Overview & Reviews

While Land Rovers are icons of taming the untamed wilderness, they sometimes suffer in more urban settings. Not so with the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. This small crossover SUV is maneuverable in tight confines and quite pleasant on the highway. Furthermore, the Evoque maintains Land Rover's reputation as a premium brand and can also tackle some surprisingly daunting terrain.

Atypically for a luxury SUV, the Land Rover Evoque is offered as either a four-door or two-door model. Sleek styling, decent fuel economy and an affordable base price are also part of the Evoque's appeal. That price, however, will climb steeply as options are added or trim levels are upgraded. Other drawbacks include mediocre cargo capacity and Land Rover's dubious reputation for reliability. But if you're in the market for a captivating luxury crossover with both on-road manners and off-road capabilities, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque should work out well.

Current Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The current Land Rover Range Rover Evoque represents the model's first generation, which debuted in 2012. Although Land Rover (http://www.edmunds.com/land-rover/) uses the Range Rover name here, the Evoque is completely unrelated to its larger SUV sibling.

The two- or four-door Evoque is offered solely in a Pure Plus trim. Buyers can, however, select Dynamic or Prestige "design themes" that differentiate themselves with unique materials, color choices and design flourishes. Standard feature highlights include 19-inch wheels, the Land Rover Terrain Response system, a rearview camera, parking sensors, a power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, leather upholstery and a touchscreen interface.

Upgrading to the Pure Premium package adds adaptive xenon headlamps and LED accents, a blind-spot warning system, a 360-degree parking camera system, keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system and premium audio. To that, an adaptive suspension may also be added, along with contrasting roof colors. The Prestige (four-door only) ups the luxury design quotient with finer leather and additional front seat adjustments. Other options include a rear-seat entertainment system, 20-inch wheels and cold-weather features (heated front seats, steering wheel, windshield and washer jets).

Regardless of which Evoque version you choose, it will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission offered. The Evoque's not terribly quick compared to rival luxury SUVs, but the savings in fuel economy should provide some comfort.

In terms of actual comfort, the front seats provide plenty of head- and legroom, along with a wealth of seat adjustments to fit most body types. The rear seats are on the cramped side, particularly for taller passengers. Accessing those seats is a challenge in the Evoque coupe. The four-door model is definitely recommended for those who regularly transport multiple passengers. Cargo space also falls short of other small SUVs.

These weaknesses will likely have family-minded folk looking elsewhere, but the Evoque's strengths should still hold appeal for singles and couples. Primarily, it looks great inside and out, with aggressive yet elegant lines and a cabin that exudes modern luxury. The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is also perfectly at home in congested cities, where maneuverability and agility are high on the needs list.

User Reviews:

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  A real stinker - 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By luckyhit - October 10 - 11:53 pm

  This car is one to avoid. New or used avoid buying this one. I know it looks great but dont be fooled. It will not last. In 23 months of ownership the car was in the shop 10 times for repairs. The last repair was replacing the fuel pump and the dealership telling us there were no parts available. Our car sat for almost a week before they could locate the parts. Not only that the dealership advised us is was okay to keep driving it with the check engine light illuminated....can I say daah! Believe us do not buy this car.

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  Worst car I have ever bought - 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By erinr - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought car january 2 from Patrick jaguar Naperville. Car towed one week later. All warning lights on, car would not shift to another gear, power steering did not work. Took one week to repair replace module. Complained to land rover and received $500 land rover certificates. Scheduled service appt. today because neither smart key worked. Tried to start car and would not start. Car towed again. Called land rover prior to appt. stated I had received one time certificate before and car under warranty. Did not offer help? Worst service I have had from a luxury car. Regret purchase. Will not buy again. My husband was considering jaguar. After this service changed mind.