Range Rover’s entry-level model is a perfect example of a small but competent crossover. Although designed primarily as an efficient urban SUV, the Evoque is also great on the highway and off-road performance is impressive. Add to this a fancy-looking cabin, and you get a well-rounded model that's strong in every field.
Such a combination of capability, comfort, and luxury is something you can hardly get from any other small crossover on the market. The Range Rover Evoque was originally introduced in 2011, and we've seen two generations of it so far.
The First Generation of Range Rover Evoque (2011-2018)
Concept and Design
Although the Evoque came to the market in 2011, the development started years before. The first vehicle we saw was the LRX concept presented in 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show. This concept car was the perfect opportunity for Land Rover to showcase their technology achievements and finally offer a small and efficient SUV, capable of competing in a class that would soon become one of the most popular segments of the automotive industry.
The production version came three years later, for the 2011 model year. The new crossover came with plenty of interesting design solutions. The goal was to offer a light and efficient vehicle, so it’s no wonder it rides on a unibody platform instead of a classic body-on-frame chassis.
Also, many parts are made from lightweight materials like aluminum for the bonnet and roof. As a result, the car weighs between 1600 and 1700 kg, depending on the version you pick.
Thanks to a unibody platform, the first-generation Evoque offers a very smooth and comfortable ride, even by today’s standards. However, this is still a Range Rover, which means it is also very capable off the road. Base models are equipped with a 2WD drivetrain, while versions with full-time 4WD were also on offer.
The latter was powered by a 4th-generation Haldex permanent all-wheel drive, which secured respectable off-road performance. All models were equipped with a Terrain Response system, which includes different traction modes and roll stability control, while hill descent control was also available.
The main reason for such a great ride quality in all conditions was in the suspension setup. A well-known MagneRide suspension was available, which made Evoque the first crossover to feature adjustable suspension.
Styling-wise, the Evoque sticks with Range Rover’s typical design language. However, it stands out because it is available in 3-door and 5-door variants, with the convertible coming out between 2017 and 2018.
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2,660mm
- Length: 4,371mm
- Width; 1,900 mm
- Height: 1,605mm (3-door), 1,635mm (5-door)
- Weight: 1,595–1,700kg
- Ground Clearance: 215mm
Engines and Transmission
The initial versions were equipped with Ford engines. The diesel model used a familiar 2.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel, offered in two output variants – 110kW or 140kW. On the other hand, petrol models used a 2.0-litre EcoBoost, with a max output of 177kW.
Soon after, JLR came up with its own, newly developed engines from the Ingenium series. Both petrol and diesel engines featured 2.0 litres in displacement. The new diesel was more efficient than Duratorq, with the same output (110kW) but less torque (380Nm). The new petrol engine also featured a max power of 177kW.
The initial models were paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The new 9-speed automatic from ZF arrived with new Ingenium engines. Besides smoother shifts, we also like that the first gear features a much lower ratio, making the Evoque better for off-roading and towing.
Facelift (2014-2018)
For the 2014 model year, the first-generation Evoque received a mid-cycle update. Although there were some minor cosmetic updates, the main novelties were the mechanical ones. JLR introduced a new version of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, with a max output of 132kW and 430Nm. Another significant novelty was a new 4WD system. Instead of the old Haldex system, the updated version came with two new 4WD systems (Standard Driveline and Active Driveline) from GKN Driveline.
Several new safety features were also a part of this update. The latest version came with Perpendicular Park, Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Wade Sensing.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible (2017-2018)
This is arguably the most intriguing version of the first-generation Evoque. It was presented way back in 2012 at Geneva Motor Show. However, the production started in 2015, and the new model was offered as the 2017 model.
The Evoque Convertible came with a power-retractable soft roof, drop-down tailgate and unique 20-inch wheels. According to the company, engineers managed to keep most of the torsional rigidity of the 3-door model. Although it wasn’t the first convertible SUV on the market, it was the first vehicle of this kind with a premium badge.
The Second Generation of Range Rover Evoque (2019-Present)
Even though it looked a lot like the 2018 model year, the 2019 Evoque came completely redesigned. While the styling seems pretty similar and the changes are rather evolutionary, things under the skin are much different. First of all, the new model rides on a new PTA platform, the same one that underpins Jaguar E-Pace. It means that the new Evoque supports various forms of electrification.
The new platform also brings significant improvements regarding ride quality, which is now even better on the road. Off the road, the new model is as good as the first generation and comes with the updated Terrain Response 2. This system offers various traction modes - Grass, Gravel, Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand. The great thing is that you can either choose these modes manually or let the vehicle adjust the traction automatically.
The second generation is slightly bigger than the original. It features the same length, but it is higher and just a little bit wider. The wheelbase is also notably longer. Interestingly, the ground clearance is slightly lower. Unlike the original, the second generation comes as a 5-door SUV only.
The Range Rover Evoque 2020 and 2021 models came without significant changes so that we may expect a mid-cycle update in the next year or two.
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2681mm
- Length: 4371mm
- Width: 1996mm
- Height: 1649mm
- Weight: 1,787-1,995kg
- Ground Clearance: 210mm
Engines
The second generation of Range Rover Evoque is offered with the same Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, which were significantly updated and now feature more power and torque. Also, the 9-speed ZF automatic is the only transmission choice.
Diesel Engines:
- D150 – 2.0-litre turbodiesel (110kW)
- D180 – 2.0-litre turbodiesel (132kW)
- D200 – 2.0-litre turbodiesel (150 kW)
- D240 – 2.0-litre turbodiesel (184kW)
Petrol Engines:
- P200 – 2.0-litre turbo petrol (147kW)
- P250 – 2.0-litre turbo petrol (184kW)
- P300 – 2.0-litre turbo petrol (221kW)
Is Range Rover Evoque expensive to maintain?
Generally, all Land Rover models are expensive to maintain. Of course, the price of certain repairs and regular service can be notably different, as you can go to local workshops, franchise servicing chains, or dealerships. However, the main problem with Land Rover models, including the Range Rover Evoque, is that reliability scores aren't exceptionally high. Moreover, JLR cars traditionally have some of the lowest reliability ratings.
In this case, the common issues are quite numerous. We can read a lot about electrical problems, automatic transmission breakdowns, and suspension troubles. All these things can be pretty expensive to fix. Fortunately, we can help you find the most affordable replacement parts. You just need to visit Carpart.com.au and find the best deals.
Like any other Land Rover, this model doesn’t hold its value particularly well. While the new 2021 model year starts at around $63,000, a used 2020 Range Rover Evoque for sale can cost $52,000. Older models can be significantly affordable, so buying a used Evoque in good condition might be a smart choice despite the potential issues.
By Nebojsa Grmusa