New Range Rover Evoque & Lexus UX vs Volvo XC40
Our verdict
There haven’t been many tighter battles on these pages during What Car?’s 46-year history. The Evoque and XC40 are extremely closely matched, with the former racking up more points for infotainment functionality and refinement and the latter edging back into contention with a bigger boot and a stronger engine. Which you should choose depends largely on your priorities, but, in a photo finish, the new Evoque just clinches it. It’s a hugely impressive family SUV and the car it should have been from the very beginning.
The UX is far harder to recommend. Yes, it’s by far the most economical of our trio and works out the cheapest for company car drivers paying benefit-in-kind tax. But that’s largely because it doesn’t offer any of the SUV benefits of its rivals, namely a lofty driving position and a reasonable amount of room inside. Genuinely, a Volkswagen Polo is a more practical family car.
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1st – Range Rover Evoque - 5 stars
For Superb driving position; quietest cruiser; classy interior; slowest depreciation; best infotainment
Against Slowest; least economical; so-so boot space; standard driver’s seat unsupportive
Recommended options 14-way front seats (£690), Drive Pack (£1000)
Read our full Range Rover Evoque review
Find a great Range Rover Evoque deal
2nd – Volvo XC40 - 5 stars
For High-quality interior; biggest boot; best driving position; comfortable ride; most rear space
Against Mediocre infotainment; the most tyre roar and engine noise
Recommended options Convenience Pack (£650), smartphone integration (£300)
Read our full Volvo XC40 review
Find a great Volvo XC40 deal
3rd – Lexus UX - 2 stars
For Most frugal; cheapest company car; most standard luxuries; Lexus’s fantastic reliability
Against Unsettled ride; tiny boot; cramped in back; worst infotainment; least safety kit
Recommended options Metallic paint (£570)
Read our full Lexus UX review
Find a great Lexus UX deal
Specifications: Lexus UX 250h Premium Plus/Tech & Sound
- Engine size 4cyl, 1987cc, petrol plus electric motor
- List price £36,005
- Target Price £ 36,005
- Power 182bhp (combined)
- Torque 149lb ft (electric)
- Gearbox CVT automatic
- 0-60mph 8.6sec
- Top speed 110mph
- Gov't fuel economy 39.8mpg
- Test MPG 35.7mpg
- CO2 emissions 164g/km
Specifications: Range Rover Evoque D180 S
- Engine size 4cyl, 1999cc, diesel
- List price £39,015
- Target Price £39,015
- Power 178bhp @ 2400rpm
- Torque 317lb ft @ 1750-2500rpm
- Gearbox 9-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 9.5sec
- Top speed 127mph
- Gov't fuel economy 41.5mpg
- Test MPG 33.8mpg
- CO2 emissions 145g/km
Specifications: Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design PRo
- Engine size 4cyl, 1969cc, diesel
- List price £38,235
- Target Price £36,753
- Power 187bhp @ 4000rpm
- Torque 295lb ft @ 1750-2500rpm
- Gearbox 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 8.5sec
- Top speed 130mph
- Gov't fuel economy 43.5mpg
- Test MPG 37.3mph
- CO2 emissions 133g/km
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