Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque VS 2014 Lexus RX Near Phoenix, AZ

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Range Rover Evoque. But it costs extra on the RX Series.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Range Rover Evoque’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The RX Series doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

To help make backing safer, the Range Rover Evoque’s optional cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The RX Series doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Range Rover Evoque and the RX Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, plastic fuel tanks, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Range Rover Evoque has a standard 700-amp battery. The RX Series’ 582-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The Range Rover Evoque has more powerful engines than the RX Series:

On the EPA test cycle the Range Rover Evoque gets better fuel mileage than the RX 350 AWD 8-speed Auto (21 city/30 hwy vs. 18 city/26 hwy). The Range Rover Evoque gets better fuel mileage than the RX 350 AWD 6-speed Auto (21 city/30 hwy vs. 18 city/24 hwy).

The Range Rover Evoque has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the RX Series Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 17.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Range Rover Evoque stops much shorter than the RX Series:

For better traction, the Range Rover Evoque’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX Series (245/45R20 vs. 235/60R18).

The Range Rover Evoque’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX Series’ standard 60 series tires. The Range Rover Evoque’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the RX Series’ optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Range Rover Evoque has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the RX Series. The Range Rover Evoque’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the RX Series.

The Range Rover Evoque offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The RX Series’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Range Rover Evoque 5-Door handles at .83 G’s, while the RX 350 AWD pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Range Rover Evoque 5-Door executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the RX 450h AWD (27.7 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 28.7 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Range Rover Evoque’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the RX Series’ (37.1 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Range Rover Evoque has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the RX 450h (8.3 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the Range Rover Evoque to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Range Rover Evoque’s minimum ground clearance is 1 inch higher than on the RX 350 (8.3 vs. 7.3 inches).

The Range Rover Evoque may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 750 pounds less than the Lexus RX Series.

The Range Rover Evoque is 1 foot, 4.3 inches shorter than the RX Series, making the Range Rover Evoque easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Range Rover Evoque easier. The Range Rover Evoque’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.7 inches, while the RX Series’ liftover is 30.9 inches.

The Range Rover Evoque’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RX Series’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Range Rover Evoque to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RX Series doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the Range Rover Evoque detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The RX Series doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The Range Rover Evoque’s optional Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The RX Series doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Range Rover Evoque third among compact premium CUVs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The RX Series isn’t in the top three in its category.

 The Range Rover Evoque received the 2012 “Total Quality Award.”

Motor Trend selected the Range Rover Evoque as their 2012 Sport Utility of the Year. The RX Series has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Range Rover Evoque as the 2012 North American Truck of the Year. The RX Series has never been chosen.