The Range Rover Evoque has long been a popular choice in the premium compact SUV segment, particularly for those seeking a plug-in hybrid model. However, a significant mid-cycle refresh for the 2024 model year has left many questioning whether the Evoque still holds its former appeal. While it maintains its striking design and capable plug-in hybrid powertrain, the interior overhaul has, in the opinion of many, diminished its overall quality and usability.
A Comfortable Ride and Spacious Interior
Passengers in the front and rear will find the Evoque offers a comfortable driving experience. The seats provide excellent lumbar support and are well-cushioned, ideal for extended journeys. Legroom and headroom are generally passable for most, and access for child seats is easy. The boot offers a competitive amount of space, capable of handling even unusual cargo like 1,000 vinyl records. Inside, numerous cubby holes, including spacious ones in the center console, provide convenient storage.
Infotainment and Powertrain Performance
Range Rover’s latest infotainment system is generally pleasing to use, with customizable opening screens and intuitive controls. The only drawback, a common trend in modern vehicles, is the necessity to adjust the temperature via the touchscreen, which can be a distracting process while driving.
The plug-in hybrid version shines in electric mode, offering a quiet, relaxing, and effortless driving experience. The official electric range is 29 miles, though real-world performance often falls short, especially in colder temperatures. When running on petrol, the powertrain can feel somewhat gruff and underpowered, particularly at higher speeds. While the model can be rapidly charged via DC, the cost of rapid charging may offset the convenience.
The Interior: A Step Backwards
The second-generation Range Rover Evoque (L551) previously garnered high praise for its blend of luxury, technology, and refinement. The interior was particularly lauded for its well-considered combination of physical buttons and a touchscreen interface, along with a rich-feeling cabin and impressive noise isolation. However, the 2024 model-year update has dramatically altered this equation.
Land Rover’s efforts to create a “serene cabin” through minimalism have resulted in a significant reduction in quality and usability. The previous intuitive system, which combined physical controls with a touchscreen, has been replaced by a large, cheap-feeling slab of plastic and clumsily integrated touchscreen functions. The formerly tactile and appealing materials throughout the cabin have been downgraded – the premium Kvadrat fabric now incorporates synthetic leather that evokes cheaper alternatives and carries a noticeable chemical smell.
The revised interior also includes a number of other cost-cutting measures. The gear selector sits atop a large expanse of satin silver plastic that could have hosted additional storage trays, and the cupholders feel flimsy. The infotainment system, now overloaded with functions, feels sluggish and clunky, with small, hard-to-press buttons. Even a trim rattle and a flimsy plastic sunroof further contribute to the feeling of a cheapened interior.
Falling Behind the Competition
Previously, the Evoque’s plug-in hybrid powertrain felt especially well integrated, setting it apart from competitors. However, the Evoque’s electric range is now lagging behind rivals like the Toyota RAV4 PHEV and the BMW X1 PHEV, despite failing to squeeze additional miles from the battery pack.
While the Range Rover Evoque still boasts attractive styling and a smooth hybrid powertrain, the clumsy update has unexpectedly reduced it from class leader to just another crossover.
In essence, the 2024 Range Rover Evoque retains its appealing exterior and capable hybrid powertrain, but the controversial interior overhaul has diminished its overall value proposition. What was once a benchmark for premium compact SUVs now feels compromised, with a cheaper, less user-friendly interior that fails to live up to the Range Rover badge
