As the smallest range rover model to ever be released by Jaguar, the Range Rover Evoque was originally introduced over a decade ago on July 4, 2011, as a car that offered top-tier luxury despite its compact size. While some of its biggest modern-day competitors from the BMW X Series focus on driving pleasure, the Evoque targets a narrow niche in the market — luxury with style.
As of 2023, the Range Rover Evoque’s latest model brings to its customers revolutionary aesthetic adjustments that help it look sportier and more modern than ever - all while still maintaining the design language of the first and second generations of the Range Rover Evoque that first went into production as early as 2018.
First Generation (L538, 2011-2018)
The Range Rover Evoque first generation (L538) was produced between 2011 to 2018 as a compact luxury SUV, with a unique set of body type specifications, model variants, and even user challenges.
Body Type
This Range Rover Evoque came in two body types: a 3/5-door SUV, as well as a 2-door convertible SUV. The former featured a more traditional SUV-like look, giving you the option for either three or five doors, allowing you to enjoy easy access to both the rear and front seating arrangements in the car. It also featured lots of leg and headroom for a practical and luxurious feel.
Meanwhile, as for the 2-door convertible Evoque, its distinctive design was key to its memorability. As a mix of rock-solid ruggedness, killer looks, and versatility to give you that open-air experience when the weather feels just right, this model featured a retractable fabric roof that lowered at will. With a smaller and much sportier profile than the 3/5-door body type, this variant wasn’t as luxurious, but had a more adventurous and dynamic style.
Technical Specifications
The L538 Evoque, like most other models from Range Rover, came with several different engine varieties to choose from - from the petrol engine with a 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo engine, giving you 237 to 285 horsepower and 340 to 400 Newton meters torque, to its diesel engine, with a 2.2-litre inline-4 turbo engine and a power range of 148 to 187 horsepower, producing 380 to 420 Newton meters of torque.
These models were available as 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmission options, with the latter offering better fuel economy on average. However, they only offered 25-30 MPG (miles per gallon) and 30-35 MPG as the petrol and diesel variants respectively.
Restyling, Editions, and Variants
During its 7 years of production between 2011 and 2018, the first generation of the Range Rover Evoque (L538) saw many styling updates, editions, and variants launched. Some key updates included:
2014 Model Year Update: In 2014, the Evoque received a significant update that included various enhancements. The interior received upgrades such as improved materials, new trim options, and an updated infotainment system. Meanwhile, the exterior design was refined with revised front and rear bumpers, new grill designs, and LED headlights as an added option.
Evoque Autobiography Dynamic: The Autobiography Dynamic variant was introduced in 2014 as a high-performance version of the Evoque. It offered enhanced performance and a more dynamic driving experience, with a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 281 horsepower, along with sportier suspension tuning, larger brakes, and unique exterior styling cues.
Pearl Noir Edition: As a limited-edition model introduced in 2015, the Pearl Noir Edition aimed to provide a more luxurious and exclusive experience. It came with black accents, a distinctive pearlescent black exterior paint, unique badging, and special alloy wheels. The interior boasted premium materials, exclusive trims, and additional luxury features.
Evoque Convertible: In 2016, Land Rover introduced the Evoque Convertible, which became the world's first luxury compact SUV convertible. It was not just a revolutionary moment for the Evoque, but for Jaguar’s Land Rover and the auto industry as a whole as well. The Evoque Convertible offered a unique open-top driving experience while maintaining the SUV's versatility, and retained the Evoque's distinctive design while featuring a power-folding fabric roof that could be opened or closed in just 18 seconds.
Most Common Breakdowns and Repair Costs
Range Rover cars are often known for being more high-maintenance than their counterparts, and true to this trend, the first-generation Evoque had its fair share of known issues.
Transmission Issues
Some Evoque owners reported problems with their transmission, such as rough shifting, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure. Repairing or replacing a transmission isn’t cheap, and depending on the extent of the damage, along with whether or not drivers needed to install new or rebuilt transmissions, the final bill could end up ranging from $3,000 to $8,000.
Engine Oil Leaks
The Evoque also saw quite a few cases of engine oil leaks, often caused by faulty gaskets or seals. Luckily, the cost of repairing an oil leak can vary depending on the location of the leak and the necessary parts and labour, but generally won’t exceed $1,000, and quick fixes could even be made for a couple hundred dollars in some cases.
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems were also common for the L538 Evoque, including problems with the infotainment system, power windows, or electrical shorts. Electrical repairs can be challenging and time-consuming for drivers, resulting in higher labour costs, and repair costs for electrical issues often vary widely, typically ranging from $200 to $1,500 depending on the specific problem and the amount of troubleshooting required.
