Driven to Succeed
When it first launched, few anticipated the positive reception the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque would receive or the success it would go on to achieve. The smartly styled luxury crossover was a major departure from traditional Land Rover design, and while the Evoque was a gamble, it’s one that ultimately paid off for both Land Rover and consumers.
The 2018 model builds on that success. With the Evoque, drivers not only get a supremely confident luxury crossover SUV, but one that is stylish, filled with the very latest technologies, and unlike anything else on the market.
Performance
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It generates 237 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a smooth-shifting, nine-speed automatic transmission that comes standard with all-wheel drive. As with any luxury performance SUV worth its weight, the Evoque provides quick acceleration when called upon—0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds, plus a top speed of 137 mph.
Naturally, Land Rover models are famous for their ability to tackle terrain that other vehicles of any type (especially most luxury vehicles) wouldn't dare. As such, the 2018 Evoque comes with the Land Rover Terrain Response® system, which independently adjusts engine and transmission response in order to maximize power and performance regardless of road conditions.
When the pavement ends, the true fun begins. The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque excels in muddy conditions thanks to All-Terrain Progress control. This advanced technology functions at very low speeds and is designed to provide composed progress on low-grip surfaces. Simply put, it allows you to pull away smoothly and evenly, even on low-friction surfaces such as furrowed canyon roads and slippery hills.
Speaking of hills, the Evoque benefits from Hill Descent Control®, which is designed to help take the guesswork out of steep slopes by monitoring slip and braking automatically to maintain a steady speed.
In addition to all of that, the 2018 Evoque continues to impress with mileage that belies its crossover classification. With EPA estimates of 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway),* the Evoque proves with irrevocable evidence that its talents go beyond mere good looks by showcasing an engine with a modest thirst for fuel but an insatiable appetite for fun.
Features
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is available in four-door and two-door convertible models starting at $41,800.** The four-door model is available in SE, SE Premium, HSE, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, and Landmark Edition, while the liberating two-door Evoque convertible model is available in either the SE Dynamic or HSE Dynamic trims.
Key features found on the four-door SE model include 18-inch 5-split spoke "Style 506" alloy wheels with sparkle finish; 12-way grained leather seats with perforated mid-section; Land Rover InControl® Touch™ infotainment system with 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation; and Land Rover sound system with eight speakers and USB connectivity and InControl Apps™, which enables you to use a variety of supported smartphone apps on your Evoque's touchscreen simply by connecting your device to the InControl™ Apps USB port.
The Evoque SE Premium adds xenon headlights with LED lighting in addition to other welcome features such as a fixed panoramic glass roof with integrated power sun blind, headlight washers, fog lights, a hands-free power liftgate, and passive entry.
Next up is the four-door-exclusive HSE trim. It includes 19-inch 10-spoke "Style 103" alloy wheels with sparkle finish, Automatic High Beam Assist (AHBA), heated 12-way Oxford leather seats, configurable interior mood lighting, and a 380-watt Meridian™ 11-speaker sound system. The HSE also sports the latest Land Rover InControl Touch Pro™ infotainment system. It features a larger 10-inch touchscreen interface that supports swipe and pinch gestures, delivering the automaker's richest-ever infotainment experience.
The HSE also comes with a number of advanced driver-assistive technologies, including blind spot monitor with closing vehicle sensing and reverse traffic detection.
The HSE Dynamic adds adaptive dynamics (Dynamic Mode), perforated Oxford leather steering wheel, illuminated treadplates, textured aluminum trim finisher, and more.
New for 2018 is the uniquely-styled Landmark Edition, with exclusive interior and exterior design features that are sure to attract attention.
Finally, the top-of-the-line Autobiography comes with dynamic body styling with exclusive Autobiography additions, 14-way Oxford leather electric memory seats and Oxford leather steering wheel, a 17-speaker 825W Meridian™ digital surround sound audio system, full Oxford leather interior, and unique 20-inch 5-split spoke "Style 527" diamond-turned and light silver contrast-painted finish wheels.
Design
An eye-pleasing clamshell hood and pinched greenhouse are but two styling highlights for the 2018 Evoque. While the majority of the exterior carries over from the previous model year, potential owners will be more than pleased thanks to the vehicle’s forward-thinking design. With the same athletic stance and raked front end, the Evoque is the poster child for what a modern luxury crossover can and should be. And while discerning types will surely gravitate to the more practical four-door model, those more obsessed with form over function will happily retire to the two-door version.
In contrast to the space-age exterior is a more straightforward interior. As expected, material quality is of the highest caliber. Other details, like buttons and switches, have a quality feel, while seating is both comfortable and supportive. Despite its pinching roofline, passenger space is good with enough space to accommodate three passengers in the second row. Drivers concerned with cargo room need not worry as 51 cubic feet is on hand with the rear seats folded down.
Safety
Standard safety features on all 2018 Range Rover Evoque models include anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera also come standard.
Optional safety equipment includes the aforementioned blind-spot monitoring; a 360-degree parking camera; and an adaptive cruise control system that’s bundled with a frontal collision warning system, which is capable of applying the brakes when an imminent collision is detected.
Verdict
There is no ignoring the 2018 Evoque’s allure. It’s a model that exudes so much confidence that it instantly pulls you in with its unmatched style. But as we’ve pointed out, the Evoque is no one-trick pony. On top of its ground-breaking design, the Evoque doles out true-to-form Land Rover performance while returning excellent fuel economy and showcasing all the luxurious content you’ve come to expect from Land Rover.
Of course, you could take us at our word that the Range Rover Evoque is unlike any other luxury performance crossover available today, but you don't have to. For more information, or to schedule your own test drive, contact us online or visit Land Rover Cary at 1000 Auto Park Boulevard, CARY, NC 27511.
* EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.
** All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment.
Image Credit: Land Rover
