Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Range Rover Evoque review: like a Range Rover, only smaller

The Range Rover Evoque offers great levels of luxury, technology and – perhaps most importantly – style

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Price
£40,020 to £58,150
  • Slick styling
  • Great mild-hybrid engines
  • Luxurious, tech-filled interior
  • Physical climate controls are gone
  • Rear seats still slightly cramped
  • Automatic gearbox easily confused
Find your Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
9/10 sellers got the price they expected
Advertisement

Although the current Range Rover Evoque doesn’t look too far removed from the first-generation model, it’s added impressive levels of technology, a range of mild and plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus all the refinement and premium touches you’d expect of the larger Range Rover models. 

The standard equipment list is generous, while higher-spec models bring full-fat Range Rover appointments. The Benefit-in-Kind savings for business users will make the plug-in hybrid version particularly appealing. We liked the current Evoque so much when it launched, we awarded it the coveted title of best Small Premium SUV at our 2019 New Car Awards.

About the Range Rover Evoque

While some premium compact SUV rivals such as the BMW X1 and X2 offer a more engaging driving experience, the Evoque provides a focus on luxury and comfort that many buyers will prefer. More than a few Evoques will be sold because of their bold looks or the Range Rover name alone, but that’s not to say this car isn’t a viable alternative to favourites like the Audi Q3Volvo XC40Mercedes GLA and JLR’s own Jaguar E-Pace.

The Evoque is the smallest Range Rover model that Land Rover produces and in its original form – introduced in 2011 – it was a car that set a precedent as a small yet luxurious SUV aimed squarely at a niche in the market (especially the previous-generation convertible and three-door models). 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Evoque went on to be one of the British manufacturer’s best-sellers, but after the best part of a decade on sale, the original model was falling behind rivals that it had inspired, including the aforementioned Q3 and GLA. The latest model addresses this, offering evolutionary styling adjustments plus major changes under the skin.

The latest Range Rover Evoque is based on Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA) - which is shared with the Land Rover Discovery and Jaguar E-Pace - essentially a heavily modified version of the old model’s D8 platform. The new car takes up much the same space on the road, but the wheelbase is now longer to help increase rear passenger space – a sticking point for the old car. The new platform brings with it up-to-date 48-volt mild-hybrid electrification and has also paved the way for a plug-in hybrid model to join the range.

The Range Rover Evoque is available with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid unit. Bar the entry-level D165 diesel that gets front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, all versions come with four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

There are four equipment levels: S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, and Autobiography. The top-spec Autobiography trim is only available in combination with the higher-powered mild-hybrid P250 petrol, D200 diesel versions and plug-in hybrid P300e powertrains.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Prices currently start from a little over £40,000, with standard kit including a 10-inch touchscreen running Land Rover's Pivi infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a reversing camera, cruise control, lane keep assist and 17-inch alloy wheels. Higher-spec models get an upgraded Pivi Pro infotainment system, a Meridian sound system, leather upholstery and larger rims, among other luxuries.

Used and nearly new

The Evoque is Land Rover's best-selling model, so buyers looking for a decent used example should be spoilt for choice. Stylish and good to drive, the compact SUV ably represents the Land Rover brand, offering a more affordable entry point into ownership than many of its bigger, more luxurious siblings.

It may not be the most practical SUV and reliability can sometimes be an issue, but it offers tremendous kerb appeal and will suit families who want a comfortable cruiser with a little added sophistication.

Range Rover Evoque history

Range Rover Evoque front tracking

Range Rover Evoque Mk1: 2011-2018

Based on the 2008 Land Rover LRX Concept, the first generation Evoque was launched in 2011 with three- and five-door models available. It won our Car of the Year award during its debut year, while its impressive engineering has meant even older models still look modern and fresh today.

Both petrol and diesel-engined Evoque's should be in good supply, while you might want to keep an eye out for the facelifted car which arrived in 2015 with updated exterior styling, more efficient engines, revised tech and improved safety features. And, if you're after top down, wind-in-your-hair driving fun, but with that familiar high-riding SUV driving position, there is the ultra-rare convertible model to consider. Read our full Mk1 Range Rover Evoque buyer’s guide here…

For an alternative guide to the Range Rover Evoque, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...

Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re after a nicely finished, refined, and comfortable SUV that’s easier to park than a full-size Range Rover, then the Range Rover Evoque will fit the bill.
Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    2.0 D150 5dr 2WD
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £31,130

Most Economical

  • Name
    2.0 D165 5dr 2WD
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £33,370

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 P300 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £39,890
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Range Rover Evoque

Top 10 best small 4x4s to buy 2024
Best small 4x4s - header image
Best cars & vans
17 Jan 2024

Top 10 best small 4x4s to buy 2024

Need off-road capability but in a smaller package? Take a look our top 10 small 4x4s
New Range Rover Evoque 2024 review: premium plug-in hybrid is pricey!
Range Rover Evoque facelift - front
Road tests
8 Dec 2023

New Range Rover Evoque 2024 review: premium plug-in hybrid is pricey!

