Certified 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic

The Evoque caters to a decidedly more eco-conscious customer base than traditional Range Rover buyers. Even so, the Evoque still possesses the chops to keep up when the road gets rough. Styling is edgy and aggressive, but it's clearly a Range Rover from front to back, with characteristic styling touches at the headlamps, grille and tail lamps.

A 240-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is the only available powerplant, but it's a capable one, making 251 pound-feet of torque while still achieving 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway -- more than anything else in the Range Rover stable. The engine features direct injection, and it's capable of propelling the Evoque from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

A 9-speed automatic is the only available transmission, coupled to a Haldex full-time all-wheel-drive system. Land Rover says the Evoque is designed to be able to ford water up to 19.7 inches deep without hesitation, and ground clearance comes in at 8.7 inches. Land Rover's Terrain Response system is standard, which automatically provides several settings for different traction situations, ranging from loose gravel to deep snow.

Safety features include anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system, traction control, side curtain airbags and front-side airbags, with optional safety systems like blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and a head-up driving display.

The Evoque is available in three body styles -- a 2-door coupe, a 2-door convertible and a slightly larger 4-door. Both feature a similar wedge-like profile. The look is unmistakably Range Rover but features a compact size and a sporty feel.

Standard features on the base Evoque SE include a lip spoiler, LED brake lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 380-watt Meridian Audio system with 11 speakers and Bluetooth, 12-way grained leather seats, front and rear park distance control, proximity key ignition and dual-zone climate control.

The Evoque SE Premium package adds a blind-spot monitor, a surround view camera, adaptive HID xenon headlamps with LED accents, navigation, hands-free power tailgate, and headlight washers.

The Evoque HSE adds 19-inch wheels, a fixed panoramic glass roof, automatic high-beam assist, Oxford leather seating, LED fog lamps, and a blind-spot monitor. The HSE Dynamic builds on that trim with a revised grille, black hood vents, a perforated Oxford leather steering wheel, illuminated tread plates, and more. Finally, the Evoque Autobiography, priced at $60,775, makes use of a full Oxford leather interior, including 14-way adjustable seats and an Oxford leather steering wheel. Also present are brushed aluminum accents and an 825-watt Meridian audio system with 17 speakers.

On the SE, a Cold Climate Package includes a heated steering wheel, heated windshield, heated washer jets and heated front and rear seats. A Tech Package adds passive entry, Xenon headlights with LED accents, headlamp washers, and front fog lights. A Driver Assistance Package for the SE Premium and higher includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beam assist, and a HomeLink garage door opener. A Luxury Seat Package for the HSE features heated rear seats, steering wheel and windshield, plus heated/cooled front seats. Driver Assist Plus, available on the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography, includes a head up display and adaptive LED headlights.

Rugged Looks, Fuel-efficient Turbo Engine, Capable All-wheel-drive System, Two- And Four-door Configurations

The biggest news for 2017 is the availability of a new convertible model, helping to expand the lineup. Based on the 2-door Coupe, the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible sits atop the Evoque lineup, though it still starts at a reasonable $52,000. Most convertible SUV's tend to look awkward, but the little Range Rover takes to a convertible top like a duck to water, creating the best looking drop top SUV sold to the North American market in decades.

Land Rover's Range Rover brand is known for building go-anywhere vehicles that provide a healthy amount of luxury and technology. Keeping with this philosophy, the company launched the Evoque, which is aimed at achieving better fuel economy. But this is no tarmac-only off-road imposter; Haldex all-wheel drive is standard, with several electronic settings for a variety of conditions, and power comes from a 2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 251 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and BMW X3, the Evoque is a strong contender with a look all its own.