The T-Cross started as a replacement for a cancelled project of a small SUV based on the Volkswagen Taigun concept which was showcased in São Paulo in 2012.

[4][5] In 2016, Volkswagen cancelled the plan of producing the Taigun after an internal study concluded that its dimension was too small.

[6][7] Volkswagen shifted its focus onto developing a Polo-based small SUV instead, which eventually spawned the T-Cross.

[10] The model is produced in China and Brazil with a modified length of 4.2 m and a longer wheelbase of 2.65 m shared with the Škoda Kamiq and Volkswagen Virtus, with the goal of improving interior space.

[12]Debuted in Amsterdam, the T-Cross is positioned below the T-Roc in Volkswagen Europe SUV line-up and acts as an entry-level model.

[15] Four engines have been announced for the launch model, and only one of them is a diesel, which is 1.6-litre TDI four-cylinder unit with 95 PS (94 hp; 70 kW).

[18] Unveiled on 25 October 2018 and sold from April 2019, the T-Cross built in São José dos Pinhais plant in Brazil is a long-wheelbase version one, sharing the 2.65 m wheelbase with the Virtus which stretches its length to 4.19 m while keeping it on the MQB A0 platform.

[19] The Latin American T-Cross is available with several engine options, including 1.0-litre TSI making 128 hp (130 PS; 95 kW) used in the Brazil-made Polo and Virtus serving as an entry option, while the high-end trims is equipped with 1.4-litre TSI engine capable of 150 hp (152 PS; 112 kW) produced in São Carlos, São Paulo.

[20] While the Brazilian-made T-Cross has a longer wheelbase compared to the European version, the engineering team focused on making a larger space and legroom for the second row passengers.

The Tacqua offers the same long-wheelbase body and engine options as the T-Cross built by SAIC-VW, which are 1.4-litre TSI and 1.5-litre MPI.

[25]In June 2024, SAIC-VW introduced a lengthened and redesigned version of the T-Cross called the Volkswagen Tharu XR.

[32] The T-Cross was launched in South Africa on 30 August 2024, in three trim levels: Life, Style and R-Line, it is powered by a 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine paired a 7-speed DSG.

The T-Cross features several passive and active safety systems, including pedestrian and cyclist protection, automatic emergency braking, front assist and a speed limiter.

High-end trim levels add several advanced features including adaptive cruise control, hill start assist and blind-spot monitoring.