2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The dual-screen setup on the dashboard with an optional 12.3 digital gauge cluster enhances the contemporary look of the interior. It goes up against other subcompact luxury SUVs such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and the Mercedes Benz GLA.

The trim line-up of the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is quite simple. There are only 2 trims available; S and SE. The base S trim is priced at $43,300 which offers features such as a 10-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7-inch driver information display, satellite radio, and much more. The base trim is also quite loaded in terms of safety kit as it includes features such as automatic speed limiting, a surround-view parking camera system, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The range-topping SE trim costs $48,000 and adds features such as hands-free power liftgate, driver's seat memory settings, 10-inch infotainment touch screen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Its safety kit adds features like automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. Both the trims come powered by a 246 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

As there are only 2 trims on offer, Land Rover has added many optional packages. The Cold Climate Package costs $650 gets you features like a heated steering wheel, heated windshield, and heated washer jets. The Driver Assist package costs $1,950 and adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package costs $2,280 and gets you many feel-good features. 

It includes a head-up display, 10-inch touch screen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging. The Dynamic Handling package costs $1,080 which adds adaptive suspension, and red brake calipers. The Convenience package adds proximity keyless entry, a hands-free power liftgate, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and costs $2,010. Other optional standalone features include:

• Panoramic glass roof 
• Heated front seats 
• Heated front and rear seats
• Suede steering wheel 
• Heated steering wheel 
• Paddle shifters
• A 12-speaker Meridian stereo
• Ambient interior lighting
• Wi-Fi hotspot 

Which Trim should you buy?

The base S trim offers the most bang for your buck as it comes quite loaded with many essential as well as luxury features. For about $43,300, it gets features like a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation, Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system, Power-folding heated mirrors, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats. The optional standalone features list also makes it easy for you to include features that you might want from the higher trim.

With the 296-horsepower engine discontinued, the Range Rover Evoque now comes powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine. It is capable of churning out 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque which is lesser than its predecessor. The powertrain is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all the wheels. Even the R-Dynamic models get the same engine in the name of better fuel economy. 

The powertrain on offer is adequate to deal with the city traffic as well as get you out of the muddy situations. Its high torque figure ensures you get optimum performance even at crawling speeds. However, the top-end performance is nothing to talk about as it is slower than all its rivals in reaching 60 mph, thanks to all the extra weight. The towing capacity is adequate to tow a medium-sized trailer and remains at par with its rivals.

When it comes to performance, the BMW X1 comes out to the top, thanks to its compact size and lightweight chassis. The Audi Q3 generates the same amount of power and torque as the BMW X1, but due to its heavier weight, it lags behind most of its rivals. While the Rover Evoque might not beat its rivals in terms of zero to 60 MPH figures, Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system makes it the best off-roader in its segment.

How well does the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque handle?

Land Rover SUVs have always been on the heavier side and focused on taking you off the road. Thus, while the ride quality remains excellent, the handling suffers due to the high ground clearance and an imprecise steering setup. The maximum ground clearance of 8.3 inches enables it to take you off the road without much fuss. 

However, while taking on a sharp corner, it also adds to the body roll. In isolation, the Evoque feels like a well-balanced SUV if you do not try to push its limits. The suspension is set up to take even the worst of roads in its stride and keep you away from the aftershocks. It is no corner craver but can take you through roads most of the rivals will have a problem crossing.

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Braking Performance

Being a heavier vehicle in its segment, the Evoque requires bigger brake rotors. Thus, Land Rover has given it exactly that as it offers the beefiest brakes in its class. Unfortunately, its stopping distance is still more than all its rivals. The brake pedal sends good feedback to the driver with the brake bite being quite predictable. Opting for the adaptive suspension reduces the amount of nose dive experienced under hard braking. The all-Season tires fitted to the SUV provide good grip and do not beg for an upgrade. 

As can be seen from the data above, the Range Rover Evoque is the heaviest car in the segment. This translates into a longer stopping distance. The Mercedes Benz GLA offers the best braking prowess which can also be attributed to its lighter curb weight. The Audi Q3 and the Range Rover Evoque cover the longest distance in order to come to a halt from 60 mph.

The Range Rover Evoque fails to address its issue of low fuel efficiency even with the 2021 iteration. While the more powerful engine is no more available, the current turbocharged unit remains a gas guzzler. What is to be blamed is the heavy curb weight and the all-drive system that adds stress to the engine. With an EPA rating of 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG, combined, the Evoque is not a very pocket-friendly SUV. 

In order to compensate for the low fuel economy, Land Rover has given the Evoque a 17.7-gallon fuel tank, which is the biggest in its class. Still, its overall combined range of 389.4 miles is the lowest here. This means that you would have to stop refueling its tank more often than average. Due to its excellent fuel economy and large tank, the Mercedes Benz GLA offers the best-combined range of 459.2 miles.

When it comes to the interior, the 2021 Range Rover Evoque is undeniably luxurious. The materials used on the inside feel premium and every touchpoint is draped in soft-touch leather. With the dual-screen setup dominating the dashboard, the cabin feels contemporary and tech-focused. The dashboard design hides its rugged underpinnings quite well with a handsome design and real wood or aluminum inserts. Due to the high ground clearance, the driver gets a good view of the road ahead and the overall visibility remains excellent. 

