2013 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque review

The 2013 Range Rover Evoque is quiet yet powerful.

DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY:
Why is it a vehicle can frustrate during one drive then charm during another? I look back at my notes on the Range Rover Evoque coupe we had in here a few months back and recall being decidedly unimpressed by the overall package. Yet this five-door Evoque was a delight in which to spend time; quiet and powerful with a gorgeous interior showing few of the warts I encountered in my original drive.

The weather couldn't have hurt: Spring is here and the glass roof splashed sunshine all over the creamy soft-touch leather interior. Light traffic meant I could stretch out the turbo four a bit on the freeway, and I found myself consistently surprised at my speeds -- the Evoque is one of those deceptively quick vehicles that gets moving faster than the aural and butt-dyno cues would suggest.

The interior of the 2013 Range Rover Evoque is functional and luxurious.

Otherwise, the little Land Rover is basically a fashion statement for the crossover set. That's not necessarily a bad thing, mind you; it's just that the sharply angled hatch reduces cargo space to the point where an equal-size sedan would probably offer more actual load capability. Of course, then it wouldn't be a 4WD Range Rover with all that off-roading ability that no one will use, but consumer demand is what it is. One can't fault Land Rover for maximizing its portfolio.

So, let's talk competitive set: BMW X1/3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK, primarily, and the Evoque compares nicely with either. For the family who already has a Range Rover in the garage, the Evoque makes a logical second vehicle. And, as an alternative for someone who wants a compact luxury SUV and isn't thrilled by the sterility of the German offerings, it could also make a compelling choice. At a price between $42k-56k, there's a lot to like.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL:
Yeah. What Stoy said.

I'm tempted to just leave that as my entire Evoque note entry. I too found the Evoque mostly a good drive: quiet, good power, nice low(ish) center of gravity.

And, yes, the interior is very nice. Attractive layout, good build quality, nice materials.

As for the exterior, I seem to be one of the few who actually thinks the coupe model looks cool, and I like this one, too. For a single person it'd be a cool thing to have, sort of like an all-weather and all-conditions hot hatch.

I like the engine's flexibility. In fact, I generally like turbo fours a lot. In this particular car there's some fun to be had. The six-speed automatic gearbox is slick. Handling is tight with nice, responsive steering that could use some more weight and plenty of grip for 90 percent of what one would do with it on the road.

The 2013 Range Rover Evoque has a base price of $41,995 and out tester topped off at $56,795.

Overall, this 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is not bad at all.

2013 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Base Price: $41,995

As-Tested Price: $56,795

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; AWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 240 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 251 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,680 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 20/28/23 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 20.7 mpg

Options: Prestige premium package including pure plus package content, 19-inch alloy wheels, exterior design package with noble chrome waist line, badging, grille, and tailgate strip, real wood accents, carpet floor mats, loadspace storage rails, power eight way drivers seat and six way passenger seat, premium leather seats, oxford leather dash panel, door tops and center counsel, body colored mirror caps, passive entry, surround camera system, HDD navigation, intuitive voice control, meridian sound system, 825 watt system, 17 speakers, xenon headlamps with afs, AHBA ($10,400); 20-inch alloy wheels with sparkle finish ($2,000); climate control package including heated front seats, windshield, steering wheel, and washer jets ($1,000); Sirius satellite radio and HD radio ($750); contrast black roof ($600)