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VW T-Cross vs Land Rover Defender comparison

Compare performance (150 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (21,400 £ vs 57,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW T-Cross or Land Rover Defender?

VW T-Cross vs Land Rover Defender: Key differences

VW T-Cross

3.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • a bit more efficient
  • significantly lighter
details

Land Rover Defender

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

T-Cross

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-Cross is clearly cheaper – starting at 21,400 £ , while the Land Rover Defender costs 57,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 36,463 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW T-Cross uses 5.4 L/100km and is a bit more efficient than the Land Rover Defender with 6 L/100km. The difference is about 0.6 L/100km.

Defender

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Land Rover Defender offers clearly more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 485 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Land Rover Defender is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the VW T-Cross takes 8.4 s. That’s about 4.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Land Rover Defender delivers significantly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 500 Nm more.

T-Cross

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Land Rover Defender offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, VW T-Cross is significantly lighter – 1,267 kg compared to 2,300 kg. The difference is around 1,033 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Land Rover Defender offers clearly more boot space – 786 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 331 L.

When it comes to payload, the Land Rover Defender carries considerably more – 819 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 339 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Land Rover Defender is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £57,900
Defender

Land Rover Defender

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 635 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 6 - 14.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 48 km
details

Frequently compared as well

SEAT Arona
VW T-Cross
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VW T-Cross
Land Rover Defender

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

VW T-Cross

The VW T-Cross turns everyday practicality into a style statement, offering a roomy-feeling cabin, clever storage and playful design that suits town life and family duties alike. On the road it's composed and relaxed, rewarding buyers who want the raised seating and confident presence of an SUV without the weighty compromises.

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Reviews VW T-Cross

3.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
Monika
12 Feb 2026, 07:34:19

I chose the T‑Cross — more comfortable and roomier inside, especially for adult passengers; bought on the model‑year clearance — running costs work out cheaper even taking into account fuel savings from the Toyota hybrid (planned over five years); I like the space and the VW suited me better — I prefer the view through the front windshield.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Erasmo Paone
21 Oct 2025, 21:49:59

Very practical, interior space is excellent. Lacks charm, fuel consumption is a bit high.

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender looks like it could shrug off a weekend of serious off-road abuse while still turning heads on the high street. Inside it balances practical, no-nonsense utility with enough creature comforts to make daily driving feel less like an expedition and more like a stylish commute—rugged charm with civilized manners.

details
DEF_110_V8_22MY_ONROAD_210721_14
DEF_110_V8_22MY_ONROAD_210721_15
DEF_110_V8_22MY_ONROAD_210721_17
DEF_110_PHEV_22MY_INTERIOR_140721_02
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Reviews Land Rover Defender

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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VW T-Cross
Land Rover Defender

Costs and Consumption
Price
21,400 - 32,000 £
Price
57,900 - 172,000 £
Consumption L/100km
5.4 - 6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6 - 14.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
48 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
124 - 136 g/km
co2
135 - 324 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Off-Roader
Seats
5
Seats
2 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,267 - 1,338 kg
Curb weight
2,300 - 2,745 kg
Trunk capacity
455 L
Trunk capacity
293 - 786 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,784 mm
Width
2,008 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
463 - 480 kg
Payload
494 - 819 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 150 HP
Power HP
200 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 11.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 250 Nm
Torque
500 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
70 - 110 kW
Power kW
147 - 467 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,997 - 5,000 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D
Brand
VW
Brand
Land Rover
What drivetrain options does the VW T-Cross have?

The VW T-Cross is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.