2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: 6 Pros and 4 Cons

Land Rover has put the Range Rover Evoque compact SUV on a redesigned platform for 2020. Though it seems relatively unchanged from the previous generation on the outside, the Evoque is bringing sleek design, updated tech and off-road chops to the luxury table.

Related: 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Review: Form Over Function

The 2020 Evoque has the space of a subcompact SUV but rivals the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 in terms of price, though these are larger compact SUVs. What it lacks in interior space, it makes up for in styling, which really lets it stand out from the rest. Also new on this second-generation Evoque is an optional 48-volt mild-hybrid system that improves fuel economy figures.

For an extensive look at the Evoque, check out Cars.com editor Fred Meier’s full review via the related link above. But if you just want the short version, here’s our list of pros and cons for the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque:

Things We Like

1. Minimalist Design

The redesigned Evoque looks a lot like the Range Rover Velar — but in a good way. The exterior features clean lines, and less trim and cladding add to the sleekness. The head and taillights are thin and modern, and even the door handles are flush to the doors so as to not break up the look.

2. Luxurious Interior

The minimalism continues in the cabin, which centers around a pared-down dashboard. Quality materials run from the front seat to the back, with a choice of supple leather, recycled plastic Eucalyptus Textile or a wool blend. The optional fixed or sliding panoramic moonroof adds light and a roomier feel.

3. Nimble Handling

The city-sized Evoque handles quite well. Steering is quick and precise, and cornering is aided by the standard all-wheel drive’s selective braking feature. You’ll also probably want the optional adaptive suspension.

4. Upgraded Tech

Adding to the modern aesthetic is the Evoque’s upgraded technology. One standout feature is ClearSight Ground View, which uses a front-facing camera to display what is in front of and under the SUV. (The rearview mirror is also camera-based.) The latest InControl Touch Pro Duo multimedia system is a set of two touchscreens stacked on top of each other. The system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. It also includes a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument and information panel. But the tech’s not just up front; convenient built-in device holders on the seatbacks have USB power.

5. Standard Safety

The Evoque has a bevy of standard safety and driver assistance tech that you expect in a luxury SUV, like forward collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist (though without lane-centering steering) and a driver attention monitor. Available safety features include high-speed automatic braking, oncoming traffic door exit alert and adaptive cruise control that works down to a stop.

6. Off-Road Capability

You might not be planning to take your Evoque off-road, but you could.  In addition to the aforementioned ClearSight Ground View that can help with visibility over hills, the 8.3-inch ground clearance coupled with short front and rear overhangs aid approach and departure angles. Hill descent control and ascent hill-hold are also helpful features. The standard AWD has Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system, which has five selectable driving modes or an Auto mode that chooses for you based on the conditions. 

More From Cars.com:

• Shopping for a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque? Find One Here
• Find a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque for Sale Near You,  Now
• 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Stylish, Perhaps Too Much
• Redesigned 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Evokes Velar
• Redesigned 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Keeps Pricing Competitive

Things We Don’t

1. Unpolished Powertrain

Under the Evoque’s hood is a standard 246-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is mated to a nine-speed ZF automatic transmission. While it puts out a good amount of power, the powertrain’s behavior is disappointing. Acceleration is touchy and incredibly laggy; toe the gas and nothing will happen at first, then give it a bit more and it’ll lurch forward. For an SUV marketed as “city-sized,” that doesn’t make for easy city driving. The automatic stop-start system doesn’t work as well as it should, either, and is slow to turn back on when you need it to. The transmission is indecisive, taking a second too long to kick down during acceleration and then often changing gear again shortly after.

2. Not Enough Knobs

While all the new tech seems great on paper, it’s not as functional as you’d hope. For one, minimalist design means minimal buttons and control knobs, so most features have to be accessed via the InControl Touch Pro Duo system. That system is pretty unintuitive despite a clean look. The fonts can be difficult to read, and even simple tasks require clicking through multiple screens to find what you need. When you finally do locate an option, it often lags between when you click and when it starts working.

3. Lacks Cargo Space

While cargo space is enough for a short trip or medium-sized grocery run, the 21.5 cubic feet of room behind the backseat is small for this class of SUVs. As a comparison, the BMW X3, a competitor, has nearly 29 cubic feet of cargo room.

4. Obstructed Visibility

A small rear window and large rear pillars really limit visibility behind this SUV, which makes the video rearview mirror almost a requirement to see anything behind you.

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