In addition to the compliant ride quality what adds to the overall comfort are the seats that offer excellent cushioning and support. Where the interior lacks is in terms of space. The rear seats feel cramped and seating three people at the rear is not a wise idea. Thus, while the Evoque feels properly luxurious, it lacks a sense of space on the inside. The optional panoramic sunroof does help in feeling less claustrophobic on the inside. 

In terms of cargo capacity, the Range Rover Evoque is almost at par with its rivals. Its cargo area is enough to hold up to six carry-on suitcases. The loading lip is also not very high with the power liftgate adding to the convenience of loading and unloading your luggage. In comparison, the Mercedes Benz GLA offers the best in class space along with an upscale cabin. Even with its compact dimensions, the 2021 BMW X1 provides the biggest cargo capacity in its class. Key Interior features include:

• Two-zone Climate Control
• Push Button Start
• Heated Rear Window with Timer
• Ebony grained leather seats with Ebony/Ebony interior
• 12-way electric front seats with 2-way manual headrests
• 40:20:40 folding rear seats with center armrest
• Multifunction Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Digital Driver Display with Analog Dials
• Available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Panoramic Sunroof

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque gets the new 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with the Pivi Pro interface. Land Rover has addressed the issues of its outdated infotainment system. The new unit feels much more user-friendly and we did not experience any lag during our usage.

It now gets in-built navigation along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as standard. Optional features include Wi-Fi Hotspot, Head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, and a Meridian premium audio system. Key Infotainment features include:

• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Integration
• 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• In-built navigation
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Available Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Available Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Available 14-speaker Meridian stereo

The 2021 Range Rover Evoque cannot be mistaken for a hatchback unlike some of its rivals like the BMW X1. It gets an imposing and bold-looking profile that stands out in its segment. The beautifully crafted sleek headlamps at the front depict its tech-focused nature. From the side, the low wedge stance gives it a sporty appearance. 

Even while it shares a lot with the Discovery Sport, it looks nothing like it with its more aggressive approach. Its looks are more like the Velar with its pop-out door handles and a honeycomb grille. Overall, the new Evoque is an SUV that makes a fashion statement while being very much capable of getting its clothes very dirty.

In comparison, the Mercedes Benz GLA has the longest wheelbase but is still one of the shortest SUVs in its class. The Range Rover Evoque leaves the widest footprint on the road with its imposing stance. However, if you want the best road presence, the Audi Q3 might be the best bet as it is the longest SUV here. The BMW X1 is the least impressive when it comes to looks. Exterior features include:

• 20" Alloy Wheels
• Automatic Headlights
• LED Tail Lights with Fog Lights
• Heated and Powered Side Mirrors
• Flush Exterior Door Handles
• Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
• Front and Rear Recovery Eyes
• Atlas RANGE ROVER Hood and Tailgate Script
• Atlas Grille with Gloss Black Surround and Side Vents
• Satin Black Front Bumper with Silver Valance
• Dark Techno Rear Bumper with Silver Valance

The new Evoque comes with a host of active and passive safety features. It has been developed on the PTA (Premium Transverse Architecture) which is an enhancement of the previous D8 Platform. Along with a safe platform, it adds innovative safety features such as the Clearsight Interior Rearview Mirror that shows you a live feed from the camera installed on the boot lid. 

As standard it also gets thorax airbags along with the driver, passenger, side curtain airbags. It is yet to be tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key Safety Features include:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view camera system
• Active lane control
• Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vs 2021 BMW X1

The BMW X1 offers the best in class performance with precise handling. This means that it is much better in terms of dynamics and is much more fun-to-drive than the Range Rover Evoque. It also scores higher in terms of fuel efficiency, thanks to its lighter weight. The Evoque on the other hand looks much more attractive and can take you to places the X1 cannot even if equipped with an AWD.

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vs 2021 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 and the Range Rover Evoque have a lot in common in terms of dimensions and weight. Both rank at the bottom in terms of fuel efficiency as well. The Q3 with its cheaper price tag of $36,000 redeems itself in terms of value for money. However, the Evoque feels like a more substantial SUV with its better off-road capabilities and a much nicer cabin.

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vs 2021 Mercedes Benz GLA

The Mercedes Benz GLA strikes a good balance between fuel economy and performance. It is the most fuel-efficient crossover SUV in this comparison which means it is also more pocket-friendly. With its cheaper price tag, it also offers more bang for your buck. In terms of the interior too, it scores high with its better rear-seat space. However, it cannot match the Evoque in terms of looks and off-road abilities. 

It is clear that the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a luxurious subcompact crossover that is quite off-road friendly. However, there are not many consumers that would take this baby Rover off the beaten path. Its rivals such as the BMW X1 or even the Mercedes Benz GLA offer more performance, better fuel efficiency, and value for your money. The Evoque continues to stand out with its striking looks and off-road capabilities. Thus, if you can want a compact and upscale SUV without caring much about the fuel efficiency and snug interior space, the Evoque shall be your choice.