Ever since the original was launched in 1970, it has represented the pinnacle of 4x4s. So when Land Rover launched the Range Rover Evoque, smallest, most affordable car in its history in 2011, it was always going to be a hit.
Here was a compact SUV that offered the luxury of full-sized Range Rover models, with go anywhere ability, and at a more affordable price than ever.
The Evoque scooped our overall Car of the Year title in 2011, and it’s now one of the most desirable used compact SUVs on the market.
Models covered
The Range Rover Evoque has been produced since 2011 and is still in its first generation. It’s this model that we’re focusing on here.
- • Range Rover Evoque (2011-date) - Stylish SUV makes a desirable second-hand buy
Range Rover Evoque
From £24,000
History
The Range Rover Evoque went on sale in summer 2011, in three and five-door forms. From the outset there were 2.0-litre turbo petrol or 2.2-litre diesel engines, the latter coming with an automatic transmission only.
The diesel engine came with a six-speed manual gearbox and 150bhp, with front-wheel drive (eD4) or four-wheel drive (TD4), while there was also a 190bhp SD4 option with fourwheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.
At first, the auto gearbox offered was a six-speeder, but from 2013 this became a more efficient nine-speed unit.
Range Rover Evoque reviews
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Range Rover Evoque TD4 Prestige review
Range Rover Evoque SD4 Prestige LUX review
Range Rover Evoque eD4 2WD review
Range Rover Evoque Special Edition review
Range Rover Evoque long-term test review
Which one should I buy?
All diesel-engined Evoques are desirable, and there’s no need to avoid any of the gearboxes either. The entry-level Pure has cruise control, ESP and Trailer Stability Assist, along with rear parking sensors, an eight-inch touchscreen and ambient cabin illumination.
The Prestige adds leather trim plus electric front-seat adjustment, while the Dynamic Plus features a bodykit and heated front sports seats. The Tech Pack includes automatic lights and wipers plus front parking sensors, while the Lux Pack brings a TV, powered tailgate and glass roof.
Alternatives to the Range Rover Evoque
The BMW X3 comes with some superb engines and it’s good to drive. Its cabin doesn’t have the feelgood factor of the Evoque, though. These attributes also apply to the Audi Q3 and Q5, with the latter holding its value well.
We also like the Volvo XC60. It comes with strong engines and a spacious interior, but it’s not much fun to drive.
What to look for:
Windscreen
Many Evoques come with a heated windscreen. If you do a lot of night-time driving, you might find the heating elements a bit of a distraction.
Leather
All Evoques have leather trim, which can become baggy very quickly – especially on heated front seat bases. Check the driver’s seat first.
Parcel shelf
If the luggage bay is full, the parcel shelf can rub on the boot surround, wearing away the finish on the latter. A repaint is then necessary.
Suspension
Clonks from the suspension – front or rear – can be evident when going over bumps. So far, there’s no definitive solution to the problem.
Interior
It’s classy, with premium materials everywhere, but the touchscreen multimedia feels dated. Seats are comfortable and there’s generous room for two in the back. Boot space is okay, with 550 litres with the seats up in the three-door car.
Running costs
All Evoques need maintenance every 12 months or 16,000 miles. Services alternate between minor (£330) and major (£430), regardless of engine. Both the petrol and diesel engines have a cambelt, which has to be replaced every 10 years or 150,000 miles – expect to pay around £560. Fresh brake fluid is also required every three years, at £81, while the coolant must be replaced every 10 years, at a cost of £117.
Since 2013, Land Rover has offered a service pack (£499), which covers the cost of routine maintenance for the first five years or 60,000 miles (50,000 miles for petrol-engined cars). It’s transferable between owners.
Recalls
The Evoque has already been the subject of four recalls, the first two in December 2012. These were down to potential steering and brake failures, as the securing bolts for the rack and rear calipers were not tight enough.
The next came in 2013, because of the possibility of the car catching fire due to diesel leaking from the fuel injection system. The most recent action came in 2014; a key suspension component in a handful of cars could break.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
Having made its debut in 2013 in a disappointing 52nd place, things haven’t really improved for the Evoque as it ranked 89th in the 2016 survey. 13th for in-car tech helped, but running costs (144th) and practicality (137th) were weak spots.