Range Rover Velar vs. Range Rover Evoque: which is better?
It's not easy to choose a Range Rover, given the wide range of options. Our comparison review will guide you in the right direction
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Sitting at the top of the small premium SUV market are the Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque. These two Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) products offer something very different to most other cars in their class and to their larger siblings.
That thing is a small body and an incredible interior – something that very few other carmakers have mastered.
But which Range Rover is better for you?
Styling
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Despite sharing so many parts with one another, the Velar and Evoque are vastly different on the outside.
The Velar has a sleek and modern design, and since it launched in 2017 it has always been the pick of the bunch for fashionistas who read Vogue and wear intricate and elaborate berets. It doesn’t directly rival the smaller Evoque, but more the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE – but it’s often confusing when trying to decide which is better suited to you.
Speaking of the Evoque, this also has a sleeker design in its most recent form, which is a change from the blockier designs of yesteryear. Its overall look hasn’t changed much over the years, but why fix something that isn’t broken?
What are they like to drive?
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When it comes to driving, both cars are exceptional on the road and off it – but we doubt that many Range Rover drivers these days actually take their cars off the road.
When it comes to driving, all Velar models are available with either petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engines, all of which are smooth and very capable for all types of driving.
Whether you’re out to tackle a twisty country B-road or spend the day driving up and down Britain’s motorway network, we’re confident that the Velar will handle anything with ease. It’s also excellent around cities – especially in the PHEV’s electric mode.
But if it’s a city-orientated SUV you’re after, a used Range Rover Evoque is the one to have. Sure, it’ll tackle an off-road course as easily as a kid inhales a chocolate egg over Easter, but it will also wow you around town.
It has compact dimensions that make it easy to drive in and around town as well as simple to park. The narrow glass area to the rear does mean you’ll have to rely on the parking sensors, but if your car has them, you’re more likely to rely on them anyway.
Interior and technology
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Inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you’re greeted with in both cars. Land Rover knows how to make a high-quality interior, and this is reflected across the range.
Entry-level Velar models come with three screens as standard, but we think most customers bought mid- to upper-range cars when new, so used models will likely have even more tech.
It has all the usual bells and whistles you’d expect to find inside a luxury SUV, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which many buyers consider a must-have feature.
The Evoque is the same, with all models coming equipped with leather seats, climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
As you move up the range, you get better LED headlights, automatic lights and wipers and a reversing camera.
Bootspace and practicality
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If there’s one thing these two cars aren’t short of, it’s space, and that's because of the bloodline of cars they’re related to. The Velar’s boot measures in at 632 litres and can be extended to 1,690 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. This is plenty for a large food shop or a few suitcases ahead of a long holiday.
The Evoque is the same, despite being a smaller car. Its boot is 591 litres in size, which makes it perfect for shopping or a trip to the airport.
Both cars have plenty of storage solutions throughout the cabin and lots of space for up to five people – they are SUVs, after all.
Read our in-depth car reviews:
Safety and reliability
Range Rovers have had their fair share of reliability troubles over the years, leading many buyers to feel concerned about purchasing one. However, thanks to the Velar and Evoque’s tried-and-tested parts found in other models, they're now much more reliable.
The same goes for safety. Both models passed their most recent Euro NCAP crash tests with flying colours thanks to their advanced safety features and impressive all-around bulk that keeps their occupants safer.
Dimensions:
Range Rover Velar
Length: 4797mm
Width: 1950mm
Height: 1685mm
Boot space: 632 litres
Range Rover Evoque
Length: 4371mm
Width: 1904mm
Height: 1649mm
Boot space: 591 litres
Verdict: Range Rover Velar vs Range Rover Evoque: which should you buy?
Choosing the perfect used Range Rover can be quite a tricky task as there are so many choices on offer. It’s a bit like deciding which phone plan to switch to or what flavour crisps to add to your meal deal – just much more expensive.
But maybe our quick verdict can help.
We’d recommend opting for a used Velar if you’re a stylish person who wants an SUV that can do it all. From city driving to motorway journeys, there isn’t anything the Velar can’t do while looking good. It’s also incredibly comfortable inside and is a great way to get into Range Rover ownership without forking out loads for the larger Range Rover Sport and full-size Range Rover models.
However, if you’re coming from a smaller car or simply don’t want a big SUV, then we’d suggest you look at the Evoque. It’s less intimidating and more hatchback-like, while still offering much of what the Velar has, including practicality. You won’t be disappointed by its manoeuvrability around town too, which is really impressive.