Suspension Problems
Suspension components on this model, such as shock absorbers or control arms, may wear out or become damaged over time. Depending on whether or not the repair requires additional alignment or calibration, you’re looking at an expense between $500 to $1500.
Turbocharger Failures
Since all engine options for the Evoque were turbocharged, some Evoque owners reported issues with the turbocharger, including failure or excessive noise. Repairing or replacing a turbocharger can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 or more, depending on the specific turbocharger model and labour costs.
Second Generation (L551, 2018 – Present)
In 2018, the Range Rover Evoque received an exciting update, ushering in a new generation of this iconic luxury SUV. With its debut, Land Rover introduced the second-generation Evoque (L551), bringing forth a fresh and enhanced driving experience for its passionate fanbase.
Design Changes
The newer Evoque, known as the second generation (L551), got a fresh makeover in its design compared to the older model - while the signature Evoque shape remained, it became sleeker and more modern, with smoother body lines and a longer wheelbase, giving it a more confident stance. The front end got a facelift with a new grille, slimmer LED headlights, and a sportier bumper, and at the back, it received updated LED taillights and an overall cleaner look.
Inside the second-generation Evoque, this model featured a more luxurious and contemporary cabin with high-quality materials such as premium leather and real wood trim for a higher-class interior feel. The slicker dashboard design, along with a newer center console with better touchscreens and controls and an upgraded infotainment system offering digital instrument clusters and a cool dual-screen setup, also worked to enhance the interior feel of this model.
The second-generation Evoque also introduced some fresh wheel designs to choose from, giving you more options to personalize your ride, along with increased interior legroom for rear passengers thanks to the longer wheelbase, making it comfier for everyone - along with a larger cargo area.
Technical Specifications
The second generation of the Evoque came with many different engine options to choose from, including three Diesel ones (148, 178, and 237 brake horsepower) and three petrol ones (197bhp, 247bhp and 296bhp).
All except the 148bhp diesel engine came with 9-speed auto transmission, but only the 148bhp diesel engine came with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It was also the only front-wheel drive car in the lineup - that too, however, was short-lived. As of 2023, all of the latest Evoque models only come with automatic transmissions.
The latest Range Rover Evoque retains its off-road capabilities with features like a Terrain Response system for optimizing settings based on different terrains, standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction, respectable ground clearance, and technologies such as Wade Sensing for water crossings and Hill Descent Control (HDC) for controlled descents. Though not as extreme as larger Land Rover models, the Evoque still delivers impressive off-road performance for tackling rough terrain and obstacles.
New Generation Issues and Solutions
While most of the first-generation Evoque’s issues were taken care of with the release of the new and improved model, it still had its own set of problems.
Range Rover Evoque Haldex Problems
As the Evoque’s signature all-wheel-drive system, the Haldex is supposed to be serviced every 40,000 miles, and failure to adhere to this schedule can easily lead to transmission issues in the Evoque. Solving these issues is typically not cheap, with an expense of upwards of four to five thousand dollars.
Automatic Gearbox Problems
The Range Rover Evoque no longer offers a manual gearbox - however, its automatic gearboxes run into many breakdowns, be it because of software issues or actuator faults, and as a result, your car may begin to jerk when you shift gears. While software issues can be dealt with for a couple hundred dollars, repairing or replacing hardware components can easily set you back in thousands.
Range Rover Evoque AdBlue Problems
The Range Rover Evoque, like many other modern diesel vehicles, utilizes AdBlue, an emissions-reducing fluid that helps neutralize harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. However, while AdBlue systems generally function reliably, there have been reported instances of AdBlue-related problems in some Evoque models.
The AdBlue level sensor can fail, resulting in incorrect readings or warnings regarding AdBlue levels. This may lead to engine performance limitations, or even engine start prevention. Repair costs for replacing the AdBlue sensor can vary, but generally range from $200 to $500, depending on the specific model and labour rates.
The AdBlue injector, responsible for injecting the fluid into the exhaust system, may also fail or become clogged. This can result in improper AdBlue distribution and cause warning messages or engine performance issues. Repair costs for replacing an AdBlue injector can range from $400 to $800, depending on the specific injector and labour costs.
Land Rover Evoque Repair & Maintenance
At Westminster Motors, our team specializes in Land Rover repairs, allowing you to take your Evoque to its full potential without fear of problems or potential repairs. Our dedicated team of experienced technicians is well-versed in handling Evoque models, and we make sure to offer top-quality service in ensuring your Evoque receives the care it deserves.
Visit our website here to learn more about our Land Rover repair services, or reach out to us to receive detailed information about our services, customer testimonials, and contact details to schedule an appointment.
