@ Kia Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VS

Kia Niro vs VW T-Roc – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Two cars, one duel: Kia Niro meets VW T-Roc.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

Niro @ Kia Corporation

City Zen vs. Street Swagger

Step into traffic and the contrast is obvious: the Kia Niro wants to soothe the commute with a calm, unflustered demeanour, soft suspension and a focus on quiet progress, while the VW T‑Roc leans into a sharper, more alert personality that makes urban corners feel alive. The Niro’s approach is deliberately relaxed, geared toward low-stress runs and long stretches behind the wheel, whereas the T‑Roc gives you a little wink and invites a more spirited line through roundabouts. Both are comfortable companions in town, it just depends whether you prefer placid efficiency or a bit more theatre in your daily drive.

T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Cabin Character and Usability

Inside, the Niro trades flash for friendliness: an airy layout, straightforward controls and clever nooks that turn day-to-day life into something less fiddly. The T‑Roc presents a more premium face with tactile surfaces and a driver-focused dash that feels a touch fancier when you slide in. Practicality is present in both, but the Niro tilts toward clever, utilitarian packaging while the T‑Roc prioritises polish and a slightly sportier seating vibe.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

How They Behave on the Open Road

When you stretch the legs, the Niro keeps things composed and composed again, smoothing out long miles in a way that favours endurance rather than exhilaration. The T‑Roc, by contrast, rewards a firmer hand with more precise steering and a planted attitude through sweepers, making it the more engaging companion if you like to explore corners. Neither overreaches—the choice is between relaxed long-distance comfort and a more dynamic, driver‑centric feel.

T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Family Life and Everyday Practicalities

Both cars are sensible choices for family chores, but they approach practicality differently: the Niro leans on flexible storage and easy living, making groceries, carriers and child seats straightforward to deal with. The T‑Roc gives you slightly sportier packaging with a practical streak of its own, and feels particularly confident when you need a blend of daily usability and a bit of style. In short, families seeking fuss-free versatility will like the Niro, while buyers wanting practicality with a dash of personality will find the T‑Roc compelling.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Ownership: Pockets, Parcel and Peace of Mind

Running costs, dealer networks and how a car fits into your life matter as much as how it drives; the Niro is designed to be kind to the weekly budget and to reward mileage with steady refinement, whereas the T‑Roc offers conventional ownership with an emphasis on long-term desirability and a reassuring brand cachet. Both come with sensible levels of equipment, but your priorities—economy versus perceived premium feel—will tip the balance. Either way, they’re both built to be lived with rather than fussed over.

T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Who’s It For?

If you’re a calm long-distance commuter or a family that values measured comfort and clever packaging, the Kia Niro will likely slot into your life with minimal compromise; if you’re a style-conscious buyer who enjoys a sharper on-road demeanour and a cabin that feels a touch more upscale, the VW T‑Roc will suit you better. Both appeal to buyers who want compact practicality without the bulk of an SUV, but the personalities on offer are quite distinct—one relaxed and pragmatic, the other brisk and confident. Choose the temperament that matches your routine, not just the spec sheet.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Keep Reading

There’s plenty more to unpack—detailed comparisons and owner impressions that tease out the differences in everyday life—so stick with us and see which car takes the DriveDuel crown in the next installment.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW T-Roc has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26400 £, while the Kia Niro costs 29100 £. That’s a price difference of around 2696 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Kia Niro manages with 2.40 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the VW T-Roc with 5.50 L. The difference is about 3.10 L per 100 km.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Niro has a to a small extent edge – offering 180 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 30 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW T-Roc is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 8.90 s, while the Kia Niro takes 9.90 s. That’s about 1 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW T-Roc performs slightly better – reaching 212 km/h, while the Kia Niro tops out at 185 km/h. The difference is around 27 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Kia Niro pulls hardly perceptible stronger with 265 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 15 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW T-Roc is minimal lighter – 1465 kg compared to 1474 kg. The difference is around 9 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW T-Roc offers hardly perceptible more room – 475 L compared to 451 L. That’s a difference of about 24 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Kia Niro performs minimal better – up to 1445 L, which is about 95 L more than the VW T-Roc.

When it comes to payload, VW T-Roc hardly perceptible takes the win – 515 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 49 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Kia Niro shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £29,100
Niro @ Kia Corporation

Kia Niro

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 138 - 180 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 4.9 L
  • Electric Range : 57 - 62 km

Kia Niro

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Niro presents itself as a versatile and eco-friendly SUV, blending a stylish design with advanced hybrid technology. Its spacious interior offers comfort and practicality, making it ideal for both city driving and longer journeys. With a focus on efficiency and sustainability, the Niro is a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers.

details

VW T-Roc

5 (2)
rate

The VW T-Roc mixes cheeky, coupe-like styling with the everyday sense and space of an SUV, so it looks fun without sacrificing family sense. It’s a likeable all-rounder with tidy road manners and plenty of personality, ideal if you want a car that’s practical enough for chores but entertaining enough to enjoy.

details
Kia Niro
VW T-Roc
Niro @ Kia Corporation
T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
29100 - 38600 £
Price
26400 - 38000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 4.9 L
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.3 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
57 - 62 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
1.3 - 11.1 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
53 - 111 g/km
co2
126 - 143 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
37 - 42 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
2 - 5
Curb weight
1474 - 1594 kg
Curb weight
1465 - 1539 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 451 L
Trunk capacity
284 - 475 L
Length
4420 mm
Length
4271 - 4373 mm
Width
1825 mm
Width
1811 - 1828 mm
Height
1545 mm
Height
1527 - 1573 mm
Max trunk capacity
1342 - 1445 L
Max trunk capacity
1350 L
Payload
466 kg
Payload
368 - 515 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 - 180 HP
Power HP
115 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 - 12.3 s
Max Speed
170 - 185 km/h
Max Speed
187 - 212 km/h
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
200 - 250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
102 - 132 kW
Power kW
85 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
1580 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1498 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D
Brand
Kia
Brand
VW
Is the Kia Niro offered with different drivetrains?

The Kia Niro is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.