2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Review: Going Out In Style
For a compact SUV that is close to a decade old, the Land Rover Evoque has aged remarkably well. It still manages to turn heads, at least in terms of its stylishness. Once you look past the surface, however, its age starts to show. It lacks many of the advanced tech features modern buyers are coming to expect from luxury SUVs, although some can be found on the very pricey upper trims. The base 237-horsepower turbo-four engine is surprisingly effective on the crossover, making the much more expensive 286-hp variant a bit redundant, but neither engine is as efficient as those available to rivals like the BMW X3 or Audi Q3. And, while the Land Rover may be quite spacious inside with slightly above-average cargo space, it simply doesn't keep up well enough with competitors to ask for $41,800 as a starting price.
What's the Price of the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque?
With a starting MSRP of $41,800, the Land Rover Evoque is not overly pricey, although what you get for that price is relatively minimal. Upgrading the SE Premium adds only a few additional features, but bumps the price up to $45,900, while the Landmark Edition adds another $2,500 for purely cosmetic changes. The HSE gets access to some of the more advanced features available to the Evoque, and breaks the $50k barrier at $51,100. The HSE Dynamic makes mostly aesthetic changes but comes with the 286-hp engine, which adds a few thousand to the bill, bringing it up to $54,300. The top-tier Autobiography comes with almost all the bells and whistles you can get in this SUV, minus the tuned engine. Getting behind the wheel of this beauty will set you back $62,600, and if you really want the extra horsepower, you can get the more powerful engine for an extra $3k. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and destination charges.
Handling and Driving Impressions
Considering its size, the Range Rover handles remarkably well, bordering on sporty. The steering is responsive, but it doesn't tell you as much about what's going on with the wheels as we'd like, especially for a vehicle that boasts off-roading capabilities. Still, it remains relatively composed over extremely rough terrain. However, regular road abrasions can upset the car's composure, and the large standard wheels don't help the SUV's case either. Opting for the even larger 20-inch alloys on the top trims definitely doesn't improve matters..
The brakes are remarkably strong, responding quickly to input without feeling overly grabby. The sharp steering and strong brakes combined with a well-composed chassis give the compact SUV quite nimble handling dynamics, allowing it to act almost like an oversized sedan rather than a lumbering crossover.
All this athleticism with a relatively stiff suspension may lead you to believe that the Evoque might be a bit turbulent inside, but the cabin manages to insulate passengers well with soft, supportive seats. The interior also remains quite well-insulated in terms of noise, with only small amounts of road noise intruding from time to time. The coarse engine can be a bit annoying, but it isn't so loud that the sound system can't keep it under wraps.
Verdict: Is the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque A Good SUV?
The Range Rover Evoque is quite unique within the segment, but it doesn't stand out for its performance or utility. What makes it appealing is its stylish design, both inside and out, and its surprisingly athletic handling.
While it doesn't come particularly well-equipped as standard, the compact SUV can offer most of what you'd expect from a modern crossover, but it's going to cost you. Add to that the relatively poor fuel economy compared to rivals, and Land Rover is asking quite a lot from you. Still, for a vehicle that offers enough utility for the average Joe, and pretty capable off-roading talent for the wilder Joe, it may still be worth the investment.
If you want a car that feels more like you're getting what you pay for, then the rival compacts from Audi or BMW might be more up your alley, but if you like the cut of the Evoque jib, and it's sassy handling, then we certainly wouldn't hold it against you for opting for this lesser-known gem in the segment.
What Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Model Should I Buy?
The Evoque quickly picks up in price as you move through the trim levels, so choosing the right model for your needs is important. Sadly the base SE simply lacks too many of the features we have come to expect as standard on modern compact SUVs, but the upper trims are really expensive for what they offer. We suggest meeting in the middle with the HSE, as it adds useful driver-assist features and sees the infotainment get the upgrades it deserves. The 19-inch wheels are a compromise we are willing to make.
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Comparisons
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vs Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 has an almost identical starting price to the Evoque, but for your money, you get a lot more value. It comes standard with a stronger turbo four-cylinder engine that develops 248 hp and 273 lb-ft that accelerates to 60 mph a full second faster than the base Evoque. It isn't quite as capable on the road, but for regular daily use the Q5 is more than adequate. The Audi also comes equipped with more standard tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as larger trunk space. Overall, the German SUV is a more well-rounded and feels slightly more refined with its minimalist and logical cabin.
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vs Land Rover Range Rover Velar
The Velar is the larger, better-equipped sibling to the Evoque. It asks for $10k more on the starting price than the compact SUV, but in return, you get a more refined driving experience and a choice of several engines to suit your needs. The standard turbo-four offers marginally better power outputs than the one found in the smaller Evoque, yet the Velar manages to eke out almost identical mileage. The optional turbo-diesel engine provides more competitive fuel economy, while the potent 380-hp supercharged V6 engine gives the SUV an impressive kick. In terms of standard tech, the Velar doesn't offer that much more than the Evoque, but its safety suite is a bit more extensive. The interior is equally spacious and comfortable with a larger 34.4-cubic foot trunk, stressing the vehicle's luxury factor where the Evoque offers more sportiness on the road and better off-road capability. If you want style and features for days, then the Velar is the better choice, but the Evoque is the better driver.