle costing $200,000 has an air of pragmatism about it, but the SQ7 does. Its sensible leather upholstery, decent practicality, towing capability and near-excess of interior space make it a great family wagon.

As a counterpoint, the sharper looking SQ8 has minimal trade-off in comfort and interior room (at least for five) and is the kind of statement piece you'd expect for the price — especially in one of its loud paint colours.

Whichever way you leap, it's true that while the SQ7 and SQ8 are ageing, they are doing so gracefully and remain a superb option in this segment.

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

Volkswagen T-ROC vs Audi SQ7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen T-ROC vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?