Range Rover Evoque Review

Model review

The Range Rover has been synonymous with luxury off-roading since the 1970s, but in this ever-evolving segment, it’s now become a brand with more ‘softer’ models – such as the Sport and Velar. But for anyone looking at a Land Rover that’s a similar size to the Audi Q3 or Mercedes-Benz GLA, then Land Rover’s got that covered to with the Evoque. 

It was introduced in 2011 as a new entry-level model to the Range Rover line-up and promised high levels of build quality, with Victoria Beckham even being included as part of the design consultancy team. In fact, it became so popular that it’s now Land Rover’s most successful model ever with more than 750,000 sold worldwide.

In common with many other cars of this size, the Evoque offers a range of small, two-litre diesel and petrol engines and front or four-wheel drive. The Evoque remains a Range Rover though, with good off-road credentials (on the four-wheel drive cars) and a well-appointed interior.

Latest model

The Evoque is now in its second generation, after a new model was launched in 2019. While it’s still very recognisable as an Evoque, its styling had been brought more in line with other models in the range – most notably the Velar. 

The headlights and taillights are now narrower, plus the door handles pop out when the car was unlocked, then go flush with the bodywork when on the move or locked. 

It’s also grown in size, with a longer wheelbase making it more accommodating for passengers in the rear. The cabin has also been given a more premium finish too, with a centre console laden with technology and surrounded with high-quality materials.

Engine wise there’s still a mix of petrol and diesel units, but the big news is the arrival of a plug-in hybrid model which will do a claimed 41 miles on electricity alone.

The other big difference is that’s now only available as a five-door, with the three-door and convertible layouts offered on the first Evoque being dropped.

Value for money

When you see a car with the Range Rover badge on the front, you’re not going to expect it to be cheap to buy. That’s very much the case with the Evoque. Standard models start at £31,725 and for that you don’t even get kit like leather seats, but it will come reasonably equipped – featuring 17-inch alloy-wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen and climate control.

We’d recommend opting for a mid-spec model as it adds just a bit more luxury and makes it feel a bit more like a ‘Range Rover’. Opting for the S trim will add heated, electrically adjustable leather seats as well as satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Looks and image

The Evoque's design is one of its strongest suits, even more so with this second-generation model. It has concept car-like looks, plus the Range Rover badging matched with the unique styling makes it seem far more expensive than it is (at least at entry levels). Given the more expensive Velar and Sport Range Rover models look rather similar, it really helps the Evoque’s image.

While famed for its off-road ability, the Evoque is also great on tarmac, too. It handles well for an SUV, with loads of grip and supple suspension – even on cars with the non-adaptive system.

Space and practicality

Inside, the latest Evoque has been given a look that’s more in keeping with other models in the Range Rover line-up – in particular the Velar. That means occupants are cocooned in high-quality materials and the design is clean and modern. It will take a little getting used to some of the functions and controls, but there’s plenty of opportunity for personalisation so you can tailor it to just how you’d like.

Up front, there’s a wide range of seat and steering adjustment, so that means anyone can find the perfect driving position, and while it may be the smallest model in the Land Rover line up, it still commands a high and imposing driving position.

What’s great news is that the latest iteration of the Evoque has a longer wheelbase, which means more space in the back for passengers and a bigger boot, though itt remains pretty cosy in the back, and while leg room is an improvement, it may be a bit uncomfortable for three people to sit in the rear on any extended journey.

The sloping roofline also equates to quite poor visibility out of the rear, though an optional digital rear-view mirror camera system can help to give you a better view out of the back.

As we mentioned the boot is bigger than the outgoing model – ten percent larger in fact – and that means with the seats up there’s 591 litres of room, which expands to 1,383 when you fold them down – in a 40:20:40 split.

Engines

Distinguishing between petrol and diesel is made easier with the prefix on the badge at the back of the car. ‘P’ stands for petrol and ‘D’ refers to diesel, and the number links to the power output. Nice and simple.

For many the entry level 148bhp 2.0-litre D150 will be all the car you’ll need, especially for those who won’t be going off the beaten track and just using it for daily runs. It’s powered through the front wheels, whereas the others get four-wheel drive. It’s not as quick as some of the rivals, but it has enough to keep with traffic on the motorway and copes with city driving well too.

The D180 is better suited to anyone wanting a bit more grunt and the added bonus of four-wheel drive, while the D240 is excellent but just a bit on the expensive side, especially when you consider just how good the D180 is.

Petrol wise, there’s three 2.0-litre choices – the P200, P250 and P300. All of them are relatively swift, but rather thirsty on fuel. While the performance figures are better than the diesels, the Evoque isn’t a car designed to be driven quickly.

The petrol-electric P300e plug-in hybrid is new for 2020 and is looking to compete with rivals from Volvo and BMW in this segment. It will return a claimed 41 miles on a full charge, and takes around half an hour to charge to 80 per cent using a 32kW public charging point – or about an hour and a half using a normal home charger. You’ll have to leave it charging overnight if you use a normal three pin plug socket.

Running costs

Regardless of its ‘compact’ size for a Range Rover, it’s still a capable SUV, which means running costs aren’t going to be as competitive as some rivals that are more car-like to drive.

There’s no question that if you’re looking for good economy, then it’s worth looking at the plug-in hybrid model. It’s better suited for anyone doing short journeys on a daily basis thanks to its electric range, which allows for a claimed fuel economy figure of 201.8mpg, and CO2 emissions of 32g/km.

Aside from the plug-in hybrid model, the 2.0-litre D150 front wheel drive diesel will be the most frugal version ­– offering around 40mpg.

You’ll be hit slightly harder at the pumps if you opt for the petrol version with even the most economical P200 averaging under 30mpg in real world conditions.

Things to look out for

While sister brand Jaguar has headed reliability surveys over the years, Land Rover has not been quite so fortunate.

The Evoque has been subject to a number of recalls along with its sibling the Discovery Sport, but none for major issues. It's well worth making sure that these have been addressed, particularly one which covers a potential steering fault which affected a very small number of vehicles.

As a second-hand buyer, it's worth checking the car over for car park dings. Although capable off-road – it's a Range Rover after all – few cars are likely to have been taken off the beaten track, but you should check for signs of scuffed undertrays and underbody damage

A lot of these cars are used for school runs and general urban use, so check for issues related to the diesel particulate filter, too. It’s worth noting that with the current Evoque, examples will be covered under warranty until 2022, though it could be taking out an extended warranty after this as bills will likely be expensive when they come.

Rivals

Originally there wasn't much that could compete with the Evoque in the compact premium SUV world.

However, the segment has evolved over time and there are now a few more alternatives, largely from Germany. The Audi Q3 and the coupe-style Q2 are roughly peers, along with the Mercedes GLA. The BMW X1 is also in the same market space, as is the car with which it shares a platform, the Mini Countryman. In fact, the Mini may be the Evoque's most significant rival as it appeals to the same sort of buyer. You could also look at the Volvo XC40, too. It might not be quite a ‘premium’, but is a very likeable SUV that looks the part and is good to drive.

Depreciation warning

Larger cars tend to perform worse when it comes to retaining value, not only in terms of the percentage of value lost over three years but also the sheer amount of money lost considering the original purchase price. The same thing often applies to luxury cars too – but the Evoque is an exception to both.

As a desirable car with a design that still looks nearly fresh 10 years on – the Evoque is as in-demand used as it is new. The high level of standard equipment helps too, and it's not unusual to see three-year old cars still selling for £30,000 or more. Retained value is easily in the 65% and up range.