Buyer's Guide: All New 2019 Range Rover Evoque

We discuss the updated Evoque, and whether it’s worth paying more for on the used market.

During 2019, an updated Range Rover Evoque was launched to ensure it kept its crown in the competitive Small SUV market. With 217 awards under its belt, is the facelift worth paying extra on the used market? Read on as we cover the key changes on the 2019 Evoque, or watch our own Dan Wright as he talks through the changes on our HSE Dynamic currently in stock.

Does it look the part?

The facelifted Evoque clearly takes inspiration from its bigger brother, the Range Rover Velar. Whilst the outgoing Evoque still looks modern and edgy, the smallest of tweaks have given it a futuristic look, which we think looks great.

From the front, there’s a Velar-look grille, bumper and headlights. Meanwhile, there’s the expensive looking flush fitting door handles, which greet you upon unlocking the car, whilst the rear again mimics the Velar, finished with a more aggressive looking rear spoiler.

It’s worth noting that the Evoque is now 5-door only, with the convertible also discontinued.

What’s under the skin?

It may look familiar, but underneath the car has had major investment – a far stiffer construction has made it possible for the engineers to make the Evoque a better handling and riding car. This is thanks to revised suspension – with a Velar-derived rear – which uses increased aluminium to cut weight.

Driving the car, you’ll find sharper steering and road-holding. With the optional ‘Active Driveline’, there is advanced torque vectoring to help turn in even better, making it feel closer to a hot hatch than an SUV.

The raft of changes to the structure and components also results in significantly less road noise and engine noise, which is a bonus if you do a fair number of miles.

What’s the Evoque like inside?

Stepping inside, there are more reminders of the more expensive Velar to enjoy. Whilst it was already a nice car to be sat in, the trim feels very high quality and the Touch Pro Duo touchscreens which come on higher-spec models look and feel very high-end. With less buttons, the dash area looks cleaner, and undoubtedly more modern.

In the back, the longer wheelbase means more legroom for passengers – our reviewer is over 6ft and had no complaints regarding room. There’s also an optional new ‘ClearSight’ rear view mirror, which uses a camera on the roof to show a display screen for when your view is blocked by rear passengers or a full boot – neat!

Speaking of the boot, despite being largely the same car, you get more luggage space (591 litres, extending to 1,383 litres with the rear seats folded) than the outgoing Evoque. In fact, all over the car there are more areas to store items, so it is a more practical car overall.

So, there’s lots to like about the new Evoque, but of course you do have to pay for it. Whilst the trim levels are not like-for-like comparable with the introduction of the facelift, you can get a year older pre-facelift HSE Dynamic Lux for almost £9,000 less, despite having extra tech such as keyless entry, a gesture tailgate, and more powerful Meridian stereo.