Evoquative – Range Rover Evoque review
It’s hard to imagine the current Land Rover family without the Range Rover Evoque, writes Metropol’s motoring man Ben Selby.
The ‘baby’ variant of the fully fledged and iconic Range Rover has been immensely popular since its inception in 2011, by encompassing the same level of luxury and all-terrain tech but in a more compact and urban-friendly package.
Today the current Evoque still follows the same formula. Take the Evoque P250 Dynamic SE featured here for instance. Styling-wise, it’s still a handsome compact SUV. Its clean cut and minimalist lines encompass a refreshed front grill and rear LED light matrix. You might also notice the absence of the circular land rover emblem, instead having minimalist block lettering for the brand and model name.
At $121,400, the P250 Dynamic SE is part of a three-tier model lineup, one which it shares with the P250 Dynamic HSE and the P300e Plug In Hybrid. Found within that handsome nose is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with Mild Hybrid technology and mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 8.3L/100km (NEDC).
Inside the Evoque gets a cabin refresh. Centre stage is the new look 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is far superior in my eyes than the system before. This is largely down to Land Rover’s PIVI Pro system, which provides shortcuts for users to utilise 90 per cent of tasks such as media, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation and climate control from just two taps of the screen itself.
Other standard equipment includes wireless phone charging, USB C-Ports for front and rear passengers, heated front and rear seats, ambient lighting and adaptive cruise control. My test car had optional niceties fitted including a panoramic roof, privacy glass, 20-inch alloys and the exterior black pack for accents and badging. Also, one cannot find fault with the sublime Meridian sound system.
Get underway and the 2.0L turbocharged MHEV four pot offers a linear torque curve and a strong delivery of low-down power. Once the turbo and battery combo spools up and takes effect, which doesn’t take long at all, you are away laughing. Reach the national speed limit and it quietens down, resulting in the ability for occupants to have a decent conversation in hushed tones. The 9-speed automatic transmission is uber smooth the ride is both balanced and supple.
The big drawcard of any Range Rover product is seeing how it fares climbing mountains and fording streams. The Evoque’s Terrain Response 2 system with a plethora of off-road modes mean you are never not equipped to deal with the rough stuff. I was able to cycle through various 4X4i screens depicting wade depth, slope angle and descent control, of which, despite being more aimed at the urban jungle, is still a proper Range Rover when the going gets tough.
In summary, the latest Range Rover Evoque, whether parked in Merivale or visiting an alpine retreat is mighty impressive and worth a look.
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FACT FILE
2026 Range Rover Evoque P250 Dynamic SE
Price: $122,900
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged MHEV engine
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drivetrain: AWD
Power: 184kW
Combined Fuel Consumption: 8.3L/100km NEDC
Boot Space: 591L
