For as long as I can remember, Land Rover has been at the pinnacle of the SUV world. With gorgeous interiors followed up with amazing off road capability, owning a Land Rover made a statement to the neighborhood that “you have arrived.”
Land Rover goes a little different direction with the Range Rover Evoque. While it is still capable, the Evoque proves that Land Rover wants to make a “style” statement at the same time. In the Compact Luxury SUV segment, The Evoque is head and shoulders ahead of the competition. For one, the Evoque is the only vehicle in the compact luxury SUV segment with two door and four door versions.
Land Rover has also dropped traditional trim levels, instead using “design themes” on the Evoque. This idea may be the contribution of Land Rover’s Evoque style consultant, Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice. If there is one thing that the Evoque has plenty of, it is style. The Evoque look, its colors, and design are a major change for this company.
Another big change with the Evoque is its 240 hp 2.0 liter turbo 4cyl engine. I can’t remember a modern day Land Rover with a four cylinder engine. As always, AWD is standard, as is Land Rover’s award winning Terrain Response System. EPA fuel economy numbers are 18 city/28 highway/ and 22 mpg combined. During my week with the Range Rover Evoque, I loved the sharp handling and felt the performance up to the task. Of course, I always love the comfort and quality of English interiors. So quiet, plush, and accommodating, what’s not to love? (besides the $41k base price)
No matter how different it is, the Range Rover Evoque is still a Land Rover and loaded with features such as: NAV, Backup Camera, a huge panoramic moonroof, push button start, power tailgate, power leather front seats, dual-zone climate controls, Bluetooth phone and audio with multiple USB and iPod hookups, and of course, a great 11 speaker audio system.
Compared to its boxier BMW and Mercedes Benz competition, the Evoque falls short in rear seat headroom and cargo space, but makes it up with better looks.(tall people sit up front please) The Evoque costs more that some of the competition, but to get a Land Rover and its legendary capability, most think it is worth it. I give the Evoque a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
