Audi SQ2 vs. VW T-Roc R: 300 hp SUV in comparison!

The Audi SQ2 and the VW T-Roc R are in a damn tight race.

SQ2 looks less modern than the T-ROC

The SQ2 has remained unchanged since the facelift in October 2020. And that’s by no means a bad thing. Large grille, black inserts, dynamic look – the smallest Audi SUV cannot be overlooked in the rear-view mirror, but it doesn’t come across as aggressive or visually compelling even in the S dress. A harmonious design. That the Q2 will last until the end of its life – according to the official Audi announcement, there will no longer be a successor.

Small power plant: Thanks to turbo support, the two-liter four-cylinder engine achieves 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque – just like the VW.

Touch elements also on the steering wheel

As with the Munich company, the days of this operating concept are probably numbered – although there is nothing better for a distraction-free control of the numerous functions while driving. With the facelift, the fairly sensitive touch elements in the VW also spread to the steering wheel, with a blue R marking the driving mode button.

Anyone who touches it can tune their T-Roc to be more comfortable or sporty. Thanks to adaptive dampers, the ride comfort can also be softened – a clear advantage compared to the SQ2, which always comes with a sports suspension and without damper adjustment. It’s not that it’s a punishment to travel in an Audi, but it’s a bit grumpier on really nasty pothole roads. In addition, the T-Roc offers more space on all seats as well as in the trunk, its front seats support us better, the thighs feel a few centimeters more support everywhere – on long and circuit trips the Wolfsburg buys his Ingolstadt counterpart a bit the guts.

Draw in driving performance

As far as pure driving performance is concerned, there is a clear draw. No wonder, since the well-known two-liter TSI delivers 300 hp to all four wheels via a double clutch with seven gears. The T-Roc R is a tenth ahead up to 100 km/h, the SQ2 grabs a 0.7 second lead up to 200 km/h, and the manufacturers only stop both at 250 km/h. There is no difference in the direct shift transmission either, which works quickly and inconspicuously on both sides, only sometimes seems a little unsorted when overrun and does not immediately find the right translation.

Digi-Cockpit is standard in the T-ROC, large Navi Discover Pro is available for 1135 euros extra.

With the steering, which is pleasantly balanced in both cars, differences can only be determined by directly changing. The SQ2 requires slightly less effort, the T-Roc R seems a nuance more direct – but that’s not enough to make a point difference.
Without fault and blame, however, the driving behavior. If you are too optimistic about corners, you will push outwards on all fours in both cars. Blunt understeer is only one of the last resorts when the driver really overdoes it entering the corner and completely “runs over” the short power packs.

Even with the ESP switched off, the unexpected rarely happens here, let alone anything seriously dangerous. The boxes are still more than enough fun. If only because these dwarves hardly anyone trusts so much performance.

Titanium system for whopping 3975 euros

Only after being overtaken and looking at four real tailpipes do connoisseurs nod knowingly. The titanium system from Akrapovic at VW devours a whopping 3975 euros. Sounds fatter than the discreet SQ2, but it also farts at a moderate pace in sport mode and makes it a bit louder overall. That seems quite artificial and you have to like it, which is why we don’t give the VW a bonus point for the sound. We rather recommend investing the money for the riot horns elsewhere. You will definitely find something in the long option lists.

In the end, the two separate just three points – here you can see the family resemblance.

Or you simply save the money. The power dwarfs cost more than 50,000 euros in the test trim (and still without Akrapovicˇ & Co), our test cars are more like 60,000 euros “with everything”. And as stingy as the group is with the ridiculous two-year guarantee, both are generous with the fuel.

A test consumption of almost ten liters is really hard in view of fuel prices on the verge of two-euro madness. And if you are tempted to speed dating, you have to reckon with twice as much – with both the Audi and the VW preferring the expensive Super plus.

As a consolation, the T-Roc R arrives a little better equipped, but would like fresh oil every year/every 30,000 kilometers – the Audi only feels the need to visit the workshop every two years (or according to the advert). That fits.

We certainly won’t get bored in the meantime.

1. VW T-ROC R: Powerful, handy and also suitable for everyday use – a successful mix. Unfortunately expensive. 251 points
2. AUDI SQ2: Also blessed with great fun potential, but smaller and less comfortable. And also expensive. 249 points