2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is an interesting model. The smallest of the vehicles under the Land Rover brand, it is a subcompact crossover SUV that manages to pack the utility and versatility common to Land Rovers and the luxury and style of the Range Rover brand together into a very effective compact package. Buyers after a luxury crossover that is small, but still luxurious and capable, are the primary audience for the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

What’s New for 2018?

Land Rover has introduced a number of changes to many of its vehicles this year, including the Range Rover Evoque. The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque gets a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine, in two strengths, a new trim level and an updated infotainment system on mid-range and high-end models. The two-door coupe version of the Evoque is not returning for 2018, with only four-door and two-door convertible body options not available.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque – The Pros

1. Fantastic Styling

Land Rovers in general are very nice-looking cars, and the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque stands out as especially good-looking among the Land Rover lineup. It is equal parts rugged and refined, wearing the subtle luxury accents and the bold SUV body features equally well. Mostly unchanged into its seventh model year, it looks just as striking today as when it was first released.

2. Posh Interior

Land Rover’s Range Rover line is often regarded as a gold standard for an upscale auto interior, and it is on full display in the Range Rover Evoque. The interior design is simple and clean, and executed in a very high quality of materials. All models feature high-quality leather and beautiful accents, with no part of the vehicle escaping the designers’ attention.

3. Good Standard Features

In addition to the leather upholstery, the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is very nicely equipped even in its most basic form. Power seats, navigation and a large 8-inch touchscreen are also all standard on the base SE trim, making it a fairly good value even when it comes to the luxury SUV class.

4. High Luxury Options

With an impressive list of standard options and six different trim levels, there are few luxury features that can’t be found somewhere in the Evoque lineup. Oxford and Windsor leather, massaging seats with both heating and cooling, and two grades of high-end Meridian audio are only some of the options that your Evoque can be equipped with.

5. Convertible Model

Continuing with the design introduced last year, the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover remains pretty much the only luxury crossover convertible on the market today. It can be equipped with much the same features as the four-door model, though it has a slightly smaller trunk due to the powered convertible top. It adds another unique option to an already-unique vehicle.

6. Improved Engine

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque gets an upgraded engine this year, in two tune varieties. The entry and mid-grade models through the HSE get the 237-horsepower version, which is roughly equal to last year’s engine. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography models get an up-tuned version that boosts the output to 286 horsepower, giving them an extra boost of performance.

7. Standard All-wheel Drive

The Evoque may be small, but it is still a Land Rover SUV, and with that comes all-wheel drive. This gives this small car a surprising degree of grip and stability over both difficult roads and difficult weather conditions such as snow and rain. Many buyers will find that quite helpful in their travels.

8. Ample Towing Ability

In another point towards its utility as a crossover SUV, the Range Rover Evoque is very competent when it comes to pulling things behind it. With a maximum tow weight of 3,307 pounds, it can easily match or exceed many compact and midsize SUVs when it comes to towing trailers. This is part of its character as a multi-use vehicle, which many buyers will appreciate.

9. Balanced Handling

The 2018 Evoque manages both its luxury side and its sporty side well to deliver a driving experience that satisfies both. As a passenger, it feels nicely cushioned, insulated from both the noise and the feel of the road outside. As a driver however, the Evoque is quick and responsive, with plenty of agility and little body roll.

10. Excellent Off-road Manners

The Evoque feels just as good when you take it off the pavement as it does on it. In addition to the standard all-wheel drive, this Land Rover also includes a standard Terrain Response system, which automatically tailors the drivetrain response to different terrains. High end models also have an All-Terrain crawl mode as well, for making your way through truly trackless areas, earning the Evoque an off-roader badge in addition to its other awards.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque – The Cons

1. Feels Small

While the interior of the Evoque is very comfortable and attractive, it is small. Rear seats in particular will feel uncomfortable for many adults, and the cargo area is smaller than that of many competing vehicles.

2. No Diesel Option

Many other small luxury SUVs have turned to diesel engines to deliver both performance and fuel economy, but there is no diesel option for the 2018 Range Rover Evoque. This is surprising because not only do other Land Rovers offer diesel engines, but so does the European version of the Evoque!

3. Expensive

The Range Rover Evoque is significantly more expensive than other subcompact luxury vehicles. It has a higher starting price that its competitors and when fully equipped can end up more expensive than many luxury mid-size or full-size SUVs.

How It Stacks up to the Competition

The subcompact luxury SUV is a relatively small class, and makes up the bulk of the competition for the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. This includes vehicles like the BMW X1 and the Infiniti QX30. The BMW X1 is cheaper than the Evoque but comes with fewer features, including lacking standard all-wheel drive. It feel a little more dynamic on the road, but trails the Evoque in off-road ability, making it less versatile overall. The Infiniti QX30 is the cheapest of the three, but falls behind in terms of interior comfort, thanks to subpar noise insulation and outdated infotainment.

Conclusion

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a car with dazzling looks that hide a very capable SUV. Beneath the flash and luxury, buyers will find a car that is technologically advanced and capable as both an everyday driver and an off-roader. Those who will see past the car’s small size and the high price tag will find a unique and amazing automobile in the new Evoque.