Range Rover Evoque Review (2011-2019)

Most used Evoque models have a touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard. An 8-inch display was standard on all except the Pure model before 2015, when a touchscreen became standard across the range. At the same time, Land Rover improved the quality of the display and made it easier to use, as well as introducing a 10-inch widescreen display as standard on higher trim levels. This upgraded system (called Touch Pro) features voice recognition, sat nav and a 10-speaker surround system.

Options worth looking out for include a head-up display, digital TV and a back-seat entertainment pack with a pair of 8-inch screens behind the front headrests. Also keep an eye out for a DVD player, headphones and remote control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available on this generation of Evoque, but you can download an app for smartphone connectivity.

The high driving position provides a commanding view of the road ahead, which is useful for zipping around the city and slipping into parking spaces. Leather or part-leather upholstery is standard across the range, as are heated seats, even in the back seats on some models. Most models also feature electric adjustment for the driver’s seat which, along with the adjustable steering wheel, should make it easy to find your ideal position. Look out for Evoques with an optional massage function, which will help relieve the stress of a long drive.

The quality of the interior is one of the many reasons to choose an Evoque over its more affordable rivals. It’s also a match for its premium rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. In fact, it shares a lot in common with the larger and more expensive Range Rover models, with a crisply styled dashboard, elegant instrument displays and high-tech centre console. Some of the high-spec models feel positively luxurious.

The five-door version is the Evoque to choose if practicality is your priority. It’s easy to access the back seats, which are large enough for three children or a couple of adults. If the middle back seat isn’t required, the armrest can be folded down to reveal a couple of cupholders and a storage compartment. A pair of large door pockets and nets in the back of the front seats are ideal for carrying drinks and colouring books.

In the front, the seats are separated by a wide transmission tunnel containing a large storage bin, a pair of cupholders and a handy place for your smartphone or sunglasses.

The three-door Evoque Coupe is perfect for couples who are after something more fun, practical and stylish than a standard three-door hatchback. There’s less headroom in the back, and access isn’t as great as the five-door, but these are small prices to pay for the more youthful styling. Opt for the Evoque Convertible and, while you’re limited to two back seats, you and your friends can enjoy unlimited headroom with the roof down.

Although it’s shorter than a Ford Focus of the same era, the Evoque has quite a large boot. A capacity of 420 litres to the load cover or 575 litres from the floor to the roof puts it on a par with premium rivals like the Audi Q3 or the more mainstream such as the Nissan Qashqai.

There’s enough space to suit most family needs, or plenty for a decent-sized dog. The large boot opening and high floor make loading and unloading all but the most cumbersome loads a doddle and while there’s a bit less space in three-door and convertible models these are still usefully spacious.

Seats that split and fold will come in handy when you’re returning home with some flat-pack furniture. The back seats fold almost completely flat, while all models feature an auxiliary power socket and anchor points in the boot.

It might share a badge with larger Range Rover models, but the Evoque is as easy to drive as a family hatchback. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be an enthusiastic driver, you’ll appreciate the way it feels in the city or on a country road. The ride quality is a little firmer than on some rivals, but there’s no compromise in terms of comfort. For the best driving experience, look for models with the optional Adaptive Dynamics system, which makes the Evoque feel even more secure and stable when cornering.

Unlike many of its rivals, the Evoque works extremely well off-road. It’s all thanks to Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which is standard on all four-wheel-drive models and helps in the winter and on slippery roads.

Several four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are available, with diesels proving popular thanks to a blend of power and economy. The entry-level 148bhp eD4 2.2-litre diesel engine can feel a little underpowered on a long journey, but unless you’re carrying a full load, you’re unlikely to notice. It’s also the only front-wheel-drive Evoque, which helps to lower the running costs.

The TD4 and SD4 versions of the 2.2-litre engine come with more power, four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox (a six-speed automatic transmission is available on the SD4). The only petrol engine is a 2.0-litre unit with four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 238bhp version should be quick enough for most people, but the 288bhp version, introduced as part of the 2015 facelift, gives you a sportier feel.

The 2015 facelift also saw the introduction of new 2.0-litre diesel engines, replacing 2.2-litre units. Smoother and more economical, these are the pick of the Evoque engines.

According to official figures, the post-facelift models are likely to be the least expensive to run. The entry-level eD4 diesel engine can give an average fuel economy of 65.7mpg to 67.3mpg, which is remarkably good for a premium SUV, albeit one without four-wheel drive.

The 178bhp version of the TD4 engine can deliver 58.9mpg with a manual gearbox and 49.6mpg to 57.7mpg as an automatic while the SD4 can give average fuel economy of 45.6mpg to 48.7mpg. Predictably, the Si4 petrol engine is the least economical, although figures of 34.5mpg to 38.7mpg are good for an SUV with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions range from 109g/km for the eD4 to 185g/km for the Si4.

Pre-facelift models are less economical, so it might make sense to spend the extra on a newer Evoque, especially if you cover a lot of miles. The old eD4 engine can give 56.3mpg, while the TD4 and SD4 can achieve 50.2mpg with a manual gearbox. This drops to 43.0mpg with an automatic transmission, or 33.6mpg for the Si4 petrol.

The Evoque costs more to buy than many of its mainstream rivals, but it’s likely to retain more of its value when it’s time for you to sell it. Some of the desirable options will add little to the value of a used Evoque, so you’ll certainly be getting more for your money when you buy it.

Although the Range Rover Evoque feels solidly made, Land Rover doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability. The company finished in the bottom half of the 2019 J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study, which suggests room for improvement.

All Evoques come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which will have expired on all first-generation models.

Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded the Evoque a full five-star safety rating in 2011, scoring particularly well for adult occupant protection and driver assistance systems. That said, testing standards have moved on, so the latest Evoque will perform better in a crash.

Different models have different safety features, but standard equipment includes a pair of Isofix attachments in the back, multiple airbags and rear parking sensors. Most Evoques also have front parking sensors, while a lane-departure warning system was added as standard in 2015.

The Evoque was introduced with three trim levels: Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. A range of expensive packs were also available, including Tech, Lux, Style and Entertainment, so it’s worth searching for these when looking for a used Evoque.

Later Evoques come in five trim levels: SE, SE Tech, Dynamic HSE, Dynamic HSE Lux and Autobiography,  summarised as follows:

SE models feature 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-way electric front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, leather seats and ambient interior lighting.

As the name suggests, the SE Tech adds more technology. Highlights include powerful xenon headlights with automatic high-beam assist, headlight washers, 12-way electric front seats, perforated leather seats, a heated windscreen and front fog lights.

The HSE Dynamic trim edges the Evoque into luxury territory. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof to allow light to flood into the interior, a perforated leather steering wheel, 20-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a premium surround sound system with 10 speakers and illuminated tread plates.

Moving up another level, the HSE Dynamic Lux trim delivers the luxury and equipment of a larger and more expensive Range Rover. The list includes keyless entry, electric boot lid, 825-watt surround sound system, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, digital TV, a surround camera system and parking assist.

The Autobiography trim features unique 20-inch alloy wheels, premium leather upholstery, 14-way electric front seats, adaptive LED headlights, heated and cooled front seats, heated back seats and premium carpets.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine is ideal if you’re after the sportiest driving experience and you’re not worried about fuel economy. For most people, the 2.0-litre diesels introduced in 2015 offer the best blend of performance and fuel economy. Our pick would be the 178bhp TD4 with the smooth six-speed automatic transmission.

The old 2.2-litre diesel engines in the pre-facelift Evoque are more affordable, but they lack the smoothness of the newer engines.