Volkswagen T-ROC vs BYD Atto 2
What's the difference?

Volkswagen T-ROC

$25,990 - $58,888

2024 price

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BYD Atto 2

$31,990 - $35,990

2026 price

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Summary

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC

2026 BYD Atto 2

By Chris Thompson

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Sensible, soothing looks
Ridiculous value
Spacious back seat

Dislikes

Options become pricey
Minor ergonomic quirks
Might feel outdated to some

Tech can be fiddly
Driving dynamics are't stellar
Is 345km enough range?

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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2026 BYD Atto 2 Summary

There has never been a better time to be shopping for an electric SUV in Australia, with the avalanche of Chinese brands constantly smashing through the price floor as they bid for the title of Australia’s cheapest.

MG led the charge with its S5, which is $40,490, drive-away. Then Leapmotor upped (or downed?) the ante with its B10 with a $38,990, drive-away, price tag. And now BYD has knocked them both out with its Atto 2, officially Australia’s cheapest electric SUV (at least for now), with a MSRP of $31,990, which, in NSW, translates to a drive-away cost of less than $35K.

Cheap is one thing. But cheerful? Let’s find out, shall we?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC 2026 BYD Atto 2

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

The BYD Atto 2 isn't just the cheapest electric SUV in Australia, it's also one that doesn't feel all that cheap, which is a hell of a magic trick. If it's easy, comfortable city motoring you're after, the Atto 2 delivers in spades. But if your blood type is high octane, there are better driving EVs out there.

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

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number 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.

Volkswagen T-ROC vs BYD Atto 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen T-ROC vs BYD Atto 2
What's the difference?