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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  Best small SUV ever! Style and Fun!! - 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By smoorenc - November 2 - 1:51 pm

  We have had our Evoque for 1 year now. I cant get it away from my wife. This car is such fun to drive and we have never had any issues with it. I can tell you unless something drastic changes we will be purchasing another one in 2 years. Quick and maneuverable are 2 words that come to mind. Plenty of power and zip.

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  Perfect fit - 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By heathrow - June 12 - 10:16 pm

  Prestige, fully loaded, 4-door: This car manages to be playful, rugged and sexy at the same time. It feels incredibly fresh when inside, the cabin is airy and roomy, but it really drives like a much sportier, smaller car. I love that this is an informal, off-road ready car that can take a beating, but oozes luxury and freshness.

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  I expected so much more! - 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By Lynn C - May 3 - 8:40 am

  First the good: This is a great looking car and there are so few on the road I feel special driving it. Also, it handles quite well in snow and ice. The bad: Its small, you cant close the trunk from the inside of the car, the navigation system is horrible (Ive been routed to dead ends more times than I care to recall), the front seats have no lumbar support, the rear window is way too small and the transmission is jerky. The front console is too small and there are too many controls on the steering wheel that could adversely affect driving. The ugly: New front and rear brakes and tires required after only 25k miles! Cost of routine maintenance is ridiculous, and the excessive number of software updates required is unheard of and take FOREVER. Unless you like spending time at the service center and wasting money, move on to something else.

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  Traded my Carrera S for more fun. - 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By kenjohnson1 - February 5 - 12:01 pm

  Just turned over my first 2,000 miles in my white and black Evoque Pure and I am totally adjusted to visability limits and the sound of the little 4 cylinder turbo...decided to think of it as the sound of economy rather than missing that Porsche Carrera sound of power. Several times daily I get compliments, Oooos and Aaahs, and comments like "Beautiful, Tight, Awsome". Driving slow or fast, the Range Rover Evoque handles it in style and comfort with a feel of total control and confidence. Gas milage is 30% better than my 06 Carrera S and I dont miss the speed because the Evoque is plenty fast enough and has great off line punch. Highest recommendation from me.