Renault Kadjar KAD vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11

Renault Kadjar

KAD · 2015 – 2022

The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.

Volkswagen T-Cross

C11 · 2019 – 2026

The first-generation T-Cross (C11), on the MQB A0 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Kadjar

Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 Blue dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen T-Cross

Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (115 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	140 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	240 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,6 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	193 km/h
Power-to-weight	100,0 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	125 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	5,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	472 L Winner	455 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.478 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	2,65 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,45 m	4,14 m
Ground clearance	—	16,0 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	CMF-CD	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
Transmission	6-speed manual · EDC7	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC/X-tronic: juddery at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Volkswagen T-Cross

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

Pros

Renault Kadjar

Roomy boot and comfortable ride
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Volkswagen T-Cross

Sliding rear bench (385–455 l boot)
High seating position and good visibility
Facelift (2024+) brought LED lighting and a nicer cabin

Cons

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
Interior less modern than newer rivals

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

Driving experience

Renault Kadjar

A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.