Range Rover Evoque vs DS 7 Crossback

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The Range Rover Evoque debuted in 2011. The model had very ambitious plans. The goal was to effectively enter the area reserved mainly for Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Volvo. In 2018, the British showed the second generation of Evoque. More refined, more attractive and more ready to fight tough and very wide competition.

The DS 7 Crossback is a completely different story. The car was presented in 2017 as the top model and the only full-size SUV of the emerging DS brand. The French do not deny the DS’s close relationship with the more interesting Citroens and Peugeots. However, every car bearing the DS logo is positioned higher than its siblings. It impresses with its design, details and rich materials.

Two styles

If you think that all SUVs are the same, take a look at the two vehicles presented. In terms of exterior styling, they differ greatly.

The Evoque is faithful to sharp shapes and straight lines. If you look at it and immediately you know it’s a Range Rover. At the same time, it is not a top-tier miniature. The Evoque has its own distinct style. The window line tapering towards the rear gives a dramatic impression to the whole silhouette. However, the car does not seem to be sluggish. It looks attractive and … solid. That he was very confident.

DS 7 Crossback is also confident in its shapes. However, in his case, sharp lines were replaced by curves. This car is drawn with the softest pencil. It is more dignified, less expressive, but no less stylish. It’s just different. The details are impressive, namely the diamond-shaped LED taillights. The headlights are also interesting – when they are turned on, they rotate their crystal shapes, turning this ordinary activity into an eye-catching spectacle. The Evoque tries no such tricks. Its exterior does not need any bling to be appreciated.

Elegant and modern

While from the outside all the cars presented present two completely different worlds, inside we can talk about two … completely different stories. Common characteristics? Soft seats and a round steering wheel. Everything else is just two ideas, two stylistic schools. Well, the Range and DS both have digital clocks and touchscreen multimedia displays, but the packaging of these features is completely different.

The Evoque focuses on “technical elegance”. There is no madness in his cabin. Here, multimedia, displays and good design of all play a central role. Digital clocks and multimedia system screens are a must these days. However, RR adds another touch display to this set. It is mainly used to set the weather and configure and select individual driving modes. Sounds like an impressive triumph of form over substance? Nothing could be further from the truth. This solution is effective, but also short. All the options are nearby, easily accessible, and what is equally important, the system itself works very well and quickly. Way to go.

Range Rover Evoque vs DS 7 Crossback photo: Paweł Kaczor

At first glance, nothing stands out in the interior of the DS 7 Crossback. There’s a lot going on here, and the main motif is… rhombuses. Yes, rhombuses, i.e. geometric figures whose shapes include, among others: speakers, leather upholstery patterns, air vents and multimedia system graphics and virtual clocks.

Attention to detail in the interior of a French car can be embarrassing. Even the volume knob is thoughtfully designed, and the analog clock that slides from the top of the center console brings a broad smile to the attention of many. These extravagances and grandiose displays of fantasy do not contradict transparency. Although the multimedia system is less responsive and the menu itself is more confusing than in the Range Rover, after some time of practice and learning the French car, everything becomes sensible and clear. However, I will never understand moving the window minimization buttons to the center tunnel. Here the French have “traveled” too far.

Range Rover Evoque vs DS 7 Crossback photo: Paweł Kaczor

We come down to earth

Both cars presented are definitely above average beauty. The exterior styling and interior design attract attention. However, it is worth mentioning the most common characteristics that often determine the choice of a specific model.

Which car is bigger? DS 7. Which one has the biggest trunk? DS 7. A French car will carry 555 liters of cargo. Range Rover can carry 476 liters in its trunk. A noticeable difference.

There is a noticeable difference in the rear seat. The French car offers more space here. This is due to the fact that the DS 7 Crossback is a bigger car than the Range Rover, and the difference in the length of the wheelbase reaches more than 5 cm! It is important to note, however, that you should not expect a high average amount of space in any of the examples presented. This applies to the back seat and the front seats.

In terms of build quality, it’s hard to pick a favorite. The interiors of both the cars are rich in leather and soft materials. Hard plastic is evident in the minority. Range Rover is a typical aristocrat, while the DS 7 perfectly hides its relationship with Citroen and Peugeot.

Range Rover Evoque vs DS 7 Crossback photo: Paweł Kaczor

Something good for everyone

The Evoque seen in the picture is powered by a 2-liter diesel engine with 204 HP. The accompanying DS 7 Crossback is the E-Tense 4×4 version, namely a 300-horsepower plug-in hybrid. On the one hand, a diesel that has never had much press recently, and on the other hand, a plug-in combination of style and ecology. A direct comparison of these two drives would be pointless. However, it is worth taking a closer look at the engine version of both cars.

