by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Lucas Kepner - 10/22/2024
Believe it or not, this is the first time I have driven the Range Rover Evoque, a vehicle that has been on the market for 14 years; out of all of the JLR products that have passed through the office, the little Landy had never found its way to my door. So I was excited to finally get to drive it and see how it stacks up in the increasingly crowded luxury compact SUV segment.
The 2025 Evoque P250 SE maintains its unmistakable Range Rover styling in a smaller package. Signature elements include slim LED headlights, a floating roofline, and flush door handles that enhance its modern look. The SE trim adds 20-inch wheels, giving the Evoque a more commanding stance on the road, while the optional Black Exterior Pack offers a more aggressive look by darkening the trim and badging.
Under the hood, the Evoque P250 SE is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth shifts and adequate acceleration. While the Evoque’s primary focus is on luxury and refinement, it does provide decent performance for its class, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.0 seconds. The standard all-wheel-drive system ensures stability in various driving conditions, from city streets to fire roads.
The Evoque’s suspension strikes a balance between comfort and agility. It handles corners with well and is sporty to drive, yet absorbs bumps well for a smooth ride. For those seeking to venture off-road, the Evoque remains a capable choice thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system, which adjusts the vehicle’s settings for different surfaces like mud, sand, and snow. The ground clearance and approach/departure angles are respectable for a compact luxury SUV, making light off-roading an achievable task.
The Evoque’s fuel economy is average for the class, with EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. I saw an average of 23 MPG during a week of driving; while not the most efficient in this class, the turbocharged engine does give the Evoque a much more sporty feel; paired with the paddle shifters, it can be fun to drive on winding roads.
Step inside, and the Evoque P250 SE impresses with its high-quality materials and attention to detail. The cabin is characterized by a minimalist design that combines leather, soft-touch plastics, and metal accents. Standard interior features include heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offer plenty of support and adjustability, ensuring comfort on long drives. The interior design is sparse and industrial; while it is well-built it doesn't have the same feeling of luxury as a Mercedes-Benz or Lexus.
However, rear seat space can be a bit tight for taller passengers, typical of compact SUVs. Cargo space is also on the smaller side, with about 21.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. While the cargo capacity isn’t class-leading, it’s adequate for daily use or weekend getaways.
The 2025 Evoque P250 SE comes equipped with a suite of modern technology, headlined by a 10-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is user-friendly, featuring crisp graphics and quick response times. An optional 14-speaker Meridian sound system provides an enhanced audio experience, making it ideal for music lovers. This screen also controls most of your vehicle functions, which takes some getting used to. From climate control to entertainment, you might have to go through a few menus and screen taps to get to functions like fan controls; without any actual buttons, it can mean taking your eyes off the road to make a minor adjustment.
The Evoque also has a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a head-up display (available in the technology package), adding to the interior's premium feel. It incorporates a variety of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Land Rover prioritizes safety, equipping the Evoque with numerous standard features. These include lane departure warning, a 360-degree parking camera, and automatic high-beam assist. Optional safety packages bring advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, adding an extra layer of security for drivers.
The 2025 Evoque starts at $49,900 for the S trim, making it one of the pricier options in the luxury compact SUV market. The Dynamic SE trim I drove adds more sporty touches and luxury upgrades starting at $55,100 for those willing to spend more. As tested and fully loaded with options, this Evoque comes at just over $62,000, giving you many options in the catagory.
In the competitive luxury compact SUV segment, the Evoque goes head-to-head with models like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Audi Q3. While the Evoque may not be as spacious as the BMW or as performance-oriented as the Mercedes-Benz, it does have the advantage of standing out, but as someone with a GLA and GLC in the family, it is hard to make the case when it starts nearly $7,000 than the GLA and a GLA AMG 35 comes in at around $58,050.
The 2025 Range Rover Evoque caters to drivers who value style and brand; buying an Evoque is an emotional decision, not a practical one; if you want practical, the Hyundai Kona Limited AWD does everything the Evoque will do for $31,900. While the Range Rover may not excel in every area—such as rear passenger space or fuel efficiency—it offers a unique blend of qualities in the crowded luxury compact SUV segment. The Evoque is well worth considering if you appreciate a clean aesthetic, lots of technology, and the ability for an occasional light off-road adventure.
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