The Range Rover Evoque is a unique car, tiny yet sophisticated, luxurious and stylish. For the mountain traveler, it offers four-wheel drive and offroad capability, sort of an offroad sports car.
It’s small for an SUV and lightweight, weighing just 3600 pounds. Handling is nimble.
For 2018, the Evoque receives a new engine accompanied by its 9-speed automatic transmission, as new versions are available.
The 2018 Evoque is available in two frame styles: as a five-door SUV or as a sport/two-door convertible SUV. The three-door coupe is discontinued.
The Evoque has no specific rivals, due to its small size. It is the closest thing to the BMW X1.
The 2018 Evoque replaces the previous Ford-made engine with one made by Jaguar Land Rover. Like the Ford engine, it’s a 2. 0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 237 horsepower (was 240 hp). But now there’s also a harder version, with more turbo, coming in at 286 horsepower.
The Evoque is popular with what Land Rover calls Active Driveline, with active differentials and torque vectoring. The formula disengages the rear wheels at more than 22 mph and re-engages them in three hundred milliseconds whenever rear-wheel driving is required. For rough terrain, Off-Road Progress Control moves the vehicle forward at any slow speed set by the motive force, so the motive force can drive around rocks, trees, or more. In addition to all-wheel drive, the Evoque has hill descent control and trailer stability assist.
The Evoque is wildly more capable offroad than most could imagine. On the road, it is composed, with an easy ride. The convertible looks sporty but it’s no sports car.
2018 models come in five-door versions, including Evoque SE ($41,800), SE Premium ($45,900), Landmark Edition ($48,400), HSE ($51,100), HSE Dynamic ($54,300), and Autobiography ($62,600). The 286-horsepower engine is available for the HSE Dynamic ($57,300) and Autobiography ($65,500).
The Evoque Convertible will be available in SE Dynamic ($52,100) and HSE Dynamic ($57,800).
Evoque SE gets leather, navigation, automatic climate control, infotainment with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 12-way power front seats, front and rear parking sensors, and 18-inch wheels. SE Premium models add LED accent lighting; a gesture-operated tailgate; and driver’s seat memory; and the InControl Touch Plus infotainment system, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
HSE brings Oxford leather seats; heated front seats; a fixed panoramic glass sunroof; automatic high beams; and blind-spot monitors.
The Dynamic models take advantage of a special dynamic mode for the Adaptive Dynamics formula and are highlighted by illuminated running boards, glossy exhaust finishes, a rear spoiler and a perforated leather idler.
The Autobiography has a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch infotainment system, a premium audio system, in-seat massagers and a surround vision system.
Available equipment includes forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, a mode that lets the Evoque follow the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic, and adaptive cruise control. Also an 825-watt Meridian audio system; keyless ignition; a surround-view camera system; and a heated windshield and steering wheel. (Prices are MSRP and do not include destination charge.).
The Evoque looks like a cut-and-channel hot rod that flew a century into the future. It’s spectacular, with an elegant sheet metal that gives it an air of haute couture. The underside is punchy like an SUV, the center is elegantly tucked into a linear beltline, and the roof opens up like a coupe or sedan.
The grill is becoming more and more cow-style. Wheel arches are powerful. The glass is compressed at the rear, with faded black jambs over the top line of the window. It rolls into a sloping, angled rear deck with flashing taillights.
The Evoque is comfortable enough for 4 people, but if you’re traveling with two other passengers, you’ll have to separate the others to occupy the front seat. They are electrically adjustable on basic models, up to 14 instructions on Autobiography. Versions with massagers built into the seat. Adults sitting in the back seats will likely ask to raise the front seats. Very high.
Behind the second row, there’s a reasonable but not bountiful 20 cubic feet of cargo room that expands to 51 cubic inches with the seats down. Keep in mind this is a compact SUV. It works best for two people with the rear seats folded down for cargo.
The cabin is sublime but undeniable and full of details. A number of attractive interior finishes are available, from cold steel to warm wood. All the shapes and elements point to the Range Rover, as does the dashboard. The ambient LED lighting turns red to let you know in Sport mode.
The front seats look stylish with their popular leather upholstery, are comfortable and fairly well upholstered. Most Evoque models come with a sunroof that reduces headroom. If you need a massage, purchase the option and you can get one without having to leave the comfort of your car.
The garage compartments are sturdy; There’s a giant center console with cup holders under a sliding lid, a fairly spacious glove box, a wallet on the door panels, and a deep compartment under the armrest.
Land Rover’s latest infotainment system is a massive upgrade from its prior setup, but it’s not without some sluggish responses.
The sleek upper rear platform destroys the rear view, which is why the optional surround view camera is a concept that complements the rearview camera.
The Evoque transiently and confidently moves its forged powertrain. The 9-speed transmission is shared with other brands that have also not calibrated their versions; On the Evoque, the gear shift is smooth, avoiding the hesitation we’ve discovered in other cars with the same system, even if we don’t like it. The transmission contributes to fuel consumption, with the gears being more sensitive to altitude.
The handling is car-like, nimble and balanced, with electric power steering that responds crisply to light inputs, as does its independent suspension; so keep an eye out for the light, crisp bumps. With the Dynamic package, adaptive magnetic dampers offer improved ride quality and body control. The torque-vectoring system reduces understeer in hard corners.
For trail riding, the short overhangs and good ground clearance enable the Evoque to ride over obstacles. We got some seat time offroad, and the Evoque did as much as any other compact crossover we’ve driven. For the most part, the Evoque has the off-road ability owners seek. The standard Terrain Response system has Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand modes.
The upscale, modern Evoque may be a winner for some. It doesn’t promise anything it doesn’t deliver. Superb 9-speed automatic transmission. Lovely cabin with space in the front. The back is larger for shipping than for people.
Sam Moses contributed reporting to this review.