The French also offer a diesel engine for their model. However, it has a capacity of only 1.5 liters and a power of 130 HP. Not much considering the specs of the DS 7 Crossback. The offer also includes a 180-horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline engine and two hybrid versions – 225-horsepower and presented with 300-horsepower. Only the last variant is equipped with 4×4 drive. Every other version of the DS7 Crossback pushes off the ground with its front wheels.

The Range Rover Evoque is on the other side of the barrier. Only the weak gasoline version, 160-horsepower has a front drive. All other models have 4×4. In addition to the already mentioned basic “petrol” and the described 204-horsepower diesel, the version includes a slightly weaker, 163-horsepower gasoline, 200 or 249-horsepower gasoline (2.0 R4) and a hybrid variant with power of 300 hp. , according to current trends. Interestingly, the latter variant is based on a 3-cylinder 1.5 engine and the supporting electrical system.

Another interesting fact is that none of these cars will have a manual gearbox. Automatic is standard in every variant.

Range Rover Evoque vs DS 7 Crossback photo: Paweł Kaczor

Off road genes

How does the Range Rover Evoque drive? The car is compact and ready to drive dynamically. The 204-horsepower diesel roars eagerly from under the hood, but provides pleasant flexibility and adequate acceleration. A small note concerns the operation of the gearbox. The 9-speed automatic can shake the car when changing gears, although the transmission on the DS 7 Crossback is also not a master of smooth operation. But more on that later.

The Evoque, as befits a true Range Rover, has off-road genes. The car has several modes of off-road driving (including sand and gravel), omnidirectional cameras that allow you to monitor what is happening around the front wheels and … a wading depth sensor. It looks tasty and definitely puts a positive smile on the faces of off-road fans. The question is, will anyone take the Evoque road? I dare to doubt, and I would bet even peanuts, that such a daredevil will not be found among the customers of this car. It is good that the Range Rover does not forget about its roots, although the theoretical off-road capabilities are unlikely to be used.

Standard French

The DS 7 Crossback doesn’t have any off-road ambitions. This car does not pretend to be capable of handling off-road conditions. Driving directions? They exist, but none of them are playable off the beaten path. It is true that you can connect a full 4WD drive, but this will help you get out of the snow, not win the Dakar Rally. In addition, the rear axle is driven only by an electric motor and has no connection to the front axle or the combustion engine.

The 300 horsepower variant of the E-Tense surprises with its performance. According to the manufacturer’s data, the car reaches 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. This is a result that strong C-section covers can be proud of! However, such excellent performance is not felt literally. It is true that the French car responds quickly to pressing the gas pedal (mainly thanks to the electric motor, which starts working immediately), but the quietness of the interior and the lack of jerks and drama effectively cover the image of power and inconspicuously. fast car.

Speaking of jerks. I mentioned that the 8 speed automatic transmission is not the epitome of smooth driving. When the DS 7 Crossback runs on a combustion engine, the gearbox works very well. However, simply switching the power unit on the combustion engine causes a noticeable jerk.

It is also worth giving a few words to the suspension function. The Evoque is very compact and compact. DS 7 is the opposite. It’s a very nice car. Smooth and firm, without any sporty tendencies. Standard French? Yes, in this case you can use this common statement for safety.

Price and overview

The DS7 Crossback wins the price list war. And this one wins by far. The basic variant with a slightly weaker, 130-horsepower diesel engine costs PLN 178,200. The Evoque starts its list price life at PLN 228,600 for the 163-horsepower diesel version. The price difference is noticeable, but the Range Rover at this price not only offers a more powerful engine, but also a 4×4 vehicle.

In comparison to the top models, the DS 7 Crossback will also be a cheaper option. The E-Tense 4×4 variant costs from PLN 243,900 to PLN 308,600 (depending on the level of equipment). Range Rover Evoque with hybrid storage was valued at least PLN 289,300 (the main Profile variant costs about PLN 370,300!).

Which of these cars is the best? It is difficult to give a clear verdict here. The DS 7 Crossback features high-quality materials, good styling and above-average comfort. The Evoque impresses with its looks, refined interior and off-road heritage. Although both cars play in the same league, they are completely different. They have different characters and target different audiences. However, one thing is certain. Both the Range Rover and the DS will stand out from the crowd beyond the familiar and standard German competition.