The 2021 Ranger Rover Evoque is a stylish SUV boasting a fashionable exterior, first-class cabin, improved ride, and outstanding off-roading capability. However, it has a tight rear-passenger area, smaller-than-average cargo room, poor highway fuel economy, and underpowered engine compared to its rivals like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 T5.
Land Rover completely redesigned the Ranger Rover Evoque for the 2020 model year, so they didn’t change it much for the 2021 MY.
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What’s New for 2021
The 2021 Range Rover Evoque has replaced the old 10-inch InControl Touch Pro interface with the brand’s new Pivi Pro software interface. It is more user-friendly and modern, offering facilities like over-the-air updates capability. Moreover, the luxury subcompact SUV is available with a new Online Pack featuring a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Spotify integration. Other optional features include a new cabin filtration system and a rear collision monitor.
The automaker has also ditched the 296-hp P300 powertrain available for the R-Dynamic models. Therefore, the only option now is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 246 horsepower.
Variants and Trims
In contrast to the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, R-Dynamic, and First Edition, the 2021 Range Rover Evoque is only available in two variants: the Evoque and the R-Dynamic. The Evoque comes in S and SE trims, while the R-Dynamic is available in S, SE, and HSE flavors. No First Edition model for 2021.
Engine and Transmission
As revealed earlier, Land Rover has dropped the mild-hybrid powertrain available for R-Dynamic, so the sole option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill generating 246 horsepower. The engine mates to a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all the wheels. On a test drive, CarandDriver made a 0 to 60 mph run in 7.1 seconds. The luxury SUV has an EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This economy rating is the same as the previous model.
Performance
While it is not as agile as the Jaguar E-Pace, Volvo XC40, and BMW X1, the Evoque handles well on the turns and drives confidently while keeping the passengers comfy. Even though its on-road performance is excellent, it indeed shines when you take it off the road. Thanks to the availability of off-road tech like Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system, it can handle all types of off-road conditions. The Evoque can also tow up to 3,968 pounds when appropriately prepared.
Interior
One thing that Land Rover could have made better for the 2021 model was the cabin space. The new Evoque is still tight for rear passengers, especially compared to the X1 and XC40. The cargo space is also tight; it has 21.5 cubic feet of area at the back of the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with them folded down. A power liftgate and a gesture-based liftgate are optional, letting you open the liftgate by waving your foot under the bumper.
That said, the interior feel is premium thanks to the fashionable textured-cloth upholstery wrapping the seats, door panels, and dashboard. The standard amenities encompass dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and ambient interior lighting.
The standard facilities inside comprise a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen running Land Rover’s Pivi Pro interface, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a six-speaker stereo. The head-up display, a digital instrument cluster, a Meridian stereo, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a sunroof are some other perks that come with the Evoque.
Safety
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been able to test the 2021 Range Rover Evoque. However, you should be happy to know that the luxury SUV comes with a range of driver-assist features such as a rearview camera, a pre-collision warning, and braking system, front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and a driver condition monitor.
Those who can pay extra to feel safer on the road can opt for high-speed automatic braking, a surround-view parking camera, perpendicular and parallel park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, wading depth sensors, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and safe exit assist. The ClearSight Ground View and ClearSight Rear View are optional, as well. The ClearSight Ground View employs a front-mounted camera to practically look “through” the hood of the utility vehicle. On the other hand, the ClearSight Rear View gives you the rear view through the rearview mirror.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2021 Range Rover Evoque does not impress us in this department. If you really drive more than an average person and need more powertrain coverage, we suggest you buy the Lexus NX. For the Evoque, though, you can have:
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles.
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles.
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Price
The base 2021 Range Rover Evoque S starts at $44350, while the SE costs $49,050. Opting for the R-Dynamic S sets you back by $45,950. The most expensive of the range are R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE, available for $50,650 and $54,450, respectively.
If you ask us which one is the best, we vote for the mid-range R-Dynamic SE model. The reason is the standard amenities it has to offer. It comes equipped with a power liftgate, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, automatic high-beam headlamps with auto-leveling, LED daytime running lights, and 20-inch wheels. If you have the money, we also recommend you add the Online Pack package. See the latest leasing deals on a new Range Rover Evoque at Orangewheels.
Our Verdict
The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is an excellent off-roader that also gives you a comfortable and confident feeling on the road. Its eye-catching exterior, a posh cabin, and standard safety equipment make it a desirable luxury subcompact SUV. However, the below-average predicted reliability rating, less peppy powerplants, as well as less cargo space compared to its rivals, put a dent in its reputation. It is also a little on the pricier side than other similar subcompact luxury SUVs. That being said, it is one of the best off-roaders in the class featuring a high-end cabin with plenty of advanced tech facilities.
