2022 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque range is split into two categories: the standard Evoque available in S and SE trim, and the R-Dynamic Evoque, available in S, SE, and HSE variations. The base Evoque S has an MSRP of $43,775 and the SE goes for $48,475. An R-Dynamic S retails for $45,375, going up to $50,075 for the R-Dynamic SE. The price of the 2022 Range Rover Evoque reaches $53,900 if you opt for the top-spec HST. These Range Rover Evoque prices exclude Land Rover's destination charge of $1,050. Of course, you can avoid this charge by finding an almost new example for sale in the US.

When it comes to off-road ability and a sporty driving experience, it's usually a case of either one or the other. It's rare to find a vehicle that will do both well, and Land Rover is one of a small selection of manufacturers that can do it properly.

The Evoque feels sporty, thanks to a responsive and accurate steering setup. There isn't much feedback from the front wheels, but the weighting is spot on. Rivals like the BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are much better in this department, though. We also think Jaguar and Land Rover drew a line in the sand, clearly marking the Evoque and E-Pace's territory. The latter does a much better job beating the Germans in the handling department.

We do find it odd that Land Rover chose to give the Evoque such a firm suspension setup. Adding 20-inch wheels amplifies the problem, allowing every minor bump to pulsate through the cabin. That's not something we expected from a car with "Range Rover" pasted on the nose.

Off-road, it makes a mockery of other compact luxury SUVs. Land Rover's Terrain Response system is a splendid bit of electronic wizardry. We doubt owners will ever use the Evoque for anything more than cold-weather driving, but it's satisfying knowing it can wade through 20.86 inches of water.

The first-ever Evoque was a groundbreaking SUV, but competitor vehicles caught up quickly enough. We like the unique styling, the handling dynamics, and the off-road ability. Land Rover's turbocharged four-pot delivers adequate power, but the fuel consumption figures are disappointing. The ride is too firm, especially with a set of 20-inch wheels.

On the plus side, the Evoque's interior is beautiful. The materials are worthy of the Range Rover badge, and the standard specification is more than generous. The available dual ten-inch touchscreens look superb. There's not much to dislike but it is worth stating that the Evoque's class leadership is no longer as cemented as it once was. Many rivals offer the same blend of build quality and tech but at a more attractive price.

When buying a premium SUV, you usually want to go for the top-spec model as it offers the best toys. Indeed, in this case, that's also true. The HST also comes with a 12-speaker Meridian premium sound system, DuoLeather seats, and the more powerful hybrid powertrain.

Still, we found ourselves drawn to the less expensive SE, as it comes well-equipped with everything you need. All we'd add to it is adaptive cruise control. Still, there's only a $5,425 price difference between the SE and the HST, and the extra features included in the latter are worth more than that price difference.

Starting at $56,900, the base Range Rover Velar is $3,000 more expensive than the top-spec Evoque. The Velar is also available with a turbocharged inline-six which gives it a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 4.9 seconds. But that model costs around $77,000. You're looking at the same four-pot at the base level as used in the Evoque with one additional horsepower. Performance is slightly better, but fuel economy takes a bit of a hit.

As it's a bigger SUV, the Velar offers more space for rear passengers and more cargo capacity.

Off-road, the Velar is surprisingly good, but at this level, you won't be getting nearly as many features as you get in the top-spec Evoque. If you need the extra space, the Velar is worth the upgrade. Otherwise, stick with the Evoque.

The Range Rover Sport is the ultimate blend of performance, handling, and off-road ability. It's much bigger than the Evoque and requires a lot more power to live up to the "Sport" in its name. That's why it's available with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, good foursome mighty performance specs like 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The Sport is also more practical, better off-road, and a lot more capable when the road gets twisty. The downside is the price. Even an entry-level Range Rover Sport with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine is over nearly $26,000 more than the base Evoque. It's worth every cent if you can stretch the budget that far, however.