Skip advert
Advertisement

Range Rover Evoque SD4 Dynamic 5dr vs Audi Q5 TDI S line

Five-door Evoque blends style and flexibility, but the Q5 is a very tough opponent

The Evoque Coupe is clearly the most stylish model in the range, but family buyers needn’t worry. The five-door looks almost as good and is bigger inside.

Its roofline is 30mm taller and you get an extra pair of rear doors, yet the 4x4’s striking looks are barely affected as the sharply rising waistline, tapered glass area and floating roof mark this out as one of the most eye-catching cars around. Hit the road, and the Tonka Toy proportions and fine detailing ensure the Evoque gets the thumbs-up from other motorists.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Audi Q5, on the other hand, is now a familiar sight. It looks like a premium car with an imposing grille, signature LED lights and 20-inch alloy wheels, but its bluff shape isn’t as dynamic as its sleek rival’s.

In contrast, the Range Rover looks more like a tall sports car than a full-blown compact SUV, thanks to its low-slung driving position, flared wheelarches and aggressive stance.

Inside, the sporty design continues to impress. However, our Evoque Dynamic’s front seats lacked the lateral support and scope for adjustment provided by the seats in the Q5 S line. 

As with all the best image-conscious cars, there’s a line-up of different leather and trim options for the Range Rover, so buyers can customise the cabin to suit their taste.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

5008

2020 Peugeot

5008

36,941 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £17,048
View 5008
Qashqai

2022 Nissan

Qashqai

26,958 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £15,589
View Qashqai
Qashqai

2020 Nissan

Qashqai

30,821 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £11,989
View Qashqai
MG 5 EV

2021 MG

MG 5 EV

35,712 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £10,950
View MG 5 EV

Achieving this in the Q5 isn’t quite as easy but, like other Audi models, the cabin is superbly finished.

It doesn’t feel as special to sit in as the Range Rover, but makes up for this with space. Rear passengers get 25mm more legroom and the 540-litre boot can hold an extra 120 litres of luggage compared to its rival.

The larger dimensions are obvious from behind the wheel of the Audi, as the smaller Range Rover is noticeably more agile. Turn into a bend and there’s lots of grip, and while the soft suspension results in plenty of body roll, the five-door has the same fun character as the Coupe.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The payoff for this softer set-up is superior ride quality. In direct contrast to the Audi, it cushions you from most bumps and ruts. Swap to the S line-spec Q5, and the sports suspension does a great job of controlling body roll, but it’s nowhere near as cosseting on the move.

While the Evoque excels as a comfortable cruiser, the adaptive dampers mean it can also pass as a hot hatch. Selecting Dynamic mode from the Terrain Response system makes the instruments glow a menacing shade of red, stiffens the suspension and increases the steering weight. The result is a junior SUV that handles and changes direction with more agility than it has any right to.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

For all its handling ability, the Evoque can’t match the Q5’s pace; it sprinted from 0-60mph in only 6.6 seconds. The Range Rover takes nearly two seconds longer on account of its less powerful 2.2-litre diesel and slow-shifting six-speed auto.

The six-cylinder engine in the Q5 is also more refined, although tyre roar from the huge 20-inch rims (our Evoque was fitted with smaller optional 19-inch alloy wheels) ensures the Range Rover is quieter at motorway cruising speeds.

As it trailed against the clock, you would expect the Range Rover to clean up in terms of efficiency. The official figures bear this out, although in our hands the SD4 hit a disappointing 26.9mpg. That does include our performance tests, but the more powerful Q5 managed 29.8mpg. Still, this has no bearing on the official CO2 figure, and here the Range Rover does win the day, undercutting the Audi by 25g/km with its 174g/km emissions.

Add a lower price, and the Evoque is more appealing for company car buyers. Higher-rate payers will pay nearly £100 more in tax every month if they pick the Q5 over the Range Rover.

The Audi has been a darling of fashion-conscious SUV buyers since its launch in 2008, but the Evoque has all the hallmarks of a new catwalk queen.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,310 off RRP*Used from £12,420
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,223 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,400
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025