A Compact Range Rover You’ll Definitely Want to Fetch
The 2015 Range Rover Evoque definitely not only evokes the spirit of its big brother, the Range Rover full-sized sport utility vehicle, but also squeezes the larger model’s legendary luxury and ruggedness into a more-affordable, city-friendly package.
Yes, the Evoque theoretically has the same off-road capabilities that made the$83,495 Range Rover famous, but smaller dimensions and a $41,100 starting price mean it’s a better fit for those more likely to conquer suburbia than the Sahara.
On the outside, the Evoque looks kind of like a little Range Rover, with a stubby hood and slimmed-down grille. The car even comes standard with a tiny version of the Range Rover’s signature side vents.
My test model also included rugged,10-spoke alloy wheels, as well as a rear spoiler and two chrome exhaust pipes (part of an elaborate, $15,500 Dynamic Premium Package).
Inside, the Evoque emanates the mix of tastefulness and brawn for which Land Rovers are famous. My test vehicle came with posh stitched-leather seats and door interiors, along with a stitched-leather steering wheel and rugged metal pedals.
The car’s well-designed dashboard features a large analog speedometer and tachometer, as well as a digital display that shows fuel levels, engine temperature, and other information.My test car also included a great touchscreen monitor to control the vehicle’s navigation, dual-zone climate system, and 825-watt, 17-speaker Meridian AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM/Bluetooth stereo.
The car’s power-heated front seats were both very comfortable, offering great headroom, legroom, and hiproom. In back, the Evoque’s 60/40 split fold-down rear seats can theoretically hold three passengers, but two (preferably children) are more realistic. These seats offer OK headroom and hiproom, but legroom is only so-so.
All the way back, the Evoque’s cargo area has a decent 20.3 cubic feet of space, which is more than enough room to handle perhaps two large suitcases. Or, you can fold the vehicle’s rear seats down and create a generous 51 cubic feet of space, which can easily accommodate a tent or other bulky cargo.
My test Evoque also came with a fantastic optional panoramic sunroof as part of the Dynamic Premium Package. Stretching across almost the entire cabin, this massive glass top made it feel like I was driving a high-end convertible, just without the annoyance of wind noise or cold drafts.
But the Evoque’s real standout feature is its excellent road performance.Frankly, the small SUV is one of the smoothest sub-$100,000 cars that I’ve ever driven, with a ride so quiet and gentle that I often found myself going 70 mph on Route 128 when I meant to go 55.
Set the vehicle’s optional adaptive cruise control ($1,295) to whatever speed you want and the Evoque will practically drive itself, slowing down when it comes too close to the car in front of you.This system even comes paired with emergency braking that will kick in if the car’s computer thinks you’re about to crash.
The Evoque also corners and brakes excellently, while backing up and parking are fairly easy given the model’s relatively modest size.
In fact, my test model included an optional self-parking system (part of the Dynamic Premium Package) that did a good job as long as I was brave enough to let the car’s computer swing the steering wheel for me. (Thankfully, drivers still control the brakes.) For a demonstration, see below:
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I don’t know if you can realistically take the small Evoque off-roading, but it does come standard with all-wheel-drive and Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response System. The system lets you set your Evoque for optimal operation under four different road conditions: regular, snow, gravel, and “dynamic’’ (a sort of sport mode).
My test car also came with all kinds of safety equipment, from a great backup camera to an excellent blind spot monitor that flashed a light in the side mirrors when a vehicle approached on the left or right.Other nice touches abound, from electric folding mirrors to a parking brake that automatically disengages when you put the car into drive.
The bottom line: The Range Rover Evoque brings the full-size Range Rover’s refinement and toughness to the small SUV class. You might never need your Evoque to cross the Andes or the Amazon, but it should get you through Arlington or Allston in style.
2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
THE BASICS
Price, base/as tested (with destination): $41,100/$60,470. Fuel economy: EPA estimated: 21 city/30 highway/24 combined. Fuel economy, Globe observed: 28 combined. Drivetrain: 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. Body: 5-passenger crossover sport utility vehicle.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 240. Torque: 250lb.-ft. Overall length: 171.5 in. Wheelbase: 104.8 in. Height: 65.4 in. Width: 77.4 in. Curb weight: 3,680 lbs.
THE GOOD
Posh styling, plenty of room, and one of the smoothest rides available in a sub-$100,000 car.
THE BAD
Small back seat and a price that’s low for a Range Rover but well above entry level for compact SUVs.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This is a great vehicle if you’re in the market for a luxury compact SUV and are willing to pay a premium price.
ALSO CONSIDER
Audi Q3, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX 200t, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Porsche Macan.
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