In both the new and used-car markets, SUVs are big news. But what if you simply don’t need big? What if you just want ‘manageable but still able to tow’? Well, in that case, Volkswagen has the T-Cross, a small SUV based on the underpinnings of the VW Polo.
So, it’s ideal for those who need compact dimensions and low running costs. And if you regularly tow, it’s got something for you, too. So, should you be looking at one if you’re after the best used car for towing a caravan?
What’s a Volkswagen T-Cross like inside?
Considering that the T-Cross (2019-present) has very similar dimensions to a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, it’s actually generous in terms of interior space, which is always worth looking for in a tow car.
In the best small tow cars, everyone should be able to sit in comfort. Here, those in the two front seats shouldn’t have any trouble getting comfortable, while those in the rear seats should have enough room to sit comfortably for longer trips, especially if those up front are prepared to slide forward and compromise on legroom.
And talking of the rear seat, it can be slid backwards or forwards, allowing you to vary rear legroom or boot space as required. However, in a car as small as the T-Cross, this isn’t as useful as it sounds, because when the seat is slid forward, the available boot space is only on a par with rivals such as the Renault Captur. But with the seat slid back, the load area is relatively small.
VW has been moderately generous with standard equipment: entry models feature air-con, a DAB radio and variable-height front seats, but SE is much better because it adds larger alloy wheels, a variable-height boot floor, adaptive cruise control and automatic lights and wipers. You can also add in a variety of towing gadgets to improve your experience on the road, too.
However, in a particularly un-VW manner, the interior of the T-Cross is sub-par in our opinion. Build quality feels rudimentary and the plastics feel a cut below VW’s typical standard. Check for rattles and the signs of a hard life.
How does a Volkswagen T-Cross drive?
Time was when people would mock someone trying to tow with a car fitted with a 1.0-litre engine, but the era of small turbos has changed all that. Admittedly, it’s fair to say
that any journey will require a degree of patience, but nevertheless, the 113bhp 1.0-litre engine will allow you to pull a small tourer reasonably comfortably.
The seven-speed DSG transmission is a good partner to this engine, because it usually seems to be in the right gear for whatever you’re doing, and it swaps ratios smoothly, too.
Given that the T-Cross weighs just 1270kg, crosswinds or buffeting from larger vehicles can cause a caravan to bob around a little, but not enough to cause alarm. Before you set off with a tourer, take a look at our caravan towing checklist, too, to set you on your way to a stress-free experience on the road.
When the car isn’t hitched up, it drives with a tidy enthusiasm: the steering feels pretty quick, and the suspension keeps everything under control, albeit at the expense of a ride that’s slightly too firm.
What will a used Volkswagen T-Cross tow?
When it comes to matching the car to a caravan, the T-Cross has the following spec:
- Kerbweight: 1270kg
- Towing limit: 1100kg
- Noseweight limit: 55kg
- 85% match: 1080kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 11
- Annual VED: £195
- Average economy: 45.7mpg
- Full service: £197
(Servicing prices supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262)
Trouble spots
The Volkswagen T-Cross has been an infrequent visitor to dealers for recalls. Some 35 cars were recalls early on because of faulty curtain airbags that could fail to deploy in a crash. Then 1104 examples were recalled because of dodgy software in their instrument clusters. A software update sorted this.
A full list of recalls can be found at https://www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
What to pay for a used Volkswagen T-Cross
- High: Price: £26,995; Model: 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line; Year: 2024; Miles: 4600
- Sweet spot: Price: £15,250; Model: 1.0 TSI SE DSG; Year: 2022; Miles: 22,500
- Low: Price: £7300; Model: 1.0 TSI SE; Year: 2019; Miles: 125,500
Verdict
As long as you’re realistic with what you expect from your Volkswagen T-Cross, it will be the sort of car you can tow a light tourer with, and it will also be a car that will blend quietly into the background of your life. There’s no fuss, no irritations with the T-Cross, but the build quality is a notable weak spot.
Take a look at our guide to the towing mistakes you will want to avoid when you’re hitched up to a tourer, so you know what you can do to avoid them.
Alternatives to consider
Used Skoda Kamiq (2019-present)
Skoda is known as the VW Group’s sensible, practical brand, and the Kamiq confirms that. It has space for five adults, and plenty of boot space. Unhitched, it drives calmly and quietly. It tows well for such a small, light vehicle, too, although we noticed that the Kamiq struggled with hill starts when towing – traction was an issue, and this would only get worse in the wet.
See what we made of one when we put the Škoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150PS Monte Carlo to the test in 2023.
Used Seat Arona (2019-present)
The Seat is a sister car to the T-Cross. It can accommodate five adults and is full of standard kit, including dual-zone climate control, a DAB radio, touchscreen infotainment and cruise control. It’s also fun to drive, although the ride quality can feel a bit ‘sporty’. The Arona matches the T-Cross for towing ability, but as with the VW, a rear-view camera would help.
Used Renault Captur (2020-present)
The current-shape Captur takes everything that was good about the first car (practicality, low running costs, style) and wraps it up in even more chic bodywork. The Captur also drives nicely, with a fairly comfortable ride and light controls. We’d avoid the entry-level petrol engine, and go for the 138bhp 1.3-litre turbo, which gives the car reasonable get-up-and-go. Better still, the Captur has competitive cabin space, and standard kit includes full LED lights front and rear, a DAB radio and smartphone mirroring.
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