Volkswagen T-ROC vs Renault Kadjar
What's the difference?

Volkswagen T-ROC

$24,880 - $62,890

2024 price

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Renault Kadjar

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2021 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC

2021 Renault Kadjar

By Chris Thompson

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Inline 4, 1.3L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Cool styling inside and out
Bose stereo
Leather seats

Dislikes

Options become pricey
Minor ergonomic quirks
Might feel outdated to some

Jerky dual-clutch auto at low speeds
Falling behind in advanced safety tech
Pricey

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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2021 Renault Kadjar Summary

Don’t let people talk you into buying a tiny car just because you live in the city. That’s what I’ve learnt from being a car reviewer and living about eight kilometres from the CBD.

Yes, car spaces are small, or almost non existent, but the people that live there are as full-sized as people elsewhere and they often carry around just as much gear. What you need is a big, little car and the Renault Kadjar is that – a small SUV which is actually bigger than most.

The Kadjar is also French, and that’s appealing to us city folk because even though there are millions of us living in one square metre we like to think of ourselves as different, as individuals, cosmopolitan, metropolitan.

So the Kadjar looks perfect then, right?

Well, it’s good yes… in some ways, but after reading this you might prefer its Japanese cousin, the Nissan Qashqai. Let me explain...

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC 2021 Renault Kadjar

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 Renault Kadjar Intens ticks a lot of the urban boxes. It’s small, which is good for navigating narrow city streets and parking in tight spaces, but it’s also spacious and practical. The Kadjar is fuel efficient for a four-cylinder petrol engine and it has that sophisticated French styling.

The Intens is expensive, though, and unless you absolutely have to have leather seats, a glass roof, and the Bose stereo I’d go for the mid-range Zen grade and save yourself $5K but still have all the same safety tech. That said the Intens has auto parking as standard which is a nice convenience for the city.

Safety could be better. The AEB system doesn’t have pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross traffic alert, or reverse emergency braking.

Finally, the dual-clutch automatic and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine while a fuel efficient combination, isn’t all that easy to live with and can make driving a less-than-smooth experience. The Nissan Qashqai’s combination of CVT auto and four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine is better suited to the urban jungle - something to think about there.

Now the scores, the Kadjar Intens gets the same mark for daily driving and its urban talents – it could be smoother to drive, but there’s still lots to like.

Volkswagen T-ROC vs Renault Kadjar What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen T-ROC vs Renault Kadjar
What's the difference?