Pros:
- Distinctive styling among SUVs
- Better off-road capability than close rivals
- Satisfying on-road performance
Cons:
- Still small inside for people and cargo
- Some controls and infotainment lag behind competitors
- Common options quickly add to the price
More Photos
See more 2020 Range Rover Evoque photos here.
Overview:
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has been one of the most stylish SUVs for the last decade, and it marries this with the brand’s notoriety for off-road skills and go-anywhere capability. The 2020 Range Rover Evoque is the second iteration of that vehicle, with more technology and improved quality and dynamics. It’s also the least expensive way to get that famed Range Rover name (it’s the luxury division of Land Rover).
The Evoque has been redesigned for 2020, with a heavily updated look on the original and a revised chassis. The interior, however, is entirely new and boasts numerous available technology features.
Powertrains are similar to the outgoing car (a two-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with an automatic transmission), but R-Dynamic models get a slightly more powerful turbo-four that uses a mild hybrid system for extra performance.
The previous Evoque Convertible has been discontinued.
This Evoque’s rivals include the Audi Q3, BMW X2, Cadillac XT4, Jaguar E-Pace, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Volvo XC40.
The crossover is available in six trim levels and ranges in price from $43,645 to $57,845 before options.
Exterior
TL;DR Unlike most SUVs on the road, the Evoque is meant to strike emotion whether you like it or not.
Much like when the Evoque first debuted in 2012, the second-generation model doesn’t fit the mold of what most people think of a Range Rover. And after this 2020 redesign, it still might not.
The Evoque’s overall look stays the same, even though it’s a significantly different vehicle under the skin. It’s the same length as the outgoing version, even though it’s slightly taller and has a longer wheelbase. Either way, it’s right around the size of its main rivals, even if it’s noticeably taller than the relatively low-slung BMW X2.
The high front end and “RANGE ROVER” emblazoned on the hood tries to mimic the larger Rovers, but the tapered rear end makes it clear this is a more athletic and youthful take on the concept. Sharp lines and headlights may turn heads, as well as tricks like the retractable door handles also found on the Range Rover Velar.
Those who like to have a choice when it comes to colors and details will find the Evoque’s raft of paint, trim, and wheel selections mesmerizing. A Black Exterior Pack is offered on all models, which changes much of the chromed trim to gloss black, while R-Dynamic models sport revised bumper and badging details regardless if you choose the Black Exterior Pack.
Base S models come with 18-inch wheels, and other models offer 20-inch versions; there are numerous designs and you can opt for as large as 21-inch wheels in various finishes.
The roof can be body-colored or black, and either as a solid roof or one with a panoramic glass roof – fixed or sliding.
Buyers who like to stand out from other drivers could very well be attracted to the Evoque. And they may not encounter another Evoque just like theirs.
Interior
TL;DR Nearly as stylish as the exterior, the Evoque’s materials and design are striking.
Even though this is the least expensive Range Rover-branded model (and the second-least expensive Land Rover), the Evoque shares a lot of designs with the company’s more expensive models – as well as the levels of personalization.
Despite the low-slung appearance and sloping roofline, the Evoque has an upright driving position, almost like that of the commanding classic Range Rover. Analog gauges are standard, although many models feature a configurable digital instrument cluster that can display things such as a full navigation map. One touchscreen is standard, although some get two touchscreens for an almost button-less dashboard.
Like the outside, there is a raft of different color choices inside. All models get leather upholstery, but you can opt for different colors and grades of leather, as well as synthetic fabrics. Powered front seats are also included, with higher trims getting as much as 16-way seats. These can also be heated, cooled, or offer a massage function.
A symptom of many Jaguar Land Rover products, however, are slightly cheap-feeling plastics lower on the console and the doors, which undercuts the premium aspirations (and price tag) of the Evoque. The high-level R-Dynamic HSE can be equipped with a full leather package that covers more of the lower console panels in real leather, which at least makes the Evoque smell like larger Range Rovers.
Utility and Practicality
TL;DR The Evoque may emphasize form, but it holds its own in terms of space.
The Evoque’s styling comes with a price, mostly in the form of practicality. But in a class of small vehicles, it fares somewhat well.
