2025 Range Rover Evoque: How This Luxury Compact SUV Stays So Fresh and Young
When I first set eyes on the diminutive, demure 2025 Range Rover Evoque, the brand’s smallest entry-level SUV, I was skeptical. Could this entry level Range Rover deliver on the promises of the legendary brand with a $50K price tag? Is this the automotive version of a Gucci belt, pricey for what it is, but delivering less of the caché of a Marmont bag or Double G sandals destined to be worn in St. Barts?
Once inside, though, I realized two things: The Range Rover Evoque is designed to spoil you for all other SUVs, and yes, it delivers on the promise of caché. While it may not be powered by the larger engines that its bigger siblings carry, it’s off-road capable giving it, like the Range Rover Sport and the even larger Range Rover SUV, the split personality of elegance and ability.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Modern Luxury Is the Point, and the Passion, of the Range Rover Evoque
The simplicity of the Range Rover Evoque has long been what distinguishes it from the rest of the compact SUVs on the road. The sloping roofline, athletic posture and inside, a minimalist interior give it a distinct personality. This car is designed to be zen, to not take away from the view, but rather, frame it.
Since the Evoque was first introduced in 2010 it’s quietly been a style icon. And in the time since, even through revisions in 2018 and for last year’s model, it’s maintained its character, evolving while still looking familiar and elegant.
Everything You Need Is At Your Fingertips… Or Voice Prompt
Looking at the center console devoid of buttons, dials and controls may look alarming at first. All functions are either on the touch screen or steering wheel, a worrying detail for some.
Until you do this: Say “Hey Range Rover,” and an assistant is there to ask how she can help. The system won’t provide ‘cloud’ functions like settling a debate over a sports score, but it can handle most hard-wired functions like setting the cabin temperature or setting navigation instructions. I did find it took a while for me to get the system to work; I had to ask a few times at first but once I learned where to point my voice, it was great.
Read: 2022 Land Rover Range Rover: Royal Style in an Off-Road Package
It’s Small, But Not as Small as You May Think
The diminutive size of the Range Rover Evoque is a little deceiving: the 19″ wheels and short rear overhang give it a very sporty look. Inside, though, the rear seat is roomy, as is the cargo space.
Probably the biggest advantage to its smallish size is that the 4-cylinder twin turbo engine’s 246 HP is fine for accelerating onto the highway. All wheel drive is standard on the Dynamic SE model, too, so you have plenty of power to get through, or over, messy weather or roads.
A Redesigned Rear End Has a Modern Look, Too
It’s actually sort of surprising how little the look of the Range Rover Evoque appears to have changed—though I’m sure its designers would debate this. Its lines are smoothed out, its rear lights are extended and thinned out a bit; its logo is gloss black instead of chrome. But overall, it retains its character.
Evoque’s Cabin Is Bereft of Heft, Leaving a Wealth Of Light and Space
Driving around through Texas in the Range Rover Evoque left me feeling light and happy. The panoramic sunroof and leather seats with a light/dark effect worked to create a nice backdrop for my day; the palette didn’t fight anything I wore. Feeling like a pink blazer? Works. Feeling like sky blue is in order? That works too. Need to cozy up in a hoodie and Uggs? That’s comfy too.
The panoramic sunroof and leather seating are standard features, something I wondered when I first saw it. I wouldn’t have been surprised to see leatherette at this price point. But this is a Range Rover.
Rear Seats That Do the Job for Passengers
As a compact SUV this isn’t the most spacious rear seat, but I found it fine in terms of leg room and headroom. And, I measured for kids car seats; while it’s accommodating, it’s better for not-so-tall drivers. Families who want to use this as a daily driver for kiddos and dogs may find compromises are in order. But as a secondary car for the family? It’s a nice way to elevate an evening out.
Reasonable Cargo Space and Flexible Seating For All the Things
We rely on an SUV for hauling all the things: Strollers, luggage, Home Goods finds (I hate to pay for shipping if I don’t have to). The Range Rover’s 21 cubic feet of space is on the small side, but again, this is a compact SUV. But the seats fold for more than double the space; anyone who’s moving, camping or simply doing a lot of shopping will appreciate this.
Just Breath In the Zen… and the Leather
The muted tones of soft touch surfaces, leather seats and the rubbery/buttery soft composite on the gear selector is a delight to see and touch. The gear shifter begs to be held in your hand. The panel covering the cup holders and wireless phone charge pad also begs to be closed. Normally I just leave the cup holder open but this time I had to close it to create that soft, contiguous space on the center console. It was nice to be so in charge of the minimalism of the space.
A New(ish) Face That’ll Never Get Old
Never aging … isn’t that the ultimate luxury? That must be the idea behind the design evolution of the 2025 Evoque. Changes to the front, as with the rest of SUV, are minimal, a nip/tuck and small bursts of botox that keep it looking more like itself than ever. And fresh and energetic and underneath, even more capable and comfortable.
Our test model, the Dynamic SE, came with a few options: cold weather features, a head up display and a digital rear view mirror, adding $2,580 to the price for a total of $61,765. For a luxury compact SUV that will age gracefully but hardly look it, it’s a bargain.
More About:Car Reviews