The Evoque caters to a decidedly more eco-conscious customer base than traditional Range Rover buyers. Even so, the Evoque still possesses the chops to keep up when the road gets rough. Styling is edgy and aggressive, but it's clearly a Range Rover from front to back, with characteristic styling touches at the headlamps, grille and tail lamps.
A pair of 2.0L engines are available offering varying outputs of 237-horsepower, the more powerful option puts out 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque while still achieving 21 mpg city and 29mpg highway -- more than anything else in the Range Rover stable. The engine features direct injection, and it's capable of propelling the Evoque from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds.
A 9-speed automatic is the only available transmission, coupled to a Haldex full-time all-wheel-drive system. Land Rover says the Evoque is designed to be able to ford water up to 19.7 inches deep without hesitation, and ground clearance comes in at 8.7 inches. Land Rover's Terrain Response system is standard, which automatically provides several settings for different traction situations, ranging from loose gravel to deep snow.
Safety features include anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system, traction control, side curtain airbags and front-side airbags, with optional safety systems like blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and a head-up driving display.
The Evoque is available in three body styles -- a 2-door coupe, a 2-door convertible and a slightly larger 4-door. Both feature a similar wedge-like profile. The look is unmistakably Range Rover but features a compact size and a sporty feel.
Standard features on the base Evoque SE include a lip spoiler, LED brake lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 380-watt Meridian Audio system with 11 speakers and Bluetooth, 12-way grained leather seats, front and rear park distance control, proximity key ignition and dual-zone climate control.
The Evoque SE Premium package adds a blind-spot monitor, a surround view camera, adaptive HID xenon headlamps with LED accents, navigation, hands-free power tailgate, and headlight washers.
The Evoque HSE adds 19-inch wheels, a fixed panoramic glass roof, automatic high-beam assist, Oxford leather seating, LED fog lamps, and a blind-spot monitor. The HSE Dynamic builds on that trim with a revised grille, black hood vents, a perforated Oxford leather steering wheel, illuminated tread plates, and more. Finally, the Evoque Autobiography, makes use of a full Oxford leather interior, including 14-way adjustable seats and an Oxford leather steering wheel. Also present are brushed aluminum accents and an 825-watt Meridian audio system with 17 speakers.
On the SE, a Cold Climate Package includes a heated steering wheel, heated windshield, heated washer jets and heated front and rear seats. A Tech Package adds passive entry, Xenon headlights with LED accents, headlamp washers and front fog lights. A Driver Assistance Package for the SE Premium and higher includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beam assist and a HomeLink garage door opener. A Luxury Seat Package for the HSE features heated rear seats, steering wheel and windshield, plus heated/cooled front seats. Driver Assist Plus, available on the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography, includes a head up display and adaptive LED headlights.
Rugged Looks, Fuel-efficient Turbo Engine, Capable All-wheel-drive System, Two- And 4-door Configurations
The biggest news for 2018 is the availability of 2 new powertrain options. Both are 4-cylinder turbocharged engines. One capable of 286 horsepower and 295-foot pounds of torque and the other 237 horsepower and 251-foot pounds of torque means both engines are quite capable. Other updates coming to the 2018 Range Rover Evoque include auto-dimming exterior mirrors, available 4G Wi-Fi connectivity, new exterior paint jobs, and a new Lunar/Ivory interior color scheme for the SE Dynamic Convertible model. Buyers can also select a Landmark Edition Evoque, which has special 19-inch wheels, a Carpathian Grey Contrast Roof, body kit with Graphite Atlas finishes, and an exclusive Moraine Blue paint option.
Land Rover's Range Rover brand is known for building go-anywhere vehicles that provide a healthy amount of luxury and technology. Keeping with this philosophy, the company launched the Evoque, which is aimed at achieving better fuel economy. But this is no tarmac-only off-road imposter; Haldex all-wheel drive is standard, with several electronic settings for a variety of conditions, and power comes from a 2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 295 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and BMW X3, the Evoque is a strong contender with a look all its own.
