The 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a bit of a head scratcher. Is there really a need for a luxury convertible SUV with amazing off-road capability? Wouldn’t you probably buy a Jeep? Nissan tried a convertible version of the Murano but it was a bust.
OK, so now that we’ve established that the Evoque Convertible is a bit unusual, it’s still a lot of fun. And a head turner. I got so many appreciate glances and inquiries from folks wanting to know more about it. And, yes, there were also those who thought it looked weird.
The two-door, four-passenger Range Rover Evoque Convertible is new for the 2017 model year. It’s available in two trims: SE Dynamic which starts at $51,100 and HSE Dynamic with a starting price of $57,700. It shares the same platform with the Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV.
The all-wheel-drive Evoque Convertible is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. There’s a little turbo lag off the line; otherwise it performs well as a daily driver. It stays planted when cornering and is smooth on the freeway. The stop/start technology to save fuel operates seamlessly and is barely noticeable.
EPA mileage estimates for my tester are 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with a combined rating of 23 mpg. I got 22 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
It has the off-roading chops you’d expect in a Range Rover. The Terrain Response System lets you choose from mud, sand, snow and other terrain, just like in a traditional Range Rover. It also has Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, you want to be able to drop the top anytime the sun comes out for a few moments. With the push of a button, you can lower the soft top in just 18 seconds and put it back up again in 21 seconds, all the while you’re cruising at up to 30 mph.
The cabin is upscale as you’d expect in a Range Rover. Materials are top notch. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seats are cramped, as you’d expect in a two-door convertible, and it can be challenging for backseat passengers to get in and out. With the top up, the cabin is pretty quiet, with relatively little road and engine noise for a soft-top convertible. The InControl Touch infotainment system can be slow to respond.
The Evoque Convertible does have enough cargo space so you can take a couple smallish bags for a weekend getaway. The trunk has 8.9 cubic feet of storage—the same amount whether the top is up or down. However, the low opening can make it a bit awkward to load and unload cargo.
The good:
You’ll turn heads in this unique convertible SUV!
The not-so-good:
Really? A Range Rover convertible?
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $57,275. Cold Climate Convenience Package is $500 and adds heated front seats, steering wheel, windshield and washer jets. Driver Assistance Plus Package is $3,400 and adds a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, auto-leveling and cornering lights, adaptive cruise control with queue assist and intelligent emergency braking. HD radio and satellite radio are $750. InControl Pro Services and Connected Navigation are $420. 20-inch 5 split spoke sparkle finish Alloy wheels are $1,500. Extended leather package is $1,300. Lux Package is $2,700 and includes perpendicular and parallel park assist with park exit, surround camera system, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and driver condition monitor, 660-watt Meridian surround sound audio system, and ski hatch opening with rear seat center armrest. All Terrain Progress Control is $250. Yulong White paint is $595. Delivery fee is $995 bringing the grand total to $69,685.
Bottom line:
There aren’t many options if you’re looking for a cool and capable luxury convertible SUV that’s a conversation starter!