Those narrow windows that help with the exterior look can make it confining for rear passengers, as does the general lack of rear legroom. The more upright Volvo XC40 is better in this regard. But with 21.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up or 50.5 with them down, it holds slightly more than the Volvo. Only the BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class are severely deficient in cargo space among these very compact SUVs. The Audi Q3, however, is likely the most usable by numbers in this class.
The Evoque’s capabilities are better than most in its class once you’re on the move, too. All versions get Land Rover’s Terrain Response system that allows the all-wheel-drive system to reroute power depending on the road surface for on and off-roading. And it can tow nearly 4,000 pounds when equipped with an available towing package, which beats the Cadillac XT4’s 2,500 pounds.
Infotainment and Technology
TL;DR Sharp screens are somewhat undermined by slow reactions and confusing menus.
Those enamored with gadgets will find a lot of stuff on the Evoque’s options list. Some of the technology, however, isn’t as sharp as the best out there.
All models get a 10-inch widescreen touch infotainment system. Optional on S models and standard on others is the configurable digital instrument cluster, where the various map and multimedia information can be displayed.
Also available is the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which replaces physical controls for climate control and other vehicle settings with another touch panel that can flip information between it and the upper screen.
The two touchscreens can be overwhelming for some reviewers, but the more significant issue is that the whole system isn’t as responsive as the knob-driven system on the BMW X2, or as well-organized as that on the Cadillac XT4 or Lincoln Corsair. And the Audi Q3’s digital instrument cluster is more configurable and displays more information than the Land Rover’s.
But the Audi lacks other novel features found on the Evoque, such as the ClearView rearview mirror. It can flip between being a traditional auto-dimming rearview mirror or project what a camera sees behind the vehicle – helpful if the small back window is obscured. A color head-up display and an automated parking system are also options. And the available Activity Key is a waterproof wristband that allows you to keep the key inside the car in case your wetsuit or bike shorts don’t have pockets.
Safety
TL;DR Many rivals offer more driver assistance technology for less money.
The Evoque keeps pace with its peers when it comes to safety features and driver assistance technologies. But many of them are starting to offer advanced features for less money.
All 2020 Evoque models get automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, as well as the mandated rearview camera. Base S and R-Dynamic S do not include rear cross-traffic alert, however. And all but the R-Dynamic HSE lack standard blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with full-speed braking is also included on that model, and optional on the rest, while active lane-keep steering assist is optional on all models.
By comparison, the Volvo XC40 offers a higher-level driver assistance system to control steering inputs to keep the vehicle in the lane. And numerous other cars such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offer blind-spot warning as a standalone option.
Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet tested the 2020 Range Rover Evoque.
Driving Experience
TL;DR The Evoque manages sharp on-road handling while being capable off the road.
The powertrain for Evoque S, SE, and First Edition models is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, along with a nine-speed automatic.
R-Dynamic models get a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Also mated to a nine-speed automatic, it adds a mild hybrid system that offers a small boost to power and allows the vehicle to coast greater distances.
All Range Rover Evoque models are all-wheel-drive.
Even the base powertrain is strong, according to reviewers, with minimal turbo lag and more than enough passing power. The automatic transmission was generally smooth, but some testers found it could shift too much sometimes and quickly get into too high of a gear. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are available. But still, the Evoque is considered agile among these small SUVs, even compared to the BMW X2 and Jaguar E-Pace. Some may find it fun to drive.
Ride comfort was also considered relatively good among testers, despite most models getting 20-inch wheels. Even better, there’s the available Adaptive Dynamics system that uses cameras and sensors to scan the road ahead and prepare an adaptive suspension to mitigate bumps so they don’t intrude into the cabin as much.
Off-road, the Evoque has its competition beat with the Terrain Response system and Range Rover-like approach and departure angles. A Wade Sensing system is also available and helps judge how deep a stream or area of standing water is to avoid getting stuck in it.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2020 Range Rover Evoque S, SE, and First Edition models are rated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and a 23 combined rating by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). R-Dynamic models with the 296-horsepower engine are rated at 21 city and 26 highway.
The BMW X1 xDrive28i is rated at 27 mpg combined, however, and up to 31 on the highway, and even the more powerful M35i variant loses just one mpg – far better than the Evoque R-Dynamic models its rivals. But the rest of the Evoque’s key competitors get 1 or 2 mpg more in the fuel economy ratings.
