By Keith Buglewicz
KBB Expert Rating: 7.6
The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is aimed at a different buyer than the luxurious but fully off-road-ready Range Rover. Instead, the Evoque's small size, relatively affordable price, and adorably pugnacious style make it ideal for the city set who wants the luxury cachet that comes with the green Land Rover badge, but is unlikely to do more off-roading than accidentally putting a wheel on the lawn. It goes head-to-head against the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the like. But its styling makes it stand apart, along with the availability of a new convertible. However, this is no soft-roader, with a switchable terrain mode and full-time all-wheel drive making it more capable on rough terrain than you might think.
The Evoque is a stylish alternative for those who crave the upper-crust badge of the world's premier luxury-SUV maker but are still on a budget. While the Discovery is the lowest priced Range Rover vehicle, the Evoque is more stylish, and that doesn't even include the new convertible.
There's no question the Evoque trades function for form, with a small interior, moderate cargo space and a price that starts low, but climbs rapidly. This all goes double for the 2-door model and its hard-to-reach rear seats, and triple for the convertible.
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What's New for 2017
Biggest news for the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is the addition of the new convertible model. Offering unique styling and a power top that stows in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, it's...well...it's certainly a way to spend $52,000.
The Range Rover Evoque is in fact an actual Land Rover, with unexpectedly good capability when the tires leave paved roads. An adjustable drive mode allows the driver to choose...
... among Mud, Sand, Snow and other terrains with the flick of a switch. While it lacks the low-range gearing of its bigger brothers, it's definitely more capable than you might expect for something as stylish as this. Around town the Evoque's firm suspension and sharp steering make it feel like a sports sedan, but it also means the ride's on the stiff side. There's good power from the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, but the 9-speed automatic sometimes hesitates when downshifting, and feels particularly rough as you slow to a stop. The convertible drives similarly, but with a top that goes down quickly while keeping your hair mostly in place. But its peculiar styling and further compromised utility leave us wondering: What's the point?
ACTIVE DRIVELINE 4WD
The Evoque is all-wheel drive (AWD) up to 22 mph. Then it switches to front-wheel-drive (FWD) mode to save fuel, the Range Rover equivalent of sipping tea with an extended pinkie. If the system detects low traction, it immediately redirects torque to the rear wheels to enhance traction.
TERRAIN RESPONSE SYSTEM
The Evoque's Terrain Response system lets you choose among several different modes depending on the prevailing conditions. Select Snow, Sand or Trail modes, and the throttle input, suspension settings, and other systems alter to best enhance traction for the given condition.
Interior
Land Rover’s simple and elegant aesthetic applies here, with horizontal lines dominating the interior design. But look past that and you'll find upscale materials and fine detailing, hallmarks of a quality interior. The front seats are comfortable, although the back seats are on the snug side when it comes to leg- and headroom. Cargo space is somewhat limited, but not out of line for a small vehicle like the Evoque. The InControl Touch Pro touch-screen infotainment system has its lovers and haters, while the Meridian sound system is universally loved. The convertible seats only four, and cargo space is particularly diminutive.
Aggressive and funky, the 2017 Evoque boasts big wheels and tires, a tall and blunt nose, and stubby overhangs. But it's all very Land Rover: The front end couldn't be anything else and the sloping clamshell roof lends distinctive individuality. There's no doubt the 5-door is more practical, but the coupe is undeniably sleek. The convertible takes things in a different direction. The top-up profile mimics the coupe's roofline, and it hides completely from view when folded. At the same time, the folded top emphasizes the Evoque's high sills, blunt nose, and tall tail. There's no doubt it's a unique proposition.
All 2017 Range Rover Evoque models come standard with Active Driveline all-wheel drive and the same 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Also standard is Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, with its modes for General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, and Sand. Evoque drivers also get standard Hill Start Assist, and the All-Terrain Progress Control system maintains a preset speed between 1.1 mph and 19 mph to assist in negotiating difficult terrain. The InControl Touch infotainment system is also standard, as are numerous comfort and convenience features and driving aids.
Evoque models above SE and SE Premium get standard navigation and InControl Pro services, with other available upgrades including leather seating and 19-inch wheels. Step up to the HSE Dynamic and you'll get Adaptive Dynamics and Oxford leather steering wheel along with 14-way Oxford leather seats and InControl Touch Plus. The top-line Autobiography comes with a 17-speaker surround-sound system, adaptive headlights with the Land Rover LED signature, satin-brushed aluminum trim, and the 825-watt, 16-speaker Meridian surround-sound system.
Coupe, Convertible or 5-Door, there's only one engine available for the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder with 240 horsepower. It's smooth, with some turbo lag that's perfectly acceptable, and plenty of kick when you step on the gas. Note that the engine has been particularly engineered for operation at the kinds of extreme angles encountered while off-roading. Connected to this engine is a 9-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control. While the nine speeds virtually guarantee an optimum ratio, the transmission's rough shifts and slow downshifts make it difficult to live with. Full-time AWD is standard on all 2017 Evoques.
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
251 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg, 20/28 mpg (convertible)
Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a Range Rover Evoque SE 5-door comes in at just under $43,000. The Coupe comes in SE Premium trim only and starts at about $46,700, and the base Convertible SE model will set you back about $52,000. An Evoque 5-door Autobiography starts around $63,500, and that's before options. Whatever model you get, be sure to get the Driver Assistance Packages, ranging from $1,000 to $2,700, for their additional safety and convenience attributes. The Evoque's rivals like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 tend to start in the mid- to high-$30,000 range, and offer more interior space without the Evoque's style. Check out what others paid in your area with the Fair Purchase Price on KBB.com, and note that Land Rovers tend to have below-average residual values.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vehicles for sale near you.
