Land Rover Evoque vs Jaguar E-Pace: Which SUV is Worth Your Money?

Who Should Buy the Land Rover Evoque or Jaguar E-Pace?

The Evoque and E-Pace sit in the same price range, competing for buyers who want a premium compact SUV. Both promise luxury, performance, and style. But which one actually delivers?

I see these cars in my shop all the time. The Evoque is for people who want that rugged, go-anywhere Land Rover image, even if the most off-road action it sees is a gravel parking lot. The E-Pace? It’s a Jaguar in an SUV body—sporty, stylish, but not exactly a workhorse.

If you’re a city driver who values comfort and tech, both could work. If you’re planning long-term ownership, though, one of them might make you regret your choices.

Inside Story (Practicality and Comfort)

The Evoque’s cabin feels premium, with high-quality materials and a more upright driving position. Visibility is decent, but the rear window is tiny. If you’re tall, the front seats are fine, but rear passengers might feel cramped. The boot space? Not great for a compact SUV.

The E-Pace, on the other hand, has a sportier interior with a lower driving position. It feels tighter inside, especially in the rear. The infotainment system looks slick, but Jaguar’s software is notoriously glitchy.

Sound insulation? The Evoque wins here—quieter on the highway. The E-Pace lets in more road noise, especially on rougher surfaces.

Motors (Performance for Real People)

Both SUVs offer a range of petrol and diesel engines. The Evoque’s typical 2.0L turbocharged diesel (150-250 hp) is efficient but not particularly exciting. The petrol version is punchier but thirsty. Fuel economy? Expect around 6-7 L/100 km (39-47 mpg) for the diesel, but the petrol versions can push 10 L/100 km (23 mpg) in real-world conditions.

The E-Pace’s engines are similar—2.0L petrol and diesel options. Performance is slightly sharper, but the weight of the car makes it feel sluggish at times. The automatic gearbox can also be a bit slow to respond. If you’re in traffic a lot, that hesitation can get annoying.

Bells and Whistles (Useful Tech, Not Just Gimmicks)

Land Rover’s infotainment system has improved, but it still isn’t perfect. Touchscreens can lag, and software updates don’t always fix issues. Jaguar’s system looks better but is just as unreliable.

Both SUVs come with decent safety tech—lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. But if you want the best features, you’ll be paying extra.

Long-Term Value

This is where things get messy. Neither of these SUVs is known for reliability. Land Rover and Jaguar consistently rank low in dependability studies. If you’re buying new, expect depreciation to hit hard—especially for the E-Pace.

Insurance costs? The Evoque tends to be higher due to Land Rover’s repair costs. The E-Pace, despite being a Jaguar, can actually be a little cheaper to insure.

Pros and Cons

Land Rover Evoque
+ Better sound insulation
+ More premium materials inside
+ Higher driving position gives a commanding view
– Expensive maintenance and repairs
– Cramped rear seats
– Infotainment system can be frustrating

Jaguar E-Pace
+ Sportier handling
+ Slightly lower depreciation
+ Good-looking design
– Less comfortable on long drives
– Infotainment system is unreliable
– Road noise is noticeable

Maintenance – Real Talk

If you’re planning to own one of these past the warranty period, be prepared.

The Evoque has common issues with its gearbox and electrical systems. A replacement transmission? Could set you back €4,000-€6,000.

The E-Pace isn’t much better. Turbo failures aren’t unheard of, and fixing one can cost around €2,500. Oil leaks are also common—messy and expensive.

Europe’s Opinion

In my part of Europe, the Evoque is more common—people like the Land Rover badge. The E-Pace, while stylish, struggles to keep up in sales. Resale values reflect this—E-Pace prices drop faster.