New Range Rover Evoque & Lexus UX vs Volvo XC40
Infotainment systems
Lexus UX
At 7.0in, the UX’s screen is the smallest as well as the lowest in definition. Normally, we prefer a separate controller to a touchscreen, but the UX’s trackpad is even worse, because it’s so hard to direct the on-screen highlighter to the icon you want. The physical shortcut buttons around the armrest are useful for swapping menus, at least. Smartphone mirroring isn’t available, but the Tech & Sound Pack brings a first-rate 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Range Rover Evoque
The Evoque’s infotainment screen can be angled to suit, and while we’d prefer a rotary controller (like BMW’s iDrive) and simpler menus to make it less distracting to use, it’s slicker than the XC40’s system and has equally good graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, mimicking your smartphone across the entire screen. A wi-fi hotspot is standard, while 10 and 14-speaker Meridian stereos are available for £600 and £1200 respectively.
Volvo XC40
The XC40’s portrait-orientated 9.0in touchscreen swipes left and right like a tablet and is of high definition. However, its menus require some learning and its responses aren’t always as fluid as an iPad’s, while some of its smaller icons are hard to hit while you’re driving. Apple/Android smartphone mirroring is a £300 extra and covers only a portion of the screen when in use. You can upgrade the stereo to a punchy 13-speaker Harman Kardon system for £550.
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