2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Performance

The 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has nimble handling and ample engine power, reviewers write. They say that its off-roading capability is the best among compact luxury SUVs.

• "Evoque is tops among gasoline-fueled small luxury crossovers. It's also rather enjoyable to drive, particularly if you value sporty handling and a fair bit of off-road capability." -- Edmunds
• "I've driven a BMW X6M, which is about as sporty as SUVs get. The Evoque doesn't make you feel like you can pound the road into oblivion with massive grip like the BMW does, but the Evoque also doesn't feel detached or scary when pushed, either." -- Jalopnik (2013)
• "Think WRX with Outback ground clearance, drop-dead body, and chic interior, and you get the picture. For a vehicle that is so competent off-road, its on-road prowess is truly impressive." -- Motor Trend (2012)
• "Think of the Evoque as the product of a marriage between a European sports hatchback such as the Mini Cooper and a compact sports utility such as the BMW X1. It's a great ride, with positive handling, well-controlled body roll and terrific steering." -- Popular Mechanics (2012)

Acceleration and Power

The Range Rover Evoque is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission, new for the 2014 model year, is standard. The Evoque earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 21/30 mpg city/highway, which is good for the class.

Reviewers say that the Evoque accelerates quickly from a stop and has ample power to maintain freeway speeds. They add that the new nine-speed transmission helps the Evoque return good fuel economy.

• "… the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces plenty of power for quick acceleration, or relaxed cruising." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The power produced by the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is impressive. Even with light application of the accelerator pedal, the Evoque eagerly rockets forward in a relentless show of horsepower and torque." -- AutoTrader
• "Although the 240-hp 2.0-liter engine is not especially powerful, quiet or refined by luxury crossover standards, it is quite fuel-efficient, especially when paired with the new nine-speed automatic transmission in the 2014 Range Rover Evoque." -- Edmunds
• "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." -- AutoWeek (2013)

Handling and Braking

Auto journalists write that the Range Rover Evoque has a rather firm ride, but that it is still comfortable overall. They say that it has nimble handling, with well-weighted steering and good body composure when going through turns. Others add that the Evoque's small size makes it easy to maneuver.

• "Drivers familiar with the driving characteristics of other Land Rovers will find the Evoque atypical. It's noticeably stiffer over bumps and through the corners than one might expect. But the suspension and chassis aren't overly rigid, just taut enough to allow the Evoque to handle with firm precision." -- AutoTrader
• "Over the road, the Evoque feels polished and sophisticated yet sporty and maneuverable. The body doesn't lean or bounce around too much, the steering feels right. …" -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Handling is a strong suit for the Evoque, as it feels composed and steady going around turns, while its light-effort steering is impressively precise." -- Edmunds
• "It's comfortable, if a little firm. Slow down a bit and it conquers potholes and cobblestones, speed up and it takes expansion joints with only a light clunk." -- Jalopnik (2013)
• "You forget how small it is until you toss it about, turn a tight circle or park it." -- Cars.com (2012)

Off-Roading

The 2014 Range Rover Evoque is equipped with automatically engaging all-wheel drive and Land Rover's Terrain Response System that lets the driver choose modes for different types of terrain, including snow, mud and ruts, sand and rock. It is capable of fording through 19.7 inches of water. According to test drivers, the Evoque lacks the off-road prowess of the Land Rover Range Rover, but most agree that it is far more capable off-road than most of its compact SUV rivals. They say it easily tackles muddy roads and hills and can easily climb over rocks and through ruts.

• "Don't expect to follow an original Range Rover down a trail, but know that the pretty Evoque is capable of tackling some rough terrain, thanks to its various electronic aids." -- Edmunds
• "When the pavement ends, the Evoque impressively handles muddy, rutted back roads and slippery hills, ably getting power to the ground and absorbing impacts from the surface." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "It really is a no-brainer type of off-road vehicle. Turn the Terrain Response knob to the proper setting, set the hill descent control and simply point the Evoque at an obstacle. Its capabilities far surpass what its expected buyers will ever use it for." -- Road and Track (2012)
• "The Evoque handily overcame boulders the size of watermelons and divots that could hold more gunk than a wheelbarrow." -- Motor Trend (2012)