Renault Kadjar KAD vs Volkswagen T-Roc A11

Renault Kadjar

KAD · 2015 – 2022

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

Volkswagen T-Roc

A11 · 2017 – 2025

The first-generation T-Roc (A11), on the MQB A1 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-Roc

Pick the T-Roc for a bold crossover look with an elevated seat and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen T-Roc
Power	140 hp	150 hp Winner
Torque	240 Nm	250 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,6 s	8,5 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	100,0 hp/t	118,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	125 g/km Winner	128 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen T-Roc
Boot	472 L Winner	445 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.478 L Winner	1.290 L
Wheelbase	2,65 m Winner	2,59 m
Length	4,45 m	4,23 m
Ground clearance	—	16,1 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.800 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen T-Roc
Platform	CMF-CD	MQB A1 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-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 · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 1.6/2.0 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-Roc

Electronic parking-brake and software recalls (pre-facelift)
Infotainment glitches on early cars
Cabriolet: roof mechanism/water ingress at high mileage

Pros

Renault Kadjar

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

Volkswagen T-Roc

Customisable design with optional contrasting roof
Facelift (2022) brought modernised lights and interior
Strong driver-assistance suite (IQ.DRIVE)

Cons

Renault Kadjar

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

Volkswagen T-Roc

Pre-facelift interior (2017–2021) looks simpler
Cabriolet: smaller boot and higher weight

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-Roc

Easy, comfortable and a little more involving than most crossovers. The T-Roc steers accurately with decent weighting, rides well enough, and handles tidily for a car of its height, with the 2.0 TSI R version adding genuine pace. Front-drive is the default; 4MOTION adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the distance choice, and the 1.0 TSI is adequate for town work. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light. It is a well-rounded compact crossover that feels closer to a Golf than its tall body suggests.