Name: Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet (2019 to 2025) | Expert Rating | The...
Item: Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
Rating: 58.0

Summary

The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet was the two-door soft-top version of the regular T-Roc SUV that arrived on UK roads in Summer 2020 – nearly three years after the standard T-Roc model.

As a convertible SUV, the T-Roc Cabriolet was essentially in a market segment of one – it was only really directly comparable to the more upmarket Range Rover Evoque Convertible, which Land Rover ditched in 2018 when the original Evoque ended production.

Its closest competitors were more conventional soft-top models like the Mini Convertible. It was also effectively (but not very effectively) a replacement for the long-dead Golf Cabriolet in the Volkswagen line-up

The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet line-up consisted of two trim levels, with only petrol engines available. Parkers argued that the lack of diesel engine options is a misstep.

The Cabriolet’s boot was markedly smaller than the standard SUV, and Volkswagen had to make this convertible version heavier in an effort to reinforce the body structure with the hard-top roof missing – a body structure that Which? called “somewhat compromised”.

Which? added that the folding fabric roof, which took 11 seconds to raise, “simply doesn’t work very well”, and that the rear seats were more cramped than the regular T-Roc, in order to make room for the roof mechanism.

While some reviewers clearly disliked the T-Roc Cabriolet, many outlets conceded that it would appeal to customers intrigued by the idea of a raised ride height and wind-in-the-hair driving in one reasonably affordable package, regardless of its flaws.

As Top Gear concluded, “It doesn’t create a new must-have niche, or take itself too seriously, and neither should you.”

As of February 2026, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 58%.

T-Roc Cabriolet highlights

Peppy but economical engines
Plenty of equipment as standard
Decent practicality by cabriolet standards
Attractive exterior styling
Wind-in-the-hair driving

T-Roc Cabriolet lowlights

Only seats four
Not much boot space
Interior is cheap and cramped in places
Only petrol-powered models available
More conventional convertibles are more fun

Key specifications

Body style: Compact convertible SUV
Engines: petrol
Price: From £31,495 on-road

Launched: Summer 2020
Last updated: Spring 2022
Discontinued: Spring 2025

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“The updates haven’t changed much to the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet experience, so if you were one of the 5% of T-Roc buyers interested before, there’s still much to like. It’s not engaging or quick to drive, but the folding roof adds a sense of fun. If you want to go for this left-field choice, we’d stick with the entry-level model – things get pricey higher up the range.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Alex Ingram

“The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet is an open-top version of VW’s stylish family SUV. It’ll have the same solid interior and great petrol engines, but having the wind in your hair means less luggage space.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

More reviews

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5.6 / 10
“It would be unfair to criticise the T-Roc Cabriolet for being style over content when that will be a key motivation for buying it – that can’t gloss over some very real practical and dynamic compromises, though.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“For soaking up a few rays and enjoying the view on which ever day it is that summer falls, the T-Roc Cabriolet ticks all the boxes. Ask any more of it, however, and its shortcomings in relation to the standard car all to readily surface.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual R-Line
Score: 7 / 10
“With decent-sized rear seats and a usable boot, you could happily use the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet every day, and enjoy just how easy and relaxed it is to drive. That’s why it’s worth considering if you’re looking for something a bit different.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.6 / 10
“The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio is heavier, less economical and more expensive than the standard T-Roc.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“As a convertible SUV, the T-Roc Cabriolet ticks a lot of boxes. Volkswagen deserves great credit for successfully lowering and raising the roof of a car designed to be a tin-top SUV. It’s just too compromised for it to earn top marks.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The only convertible SUV you can buy new – exclusivity is guaranteed, excellent level of standard equipment, guaranteed to turn heads especially with the roof down.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s the drop-top for those who don’t want to compromise their comfort or convenience – in essence, it’s a normal car that you can take the roof off.”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview
“It is comfy, clean-cut, cool and classless. I can’t even grumble about the price.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“the T-Roc Cabriolet is a cruiser, through and through.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Doesn’t create a new must-have niche, or take itself too seriously, and neither should you.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of February 2026, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.

The hard-top Volkswagen T-Roc was awarded a full five-star crash test rating back in 2017, but this rating does not include the T-Roc Cabriolet, as this drop top version has been structurally altered as a result of taking the roof off.

This means that the T-Roc Cabriolet is heavier than the standard model, and while it has the same safety features, we cannot say that it would have the same crash test results.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively from workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as we have sufficient data on the T-Roc Cabriolet, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	42 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	143 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	25	B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£161	A
Year 2	£467	B
Year 3	£767	B
Year 4	£1,018	B
Year 5	£1,369	B
Overall	£3,782	B

The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

While its fuel consumption is higher than the average new petrol car, the Cabriolet has pretty low insurance premiums and its maintenance and servicing costs over the first five years of ownership should be excellent.