Land Rover Evoque more at home in urban climes


Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 5, 2024) The 2024 Range Rover Evoque is the “little brother” in the Land Rover fleet and shares its siblings’ off-roading capabilities, but its smaller size, numerous features, and sporty styling make it more appropriate for urban environments. Perhaps a clue to what makes the Evoque a bit different is that at one point in the Evoque’s early years former singer-turned-fashion-designer Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) — working with renowned Land Rover designer Gerry McGovern — was commissioned to lend her touch to a Special Edition Range Rover Evoque.


Not that the Evoque is all about style over substance. Not at all since the 2024 Range Rover Evoque still comes with all-wheel drive and the company’s All-Terrain Response 2T and All-Terrain Progress Control systems for off-pavement ventures that fall short of the Rubicon Trail.

It’s just that its appeal is likely to find favor with those whose most challenging off-roading experience may be when their wheels touch a gravel driveway.

The 2024 Range Rover Evoque remains part of the vehicle’s second generation introduced in 2020, but a significant refreshing cut the number of trims down to two from the five that filled out the Evoque’s 2023 lineup.

The S is the base trim with Dynamic SE, which this review is based on, serving as an alternate. A 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 246 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque powers both trims and is linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel efficiency is listed as 20 miles-per-gallon city, 27 highway, and 22 combined using premium fuel.



The two trims are very similarly equipped and option packages such as Technology, Comfort, Dynamic Handling, and Cold Climate packs are available on both trims. Standard features include LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats and steering wheel, a new 11.4-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Safety systems include Lane-keeping and Blind Spot Assist and a nifty surround-view camera system that injects a picture of your entire vehicle onto the screen.

In addition to cutting down on the trim levels, the refreshing for the 2024 Range Rover Evoque includes a redesigned center console. Leather upholstery is standard, but you may find the rear legroom room (33.8 inches) is on the tight side.



Considering that the main difference between the two models are cosmetic options on the Dynamic S trim that give it a somewhat sportier appearance, the base S trim may offer the best deal. Its starting MSRP is $51,075 (including destination and delivery charge).

My test 2024 Range Rover Evoque started at $56,075 and optional extras like Dynamic Handling, Cold, and Tech packages plus the special blue shade exterior and 20-inch wheels (replacing the standard 19s) ran the final total to $62,930.

What I liked about the 2024 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE: This may be the smoothest riding SUV I have ever been in. With its quiet cabin, it kind of glides along. Engine response is good. Getting in and out of the a Evoque is a snap. The simplistic interior design exudes class.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE: I thought only the Germans could complicate operating of infotainment systems but the Brits have matched them. Land Rover claims two touches are all that is needed to operate the features, but many basic functions are hidden behind a myriad of touchscreen interfaces, and it’s good luck figuring out where they might be. Overall, it can be very distracting to make adjustments. There are no knobs to help even to adjust A/C blower speed or audio volume.

Would I buy the 2024 Range RoRaver Evoque Dynamic SE? Yes. It’s a bit pricier than its competitors but still worth a look. There’s just a certain feel behind the wheel of a Land Rover model that is special, like you are driving a piece of history.