Volkswagen Reveals More Details About Its New Small SUV

The Volkswagen ID. Cross is an important model for the brand.

Volkswagen ID. Cross 2026, la prima prova

Photo by: Volkswagen

By: Massimo Grassi

Translated by: Anthony Alaniz

Mar 22, at 12:00pm ET

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The official debut of the Volkswagen ID. Cross, the German automaker’s new small SUV, is getting closer, with its launch set for fall 2026. So far, we've only seen it as a concept; this week, it appeared in near-production form, but—following a now well-established Volkswagen Group practice—still wearing camouflage.

This model is an important piece of Wolfsburg’s EV strategy and slots into the subcompact (B-segment) SUV category, one of the most popular segments in Europe. Here’s everything we know so far.

Tiny On The Outside, Roomy On The Inside

2026 Volkswagen ID. Cross

2026 Volkswagen ID. Cross Prototype

Photo by: Volkswagen

The Volkswagen ID. Cross is essentially the electric counterpart to the T-Cross and has similar dimensions: 163.4 inches long, 70.5 inches wide, and 62.2 inches tall, with a 102.4-inch wheelbase. The big difference is the platform: the ID. Cross is built on MEB+, like the ID. Polo and the Group’s upcoming small EVs, which gives it generous interior space.

The cargo area, for example, has a capacity of 16.8 cubic feet (0.7 cu-ft more than the T-Cross). There's another 0.8 cubic feet of room in the frunk, the small storage compartment under the front hood.

The Volkswagen ID. Cross interior hasn’t been fully revealed yet, but we already know quite a bit: the instrument cluster is digital, measures 10.3 inches, and can also display a "retro" layout inspired by the first Golf from the 1980s. In the center, there’s a 12.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment and all the small SUV’s functions, running new software. In short, it’s largely what we’ve already seen on the ID. Polo.

Length Width Height Wheelbase 163.4 in 70.5 in 62.2 in 102.4 in

Few Compromises

2026 Volkswagen ID. Cross

Photo by: Volkswagen

From a technical standpoint, the Volkswagen ID. Cross is based on the MEB+ platform, which—unlike the MEB used by the ID.3 (which will be renamed ID.3 Neo with its facelift)—features a front-wheel-drive layout as standard. The main component is the APP290 electric motor offered in three power outputs: 114 horsepower, 133 hp, and 208 hp, paired with 37- or 52-kilowatt-hour battery packs.

The smaller one uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry and is rated for 196 miles of range; the larger pack uses nickel-manganese-cobalt cells with higher energy density and a claimed range of up to 271 miles on a charge.

As for charging, DC fast charging tops out at 105.0 kilowatts (90.0 kilowatts for the LFP) with charging times between 24 and 27 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent. Vehicle-to-Load is also included, allowing external devices to be powered with a maximum output of 3.6 kW.

Pricing & Trims

As mentioned, the Volkswagen ID. Cross will arrive in Europe in the fall with a starting price around €28,000 ($32,400 at today's exchange rate) and in three trims: Trend, Life, and Style. The tiny SUV is unlikely to come to the US—but never say never.

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The Trend trim will include 90-kW DC fast charging as standard, while Life adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control. Style brings matrix LED headlights, a front LED light bar, 3D taillights, illuminated Volkswagen logos, unique interior customization, and Keyless Access.

Among the driver-assistance systems, a new generation of Travel Assist will debut, called “Connected Travel Assist.” It can use data from other vehicles and detect traffic lights and stop signs, automatically applying the brakes when needed.

2026 Volkswagen ID. Cross