However, all Evoques come with standard all-wheel-drive, whereas its rivals are also typically offered in two-wheel-drive variants that get slightly better fuel economy.
Prices
TL;DR Range Rover cachet means prices start higher than direct rivals and escalate quickly.
The 2020 Range Rover Evoque is offered in six trim levels. Most come with several different exterior and interior colors, wheel sizes and designs, and equipment packages.
The Evoque S has a starting price of $43,645 MSRP, including the $995 destination charge. Standard features include the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 246 horsepower and nine-speed automatic, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, privacy glass, auto-dimming rearview mirror and power-folding exterior mirrors, 10-way power front seats, and leather upholstery. A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system is also standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, six-speaker audio system, navigation, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors.
Up to 21-inch wheels are available, as is a fixed or sliding glass roof, automatic high beams, 14-way power front seats, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, keyless entry, a power liftgate, digital instrument panel, and a head-up display. Two upgraded sound systems with satellite radio, as is the Adaptive Dynamics system that uses cameras to mitigate road bumps and imperfections.
The Park Pack includes a rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera and sensors, and an automated parking system. The Drive Pack bundles in blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed emergency braking. And the Driver Assist Pack combines both of those groups while adding adaptive cruise control with active steering assist to keep the car in a lane.
The Evoque SE starts from $48,195 MSRP. It adds 20-inch wheels, automatic high beam assist with beam leveling, a power liftgate, 14-way power front seats with memory settings, upgraded touchscreen system with a digital instrument panel, rear cross-traffic alert, the 360-degree camera and sensors, and the automated parking function.
Options include 21-inch wheels, two different glass roof systems, headlight washers, front fog lights, heated seats and steering wheel, a head-up display, upgraded audio systems, as are the Drive Pack and the Driver Assist Pack.
The R-Dynamic S starts from $47,595 MSRP. R-Dynamic models come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 296 horsepower. It also adds to the Evoque S the R-Dynamic Exterior Pack, with black accents on surfaces including the mirrors, grille, and bumper. Other standard and available features are similar to that of the Evoque S.
The R-Dynamic SE has a starting price of $52,145 MSRP. Apart from the more powerful engine and other R-Dynamic-specific changes, it mimics the Evoque SE standard and optional features.
The R-Dynamic HSE starts from $56,795 MSRP. In addition to the R-Dynamic SE equipment, it adds a gesture-activated power tailgate, keyless entry, the ClearView interior rearview mirror camera, 16-way power front seats with upgraded upholstery, 10-speaker Meridian sound system, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with full-speed emergency braking.
Options include front fog lights, headlight washers, heated seats, cooled front seats, massage function for the front seats, head-up display, 14-speaker Meridian sound system, 360-degree surround camera and sensors, steering assist, the Adaptive Dynamics system, and satellite radio.
The Evoque First Edition has a starting price of $57,845 MSRP. This special edition uses the 247-horsepower engine and is available in only three colors. But to the Evoque R-Dynamic SE, it adds a fixed panoramic roof, front fog lights, headlight washers, keyless entry, ClearView mirror, 10-speaker Meridian sound system, and Park Pack and Drive Pack.
The options for the First Edition are only 21-inch wheels and the Adaptive Dynamics system.
Value
The 2020 Range Rover Evoque offers a lot of amenities, technology, and personalization for compact luxury SUV buyers. That is if they’re willing to pay for it.
Of course, the Evoque is distinctive regardless of the exterior paint or wheel choice, but it also sticks close enough to its family lineage to earn the cachet of the Range Rover name. It also boasts interesting and potentially useful technologies that set it apart from some formidable rivals. A BMW X2 is possibly more engaging on the road, a Volvo XC40 equally stylish, and the Audi Q3 a strong all-around contender. But the Evoque manages to hit all of those targets, too.
It doesn’t come cheap, however, as it’s too easy to select options and packages, some rivals would include in the price, such as for common items like satellite radio and heated front seats. And competitors also have better interior materials and easier-to-use infotainment controls for less money, or the same money as a larger model such as a BMW X3.
But the Range Rover Evoque isn’t necessarily the most practical buy in the class. It appeals most to the style-conscious person who wants to stand out. And they won’t be sacrificing too much in the process.
More Photos
See more 2020 Range Rover Evoque photos here.
