Skip advert
Advertisement

Range Rover Evoque off-road

It’s the toughest test yet for Auto Express’s Car of the Year, as we hit the off-road trails

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£3,011 off RRP*
Find your Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Don’t think for one minute that the Evoque is merely a fashion statement – it’s far more accomplished when the going gets rough than the more utilitarian Freelander 2. And while it lacks the low-ratio gearbox, air-suspension and greater ground clearance of the bigger Land Rover Discovery 4, it’s still more than up to dealing with any type of terrain that owners are ever likely to point it at.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The furthest most Range Rover Evoque buyers are ever likely to venture off-road is the overflow car park at the races. But the 4x4 offers the go-anywhere capability you would expect from a vehicle wearing the legendary badge. How do we know this? Because we’ve given our Car of the Year 2011 its ultimate off-road test.

While the Evoque can be specified with front-wheel drive, most buyers will opt for 4WD. This uses the Freelander’s Haldex system, which shuffles torque between the front and rear axles to ensure power is sent where it’s needed most.

Video: watch part one of our video review of the Range Rover Evoque

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68683","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Watch part two here

All four-wheel-drive Evoques are equipped with Land Rover’s excellent Terrain Response system – although, unlike on other models in the range, it’s operated by pressing a button rather than turning a dial.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2018 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

58,500 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £13,995
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2019 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

60,450 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £9,295
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2021 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

57,080 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £16,995
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

16,191 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,339
View Range Rover Evoque

The set-up gives owners a choice of three off-road modes: gravel/grass, muddy ruts and sand. Each adjusts the sensitivity of the ESP system, as well as the settings of the all-wheel drive, throttle and automatic box.

The electronics also alter the weight and sensitivity of the steering for greater control and precision, and to reduce the risk of the wheel being ripped from your hands if you hit a rut.

All this means novices can tackle the trickiest of obstacles. Yet the most confidence-inspiring gadget is Land Rover’s renowned Hill Descent Control set-up, which leaves you to steer while the car deals with any steep terrain. 

You may think the Evoque’s go-anywhere credentials would be compromised in this sportiest model in the range. However, it’s more capable over the rough stuff than the current Freelander. This is thanks to its higher ground clearance, shorter front and rear overhangs and lower kerbweight.

Our Prestige SD4 model had a 2.2-litre diesel delivering 187bhp and 419Nm of torque. That’s more than enough grunt to haul the baby Range Rover uphill without fuss. Plus, the design of the air intake gives the car a wading depth of 50cm – 

which proved invaluable when our route took us through a flooded railway tunnel.

So although the Evoque has been designed to appeal to fashion-conscious city motorists, it still gets Range Rover’s famed ability to tackle the most extreme terrain or weather conditions. If the races are a washout and the overflow car park turns into a quagmire, you can be sure you won’t get stuck in the mud. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

RRP £32,545Avg. savings £3,011 off RRP*Used from £13,990
Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover Discovery Sport

RRP £35,435Avg. savings £3,102 off RRP*Used from £15,402
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery

RRP £51,655Avg. savings £4,108 off RRP*Used from £17,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best car tyres to buy now 2025: top tyres tested and reviewed
Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 2025 - header image showing a Volkswagen Golf undergoing wet weather cornering

Best car tyres to buy now 2025: top tyres tested and reviewed

Nine brands go head to head in our annual test, but which one should you put on your car?
Product group tests
13 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Bag a desirable plug-in hybrid BMW X3 M Sport for less than £380 a month
BMW X3 - full width, front

Car Deal of the Day: Bag a desirable plug-in hybrid BMW X3 M Sport for less than £380 a month

The new BMW X3 is fresh out of the blocks, but you can already lease a well-specced one for an eye-opening £378 a month. It’s our Car Deal of the Day …
News
17 Aug 2025
What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks

More than 20 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever growing list?
News
15 Aug 2025