Car Review: Evoque has look of a big Range Rover without the price and size

The 2025 Range Rover Evoque is a good cruiser, providing a quiet cabin on the highway. (WTOP/Mike Parris)

Luxury SUVs are a staple for Range Rover, and now their smallest ride, the 2025 Evoque, was refreshed last year to better fit the Range Rover image.

The new front-end styling is borrowed from the larger Range Rover Velar, one of the best-looking SUVs on the market. The self-leveling LED lighting and the dynamic detailing gives this Range Rover curb appeal. The blacked-out trim pieces and wheels give the exterior a decidedly upscale look. The Arroios Grey paint is a unique color that plays very nicely with the optional black roof.

I wish it had power to match its looks, but the Range Rover Evoque now only packs 246 horsepower, not the 296 horsepower you can get in Range Rover Evoque models of the past. That’s a shame, because the Evoque is fun to drive.

It’s a good cruiser as well, providing a quiet cabin on the highway. The smaller size is also good in town and it’s easy to maneuver and park in tight places.

While most of the luxury small crossovers and SUVs couldn’t be bothered to venture off-road, this Evoque won’t complain when the paved road runs out with an easy-to-use terrain response system to adapt to the situation.

Least pricey of the brand, the Evoque doesn’t skimp on the interior quality. The grained leather seating surface is handsome and the cabin is big on luxury. The materials are pleasing to look at and feel nice to the touch. The latest version of the Evoque is an exceptionally clean looking design with no clutter. Other than a shifter and large touchscreen, the Evoque doesn’t have knobs or buttons to disturb the clean look.

Cost: $54,900; as tested $61,615
MPG: 20 mpg city and 27mpg highway; I managed 24.1 mpg in 472 miles of mixed driving
Safety: In-Control Protect; emergency braking with assist; traffic sign recognition & adaptive speed limiter; lane-keep assist; driver condition monitor; Park Pack; head-up display; Drive Pack
Options: $980 cold climate package; $1,400 technology package; $950 Arroios Grey; $800 black contrast roof; $560 black interior protection & storage pack; $450 Meridian surround sound system; $350 Wi-Fi enabled; $75 Emergency pack; $65 Range Rover handover pack
Things to know: The 2025 Range Rover Evoque benefits from an updated look and a better touchscreen for easier, less distracted driving.

Pros:

  • Redesigned exterior shares more style with other Range Rover models
  • A better responding and updated touchscreen
  • Packed with technology and safety equipment

Cons:

  • Back seat space is less than other small luxury crossovers
  • Small rear cargo area
  • Feels low on power with just 246hp

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up