Range Rover Evoque Review

Every Evoque has Land Rover’s ‘Pivi’ infotainment system, which you control via a 10-inch touchscreen display. Everything is accessible within a couple of taps on the screen, but you can also use voice control for the main functions – just speak a command and the car does it for you. Unlike the old Evoque, the current model supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

High-spec Evoque models have a second touchscreen underneath the main screen, which you can use to adjust things like ventilation and off-road settings. An impressive digital instrument panel is standard on the top trim levels and optional on the others. Most models have a wireless phone charger, with a head-up display being optional across the range.

If you’re after the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, the Evoque is a good choice. Even with the driver’s seat at its lowest setting, you feel elevated above many other cars, including some SUVs.

You shouldn’t have any issue getting comfortable because both the steering wheel and driver’s seat offer you a wide range of adjustments, with the seat electrically operated on all but the base model. Higher-spec models give you a wider range of electric adjustment and a cooling function for the driver’s seat, while heated front seats are standard across the range.

The Evoque remains comfortable even after a long journey, thanks to supportive seats. All versions are quiet at speed, which heightens the sense of luxury.

If you’re after a premium feel inside your SUV, the Evoque is unlikely to disappoint. Interior quality is more than a match for premium SUVs from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It feels like a smaller version of the Range Rover, which is high praise considering the large SUV costs more than £100,000. The doors shut with a reassuring ‘clunk’, while the materials used throughout the interior look and feel upmarket.

The latest Evoque is almost exactly the same size inside as the previous model, whereas the latest version of many rival SUVs have grown in size. Even so, you’ll find there’s not as much interior space in the Evoque as in most rivals.

In the front seats, there’s lots of room for two adults, along with a pleasantly airy feel. Space in the back seats is good too, although there’s no more room than you’ll find in some mid-size hatchbacks. Getting people or child seats in and out is made easier by large door openings.

You can fold down the rear armrest to reveal a pair of cupholders and a storage compartment, while all four door bins are large enough for bottles and your odds and ends. There are also cupholders in the front, plus a pair of armrests that open to reveal a large storage bin. A cover over the cupholders doubles as a non-slip tray for carrying coins or your smartphone.

If you’re comparing the boot space in various SUVs, you might think the Evoque’s 591-litre capacity is a winner, but that’s because Land Rover measures the space from the floor to the roof, whereas most brands quote a figure from the floor to the load cover. 

Still, the Evoque’s boot is usefully large and has a wide opening and high load floor that make lifting things in and out hassle-free.

Whereas some rival cars have back seats with a 60/40 folding function, the Evoque has a 40/20/40 split that can make it a bit more adaptable to your needs. Fold them all down and you have a long, almost-flat space that’s great for trips to the tip. Alternatively, you can fold one or two sections down if you return from a day of shopping with more than you expected, while still retaining space for a back-seat passenger (or two).

Some versions have an electrically powered boot lid, while some also have a ‘gesture’ powered boot lid that opens or closes when you move your foot under the back bumper – very handy if your hands are loaded with shopping bags or a baby and its paraphernalia.

The Evoque is also available with a tow bar that folds in and out electrically and is controlled via a button in the boot.

On a long journey, the Evoque feels almost as comfortable as one of the larger Range Rover models, which is probably the highest praise we can give it. For comfort, the Evoque is hard to beat, especially at this price point.

If ride comfort is important to you, look for the more affordable models with 17- or 18-inch wheels. Higher-spec cars have 20- or 21-inch wheels that give a slightly stiffer ride because they have lower-profile tyres that provide a bit less cushioning. They still give you and your passengers a pretty smooth ride, though. While it’s not as sporty as some rivals, the Evoque is good to drive and, thanks to its compact size, easy to park

The more cost-effective Evoque models have front-wheel drive whereas those higher up the range have four-wheel drive, which can give extra grip and reassurance in slippery conditions. If you need an SUV that’s genuinely capable off-road, the Evoque is a better bet than many rivals, especially when fitted with Land Rover’s clever ‘Terrain Response 2’ system, which allows you to choose different settings for mud, wet grass, ice, snow and dirt roads.

The Evoque is available with several different petrol and diesel engines, some with a form of electrification for smoothness and improved fuel economy. Only the entry-level, front-wheel-drive diesel version comes with a manual gearbox; the other models have a smooth nine-speed automatic gearbox, which suits the relaxed and comfortable nature of the Evoque.

Many buyers choose one of the diesel engines for their blend of performance and economy. Evoques with the most powerful diesel engines are the best for towing a large trailer or caravan, thanks to a maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg.

The Evoque is competitive for fuel economy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared with similar cars such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 but, like any mid-size SUV, running costs for some versions can be rather high.

Petrol models give 29.4mpg to 31.7mpg, regardless of the power output, which falls well short of what you get with many family cars. Diesel versions give mpg in the low- to mid-40s depending on model, according to official figures.

The P300e plug-in hybrid model is the most economical Evoque and the official figures look great for a premium SUV, with CO2 emissions of just 32-35g/km, an average fuel economy of up 201.8mpg and an official 39 miles of driving range from a fully charged battery. You’ll need to keep the battery fully charged to get near those figures, but it could be possible to complete your daily commute without using the petrol engine.

The Range Rover Evoque costs more to buy than many mainstream rivals, but it compares well with other premium SUVs. The entry-level D165 represents excellent value for money given the quality and technology, but the Evoque begins to look expensive at the top of the range. That said, it’s worth remembering that because the Evoque is such a desirable car, it should retain more of its value when it comes to selling it on.

The Evoque is covered by a three-year manufacturer warranty, which is standard for the industry, but while some are capped at 60,000 miles, the Range Rover’s mileage is unlimited. That said, some mainstream rivals are covered for five or seven years.

It feels like a solidly built car, but Land Rover doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability. In the J.D. Power 2019 UK Vehicle Dependability Study, Land Rover finished close to the bottom of the table.

Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded the Evoque a maximum five-star rating in 2019. The car scored particularly well for adult- and child-occupant protection. All versions have emergency braking, six airbags, two Isofix points for mounting child seats, front and rear parking sensors, rear camera, lane-keeping assist and cruise control with speed limiter.

High-spec models have adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot assist and rear traffic monitor. Some driver assistance systems are available as options, either as a standalone or as part of a pack.

There are many trim levels available for the Evoque and all of them give you a lot of standard features for your money. As of August 2022, the entry-level model is simply called ‘Evoque’ – it includes features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and heated front seats. 

Extras for the S model include larger alloy wheels, a wider range of electric seat adjustment, leather seat trim and built-in sat nav. R-Dynamic models have a sportier look, with different wheels and trim. SE versions add things such as 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, an electrically powered boot lid and additional safety features:  blind-spot assist, a rear traffic monitor and a rear collision monitor. HSE models have a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and a second touchscreen. 

Autobiography is the most luxurious Evoque trim level. It includes a range of upgrades, such as more sophisticated LED headlights, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a surround-sound stereo system.

The P300e plug-in hybrid is the Evoque to buy if you’re after the best blend of performance and economy. Other models are more affordable, but the P300e offers the pace of a sports car, the fuel economy of a diesel engine and the opportunity to drive in pure electric mode.

For many buyers, the diesel engines make a lot of sense, but the lowest-powered – the D165 – can feel a little underpowered on a long run. The D200 is only marginally less economical but feels quicker when you’ve loaded the car with children and luggage. The P200 and P250 petrol engines are great if you spend most of your time on short trips.