2024 JLR Range Rover Evoque: Refreshed and More Connected
| Strong points |
|
|---|---|
| Weak points |
|
Paris, France—Five years into its second generation, the Range Rover Evoque gets a mid-cycle refresh that includes revised styling and new tech content addressing one of its top shortcomings.
We recently headed to France to take the 2024 Range Rover Evoque for a spin, and before we share our driving impressions, we need to tell you that pricing ranges from $62,350-$67,300—a substantial increase from the outgoing model.
- Also: Jaguar Land Rover to Become JLR and Have Four Distinct Sub-Brands
- Also: 2024 Range Rover Sport SV is JLR’s Most Potent SUV Ever
Unlike other Range Rovers, the Evoque boasts a compact, city-friendly size, which is part of the reason why it enjoyed success following its initial launch. Instead of reinventing the wheel, JLR designers gave the Evoque minor cosmetic changes for 2024, starting with a new horizontal mesh grille and redesigned headlights and taillights. Other design cues like the floating roof and flush-mounted door handles are still part of the package. New body colours are available including Tribeca Blue (with bronze accents) and Corinthian Bronze.
Moving inside, you’ll find several new features borrowed from the Evoque’s siblings. One is the stubby gear selector on the button- and dial-free centre console. Arguably the main highlight of the cabin is the new 11.4-inch curved touchscreen that appears to float above the dashboard.
The display is powered by the company’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, which benefits from over-the-air updates and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with Amazon Alexa. On each side of the screen are controls for the HVAC system and stereo. The new layout makes room for a storage bin with a wireless smartphone charger.
No More Physical Controls
The elimination of physical controls in the Range Rover Evoque is something that drivers will have to get used to. Because every vehicle function now goes through the touchscreen, you have to take your eyes off the road in order to navigate from one menu to another and find what you want. Sure, everyone loves a clean-looking HMI, but that’s not really making the driver’s job any easier.
Even the drive mode selector is gone, forcing you to stick with the touchscreen’s off-road display in order to switch between the various modes. Again, we understand that designers went for a reductive approach, but it all comes at the expense of ergonomics.
For 2024, customers can select new Kvadrat for the interior, which is a wool-like textile serving as a leather alternative. With natural light filling the cabin through the panoramic roof, the Range Rover Evoque offers a cozy environment that front-seat occupants will appreciate. Those sitting in the rear still need to deal with limited space.
One Engine Only
The North American lineup has been simplified resulting in all 2024 Range Rover Evoque models now using a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine rated at 246 horsepower. The P250 mill isn’t the best when quick passing manoeuvres are required. For those situations, we miss the old P300 variant that delivered an extra 50 horsepower.
The nine-speed automatic transmission does a fine job overall, keeping engine revs at a reasonable level and thus maximizing fuel economy. In reality, our tester in France achieved a disappointing 10.5 L/100 km in a mix of city and highway driving. For sure, it proved really smooth and quiet most of the time, but not so much at higher revs. As for handling, let’s just say the Range Rover Evoque puts ride quality above agility.
Forget About a Plug-in Hybrid
In select markets, JLR offers a plug-in hybrid variant called P300e that combines a three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total of 309 horsepower. The 14.9kWh high-voltage battery that feeds the latter enables about 50 km of zero-emission range and can be plugged into a level 2 AC charger or level 3 DC charger. Unfortunately, the company has no immediate plans to bring it to Canada. Maybe that will change in the future due to more stringent environmental standards, so stay tuned.
Ultimately, the 2024 Range Rover Evoque emphasizes styling and connectivity as an evolution of the British luxury crossover. It won’t become a serious threat to the top guns in the segment until JLR adds a PHEV or full EV variant—and fixes its reliability issues, too.
