Style or Substance? We Compare the Vauxhall Mokka and Volkswagen T-Cross
April 16, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
These small SUVs are competing for the top spot in the small family car market, offering a blend of style, practicality, and tech. But which one takes the crown? Let鈥檚 compare these two contenders on their design, space, engines, fuel economy, and driving experience.
Vauxhall Mokka vs Volkswagen T-Cross: design
Let鈥檚 start with looks 鈥 because making a statement is probably one of the main reasons you鈥檒l be looking to buy a small SUV.
The Vauxhall Mokka certainly stands out with its sharp, angular body panels and bold grille. The two-tone paint jobs look great as well, and its raised height and chunky wheel arches add a tough edge. It鈥檚 definitely the more flamboyant of the two.
On the other hand, the Volkswagen T-Cross is far more subdued but still handsome. It鈥檚 the kind of car you鈥檇 bring home to meet your mum 鈥 presentable, and just a little bit classy. Its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre, and the squared-off rear gives it a bit of an edgy look, but it鈥檚 not as 鈥渓ook at me!鈥 as the Mokka.
Vauxhall Mokka vs Volkswagen T-Cross: interior
Hop inside, and the vibe shifts a little. The Mokka鈥檚 cabin looks pretty stylish and material quality is decent throughout. It鈥檚 a shame that the 10.0-inch touchscreen isn鈥檛 the easiest to use, but you do have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard which means you don鈥檛 have to rely on the car鈥檚 own system.
The Volkswagen鈥檚 interior feels more grown-up with a tidy design and it raises the bar for quality over the Mokka. It鈥檚 not going to win any awards for looks, but it鈥檚 comfortable, functional, and quite roomy 鈥 especially for a car of its size.
Vauxhall Mokka vs Volkswagen T-Cross: practicality
The Vauxhall Mokka offers a 350-litre boot, which is pretty small for this class. It falls a bit short compared to alternatives like the Peugeot 2008 or Skoda Kamiq. The rear seats are cozy at best, and the small back windows make it harder for passengers to enjoy the view. The front, however, is pretty comfortable for all, even if you鈥檙e a bit on the taller side.
The T-Cross pulls ahead with its 385-litre boot, and its sliding rear seats are a game-changer. You can shift the seats forward for more luggage space or backward for extra legroom 鈥 flexibility that comes in handy for a family on the go. It鈥檚 more practical all around, with lots of storage in the front and a rear seat layout that works better for taller passengers. The T-Cross is all about making life easier for the busy driver and family.
Vauxhall Mokka vs Volkswagen T-Cross: engines and running costs
The Vauxhall Mokka has a couple of decent petrol options, including a 1.2-litre with 136hp. It鈥檚 nippy enough, but it鈥檚 no rocket ship. The Mokka Electric offers zero emissions and a respectable range of 250 miles, which is great for city driving. The petrol engines average around 50mpg.
The T-Cross鈥檚 engines are similarly frugal. The 115hp version of the 1.0-litre petrol engine offers good economy and is paired with either a manual or DSG automatic. It鈥檚 just as zippy as the Mokka, and it鈥檒l return the same 50mpg. There鈥檚 also a 150hp option for those who want better performance. Unlike the Mokka, there鈥檚 no electric option, but the T-Cross still delivers impressive fuel efficiency for its size.
Vauxhall Mokka vs Volkswagen T-Cross: driving
The Vauxhall Mokka is easy to drive in town, thanks to its compact size and light steering. It handles bumps decently well, but its small rear window can make parking a bit tricky. On the motorway, the Mokka is pretty quiet and refined 鈥 though don鈥檛 expect it to handle twisty roads like a sports car. The Mokka Electric adds a little fun with its instant torque, so it鈥檚 a bit more zippy in the city.
The T-Cross is similarly easy to drive, but it鈥檚 more solid and reassuring than exciting. It鈥檚 excellent for city driving, and its raised ride height gives you great visibility. On the motorway, it鈥檚 smooth and quiet, more so than the Mokka. The T-Cross does feel a bit more stable around corners, though it鈥檚 not quite as fun as a Ford Puma.
Vauxhall Mokka vs Volkswagen T-Cross: Verdict
If you鈥檙e after style and a car that makes a statement, the Vauxhall Mokka could be the better pick. It鈥檚 eye-catching, comfortable up front, and perfect for city driving 鈥 and it鈥檚 the one to go for if you want an all-electric version.
However, if you鈥檙e looking for the more practical and family-friendly option, the Volkswagen T-Cross is the winner. It offers better space, more flexible seating, and a smoother, more refined driving experience. It鈥檚 not as flashy, but it gets the job done with a more practical approach.
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