The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is Land Rovers first step into the next generation of vehicles. It’s a smaller, more efficient, more future-forward design that is packed with technology. It’s also packed with a $50,000 price tag…

Here’s the current Land Rover line-up: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, LR4 and LR2. In that order.

Drive: So this vehicle has one engine – a 2.0 liter turbo four. 240hp. Not a fan. I walked into this test drive at a disadvantage because I don’t like four cylinder engines on any vehicle. They have to work too hard and have too much torque. This drive was no different. It was quick, but, didn’t feel powerful. I felt like I was driving a Toyota.

In contrast, the Land Rover LR2 which has a 3.2 inline six felt more substantial and felt more powerful even though the horsepower if virtually the same. It’s clearly the difference between a four cylinder and a six.

The handling was average; The driving position wasn’t bad, but, nothing outstanding. The drive gets a D; Overall, I was not impressed…

Styling: With exception of a few standard design elements, it doesn’t really look like a Land Rover. That’s a good thing – it’s not big and bulky. I happen to like big, bulky and bus-like, but, there is something to be said about a more efficient use of design.

The interior is well appointed, as it should be and the controls appear to be laid out in a logical manner. They get a B on styling and design…

Amenities: So, this is where Land Rover expects to close the sale. The salesperson went right into all the bells & whistles, showing me how technologically advanced it is.
Whille that might be the right direction to go with the average buyer, I don’t care. If it doesn’t drive well, I’m out. But, for drivers who like that, everything is automatic. You can sync everything you own to the dash command center. They get an A+ for technology, which could be a good or bad thing… It’ll definitely lead to more distracted driving…

I was disappointed by the panoramic roof, though. It is a full sized glass insert in the roof, but, it doesn’t open. For those of us who are committed to sunroofs/moonroofs, one of the biggest benefits is the ability to get fresh air. Can we at least get it to vent? The panoramic roof in the LR2 which opens and vents is a better option.

Rating: I’m giving this vehicle a C-. A very average experience except for the price. It’s not worth $50,000; The LR2 at $35,000 is a better buy and a better drive. In fact, the two should switch positions in the line-up; I’d pay $50,000 for an LR2 before I’d pay it for an Evoque.

While I appreciate Land Rover’s attempt to be more efficient, they need to be more realistic. I’d reduce the level of technology in this vehicle, put it in the LR2 and switch their price tags. The Evoque can be a Land Rover, but, its not a Range Rover…