Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a luxury compact SUV that makes every journey feel special? The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque might be exactly what you’re looking for. This premium SUV successfully combines the prestige of the Range Rover badge with a more manageable size and price point. It’s the car for people who want genuine off road capability, stunning design, and that unmistakable Range Rover presence without stepping up to the full size models.

From the moment you see it, the Evoque commands attention. Its distinctive sloping roofline and bold stance give it a coupe like silhouette that stands out from rivals like the BMW X3 or Audi Q5. The exterior design remains one of the most striking in its class, turning heads wherever it goes. But the real appeal goes deeper than just looks. The interior feels genuinely luxurious, with premium materials and Land Rover’s latest technology creating an upmarket environment that rivals much more expensive cars.

Driving the Evoque delivers that elevated driving position SUV buyers love, combined with surprisingly capable handling for such a tall vehicle. The ride quality is refined and comfortable, making it equally at home navigating city streets or tackling country lanes. While it commands a premium price compared to mainstream rivals, you’re paying for genuine luxury, proven off road ability, and a distinctive design that few other SUVs can match. The Evoque proves you don’t need a massive SUV to enjoy the Range Rover experience.

How Does the Range Rover Evoque Drive?

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque offers a range of engines designed to balance performance with efficiency. The entry level P200 petrol engine with around 200 horsepower provides adequate power for most situations, delivering smooth acceleration in town and confident overtaking on A roads. For those wanting more punch, the P250 and P300 variants offer stronger performance, with the latter reaching 60mph in under 7 seconds. The diesel D200 remains popular for its impressive fuel economy and strong low end torque that suits the SUV character perfectly.

Where the Evoque really excels is in its refined driving experience and genuine capability. The steering is well weighted and precise, giving you confidence on winding roads while remaining light enough for easy parking. The suspension does an excellent job of soaking up bumps and road imperfections, maintaining comfort for all passengers. What sets it apart from many competitors is its genuine off road ability thanks to Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. Whether you’re navigating muddy fields or snowy conditions, the Evoque delivers the capability that justifies its premium price tag.

Range Rover Evoque Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the Evoque and you’re immediately struck by the premium feel and attention to detail. The dashboard features a clean, modern design dominated by Land Rover’s Touch Pro infotainment system with its crisp displays and intuitive menus. The materials throughout feel genuinely luxurious, with soft leather surfaces, brushed metal trim, and solid feeling controls that operate with satisfying precision. Even the base models feel special, while higher specifications like HSE add even more luxury touches including premium audio systems and ambient lighting.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, offering excellent adjustment ranges to help you find the perfect driving position. The elevated seating position gives you that commanding view that SUV buyers love, while the panoramic sunroof available on most models adds to the airy, spacious feel. Rear seat space is reasonable for this class, though the sloping roofline does reduce headroom slightly for taller passengers. The cabin is impressively quiet at motorway speeds, with excellent sound insulation helping create a serene environment that enhances the premium feel.

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque succeeds in delivering a unique proposition in the premium compact SUV market. Its distinctive styling remains fresh and eye catching years after its original launch, while the interior genuinely feels special with luxury materials and thoughtful design throughout. The driving experience strikes a good balance between comfort and capability, with genuine off road ability that most rivals simply can’t match. The latest infotainment systems are much improved, addressing previous criticisms about user friendliness. The trade offs are higher running costs and some practicality compromises compared to more conventional rivals. Fuel economy, while improved, still lags behind the most efficient competitors, and the distinctive styling does impact rear headroom. It’s not the most reliable SUV in its class, and Land Rover servicing can be expensive. However, if you value distinctive looks, genuine luxury, and proven capability above pure practicality, the Evoque remains a compelling choice. It’s a car that makes you feel special every time you drive it.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Range Rover Evoque Running Costs

As a premium SUV, the Range Rover Evoque comes with premium running costs that reflect its luxury positioning. Fuel economy varies significantly across the range, with diesel variants achieving around 40 plus mpg in real world driving, while petrol engines typically return figures in the low to mid 30s. The newer PHEV model offers impressive electric only range for short commutes, potentially reducing fuel bills significantly for the right usage pattern. Insurance costs are higher than mainstream alternatives, reflecting both the premium badge and relatively high repair costs.

The initial purchase price is the biggest consideration, with even used examples commanding strong values due to desirable styling and brand prestige. Servicing costs at Land Rover dealerships are higher than mainstream brands, though this ensures specialist knowledge and genuine parts. Reliability has improved with newer models, but it’s worth budgeting for potentially higher maintenance costs compared to rivals. The strong residual values help offset the premium purchase price, and flexible car finance options can help spread the cost more manageably for many buyers.

Is the Range Rover Evoque Practical for Everyday Use?

For a compact SUV with such distinctive styling, the Range Rover Evoque offers surprisingly good practicality. The 472 litre boot is a decent size for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or weekend luggage for four people. The rear seats fold down to create a larger loading area when you need to carry bulkier items. The high loading lip can make lifting heavy items a bit more challenging, but the powered tailgate on higher spec models helps with convenience. Inside the cabin, you’ll find useful storage spaces throughout, including door pockets, cup holders, and a decent sized centre console.

Where the Evoque shows some compromises is in rear passenger space, particularly headroom due to that distinctive sloping roofline. While fine for children or shorter adults, taller passengers might find the back seats a bit cramped on longer journeys. For couples or small families who prioritise style over maximum space, the Evoque strikes a good balance. Its compact dimensions make it much easier to live with than larger used Land Rover cars, while still offering that elevated driving position and luxury feel that buyers in this segment expect.

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque stands out in the competitive luxury compact SUV market by offering something genuinely different. It successfully packages Range Rover’s renowned luxury, distinctive design, and proven off road capability into a more accessible and manageable size. While it may not be the most spacious or economical choice in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most to many luxury SUV buyers. The combination of head turning looks, premium interior quality, and genuine all terrain ability creates a compelling package.

You choose the Evoque because you want an SUV that doesn’t look or feel like everything else on the road. Its striking design, luxurious cabin, and elevated driving experience make every journey more special. It’s perfectly suited for buyers who value style and prestige alongside practical SUV benefits. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that offers true luxury credentials and proven Land Rover capability, the Evoque should definitely be on your shortlist, especially with competitive car finance deals making it more accessible.