Range Rover Evoque review

Perhaps the biggest reason to buy an Evoque (other than the way it looks, of course) is how well it’s likely to hold onto its value. Our depreciation experts expect it to be worth more than any of its rivals, including the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3, when you come to sell in three years’ time.

For private buyers, that prospect more than makes up for the fact that list prices are a little higher than on key rivals. It keeps the PCP finance rates extremely competitive and goes some way to offsetting the Evoque's relatively poor fuel economy – the petrols are especially thirsty. However, if you're a company car driver, the Evoque's fairly high CO2 emissions and list prices, compared with many of its rivals, will bump up your monthly tax bill.

The exception here is the plug-in hybrid P300e. It’s one of the pricier versions to buy, but company car users are rewarded with low CO2 emissions, giving it by far the lowest benefit-in-kind tax rating of the range, especially if you opt for a low trim level with small wheels.

Use our True MPG calculator and see what your car really does to the gallon

Every Evoque is well equipped, with 17in alloy wheels, climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, keyless start and heated front seats fitted even to the cheapest version.

Upgrade to S trim and you get larger (18in) alloys, along with leather seats and power-folding door mirrors. This trim is our pick for the best value-to-toys ratio.

SE trim is also worth considering, adding an electric tailgate, automatic high-beam assist for the headlights and a bird’s-eye view camera (see visibility section). You’ll probably still want to add front foglights and keyless entry, but doing so is cheaper than going for range-topping HSE trim. Likewise, avoid the R-Dynamic versions unless you're desperate for a sporty look.

This isn’t usually an area of strength for Land Rover. Indeed, the brand finished rock bottom (out of 31 manufacturers) in the 2020 What Car? Reliability Survey. 

The Evoque itself performed marginally better in the family SUV class, although fourth from bottom isn’t exactly a stellar performance. Let’s hope you don’t need to call on the three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty too often.

The Evoque earned the maximum five-star rating when it was crash tested by independent safety body Euro NCAP. True, it didn't score quite as highly as the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 for adult occupant crash protection, but it bettered the Q3 for child occupant protection. In other words, it's one of the top cars in the class for keeping you and your family safe in an accident.

There’s plenty of technology on hand to prevent you from having a crash in the first place, too, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and a system that alerts the driver if he or she is becoming tired. Blind spot monitoring is optional on most trims and standard on the range-topping HSE.

Two sets of Isofix child seat mounts, one on each outer rear seat, are included as standard on all versions. It’s just a shame there’s no option to add a third set on the front passenger seat.

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