Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - First Drive Off-Road

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Shopping for a 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque? MSRP: $41,145 - $44,145

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The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a compact, two- or four-door crossover vehicle aimed at urban-dwelling weekend-warrior types. While the Evoque’s competitive set is limited at this time—and limited to the likes of the Mini Countryman, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and (at least in design spirit) BMW X6—it will be joined by the BMW X1 in fall 2012, as well as the Subaru XV Crosstrek.

With the rugged-chic SUV aesthetic no longer quite as in style as it was a few years ago, and U.S. consumers worried a little more about fuel prices (and wanting a less ostentatious Land Rover, perhaps), the Evoque hits all the right buttons for those who admire the Land Rover cachet but don’t want a ‘big truck.’ Rather than many other crossovers, which start as SUVs to the eyes and become softer in the details and the drive, the Evoque’s look starts as a car and gets just a few rugged touches in its look. The roofline itself could be mistaken for that of a sports coupe, and its backward slope and blacked-out A-pillar make it especially distinctive from afar, but it’s the tall, rugged stance, really, that make the Evoque what it is. Not since the AMC Eagle has there been a vehicle that looks so carlike, yet so brawny.

Powering the Evoque is a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s a bit coarse in character but works well with the six-speed automatic transmission and altogether feels quick. With a version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response dial-a-mode all-wheel-drive system, as well as an excellent magnetically controlled suspension, the Evoque feels as much in its element on potholed city streets and curvy mountain roads as it does on a forest trail. Acceleration to 60 mph happens in just over seven seconds, with a top speed of 135 mph, and in its initial year the Evoque earned EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 28 highway.

Interior appointments for the Evoque are on the mark in every respect—warm and inviting, with a soft padded dash, earthy (Prestige models) or colorful (Dynamic models) tones and contrasting trims, and in general it feels more luxury coupe than off-roader. As of 2012, there are 12 interior colors, 12 exterior colors, three different contrasting roof themes, and five alloy wheel designs.

As a true compact model (it’s only 172 inches long), the Evoque shines in the city, with precise electric power steering and excellent maneuverability and parking ease. Yet the interior is large enough for four adults—even in coupes, although getting in and out is a little more daunting in that case. All versions are equipped for those who are accustomed to seamless connectivity, too, with Bluetooth, USB, and a touch-screen-based system all standard, with a great Meridian audio system and optional hard-drive nav system.

Land Rover has shown an Evoque Convertible Concept (at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show), although at our most recent update it hasn’t yet made any formal announcement about whether this model is headed to production.