The 2022 Range Rover Evoque has a style stranglehold on its subcompact luxury SUV competitors, but its charms fall victim to practical downfalls such as its puny cargo area and snug rear-seat space. While the interior is well-tailored and nicely outfitted, several dimensionally smaller rivals offer roomier cabins with similar equipment. Two available turbocharged engines are available and all-wheel drive is standard, but the Evoque’s handling is less agile than SUVs such as the BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-class, and the Volvo XC40. However, those crossovers can feel a bit more like pumped-up hatchbacks than SUVs, and the Land Rover’s off-roading heritage trickles down to the Evoque in the form of a tall riding position and a substantial feeling that makes it undeniably an SUV.
A sporty-looking HST R-Dynamic trim joins the options sheet for 2022. The HST R-Dynamic also reintroduces the 296-hp P300 turbocharged four-cylinder engine back into the Evoque lineup. In addition to the more powerful powertrain, the HST R-Dynamic trim also includes unique glossy black 20-inch wheels, a black-painted roof, black exterior trim, and red brake calipers. All Evoque models now come with heated seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power-operated rear liftgate, and keyless entry as standard equipment. Ostuni Pearl White replaces Yulong White on the color palette.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- S: $45,750
- R-Dynamic S: $47,350
- SE: $50,550
- R-Dynamic
- SE: $52,150 R-Dynamic HST: $56,050
We’d go with the mid-range R-Dynamic SE model as it adds features such as a power liftgate, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, automatic high-beam headlamps with auto-leveling, and LED daytime running lights, and 20-inch wheels. We’d also fork over the extra cash for the Online Pack option package.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Evoque is powered by a 246-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder dubbed P250, and it comes standard with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. At our test track, the Evoque delivered a 7.1-second zero-to-60-mph run. Rivals such as the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40 delivered slightly quicker times, but the Land Rover is still competitively lively. The more powerful P300 powertrain is limited to the top-spec HST R-Dynamic. That engine makes a stout 296 horsepower and is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system; at our test track, the P300 managed a 6.6-second zero-to-60-mph time. On the road, there’s no mistaking the Evoque for a hatchback car as you can with the X1. It feels substantial, and the seat height is SUV-appropriate; it handles corners adequately but won’t satisfy enthusiast drivers like the BMW or Mercedes-Benz GLA class.