The updated Evoque has been fitted with new tech and an impressive plug-in hybrid powertrain to keep it competitive, but this comes at quite a cost
The most important cars of the last 35 years
Most important cars – header image
Best cars & vans
13 Oct 2023

The most important cars of the last 35 years

We’ve reviewed hundreds of models over the past 35 years, but these are the ones that our team believes really made a difference
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Range Rover Evoque facelift unveiled: updated tech and subtle new look
Range Rover Evoque - front
News
20 Jun 2023

New Range Rover Evoque facelift unveiled: updated tech and subtle new look

JLR has refreshed it’s best-selling small SUV, and it could be the last combustion-powered Evoque
Land Rover leasing deals 2022
Land Rover Defender
Best cars & vans
14 Sep 2022

Land Rover leasing deals 2022

The best Land Rover leasing deals available right now
Used Range Rover Evoque (Mk2, 2018-date) review
Range Rover Evoque
Used car tests
25 Dec 2021

Used Range Rover Evoque (Mk2, 2018-date) review

A full used test of the second-generation Range Rover Evoque
Used Range Rover Evoque (Mk1, 2011-2018) review
Range Rover Evoque facelift Mk1 - front
Used car tests
22 Oct 2021

Used Range Rover Evoque (Mk1, 2011-2018) review

It’s stylish, luxurious, well-engineered and still desirable but the Range Rover Evoque’s reputation for reliability isn’t the best
Sporty new Range Rover Evoque P300 HST launched
Range Rover Evoque HST
News
12 May 2021

Sporty new Range Rover Evoque P300 HST launched

New Range Rover Evoque P300 HST comes with 296bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol power
New Range Rover Evoque PHEV 2020 review
Range Rover Evoque
Road tests
20 Oct 2020

New Range Rover Evoque PHEV 2020 review

Brand-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine makes its debut in the new Range Rover Evoque plug-in hybrid
Skip advert
Advertisement
2020 Range Rover Evoque gains mild hybrid diesels and infotainment upgrades
News
25 Aug 2020

2020 Range Rover Evoque gains mild hybrid diesels and infotainment upgrades

The Range Rover Evoque Range has been expanded and improved with the latest infotainment tech and new electrified diesel options...
New Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV and Range Rover Evoque PHEV join range
News
21 Apr 2020

New Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV and Range Rover Evoque PHEV join range

Plug-in hybrid powertrains are now available in the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque and both are now on sale
Skip advert
Advertisement
Audi Q3 vs Range Rover Evoque vs Volvo XC40
Audi Q3 group header
Car group tests
10 Aug 2019

Audi Q3 vs Range Rover Evoque vs Volvo XC40

The Audi Q3, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40 do battle to see which is the small premium SUV champ
Range Rover Evoque vs Volvo XC40
Car group tests
26 Apr 2019

Range Rover Evoque vs Volvo XC40

The Range Rover Evoque dominated the small premium SUV market, but Volvo’s XC40 moved it on. Can the new Evoque reclaim its crown?
New Range Rover Evoque D180 2019 review
Road tests
27 Mar 2019

New Range Rover Evoque D180 2019 review

The all-new Range Rover Evoque SUV has arrived in the UK and it's better than ever
New Range Rover Evoque 2019 review
Range Rover Evoque - front tracking
Road tests
13 Mar 2019

New Range Rover Evoque 2019 review

The new 2019 Range Rover Evoque may not look radically different from its predecessor but under the skin, it's all change
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Range Rover Evoque ride review
Range Rover Evoque - front
Road tests
13 Feb 2019

New Range Rover Evoque ride review

We head to Welsh hills for a preview from the passenger seat of the hi-tech second generation Range Rover Evoque SUV
New Range Rover Evoque prototype off-road review
Range Rover Evoque prototype - front
Road tests
13 Feb 2019

New Range Rover Evoque prototype off-road review

Ice drive in a prototype shows just what the new Range Rover Evoque is capable of off-road
New 2019 Range Rover Evoque leaks
New 2019 Range Rover Evoque front
News
23 Nov 2018

New 2019 Range Rover Evoque leaks

The all-new Range Rover Evoque is here! The wraps are off the latest version of the baby Range Rover and we’ve got all the details…
New Range Rover Evoque driven: off-road course review
New Range Rover Evoque - off-road
News
22 Nov 2018

New Range Rover Evoque driven: off-road course review

You don't often get to drive the car at the international reveal event, and never through a swimming pool...
New Range Rover Evoque hybrid on the way
Range Rover Evoque hybrid - spyshot
News
1 Mar 2018

New Range Rover Evoque hybrid on the way

The next generation Range Rover Evoque, due in 2019, will feature a 48V mild hybrid system
Range Rover Evoque review
Range Rover Evoque - front cornering
In-depth reviews
20 Feb 2018

Range Rover Evoque review

Familiarity has dulled the Range Rover Evoque’s design impact, but it’s luxurious, well-engineered and still desirable
Skip advert
Advertisement
Range Rover Evoque SD4 diesel 2018 review
Range Rover Evoque SD4 - front
Road tests
9 Feb 2018

Range Rover Evoque SD4 diesel 2018 review

Does the Range Rover Evoque’s new range-topping diesel come at a price?
Range Rover Evoque Ember 2017 review
Range Rover Evoque Ember - front cornering
Road tests
20 Dec 2016

Range Rover Evoque Ember 2017 review

The Range Rover Evoque has been updated for 2017 - we try the flashy new Ember special edition