Crossover vehicles have a broad appeal. They are comfortable to drive–similar to a normal road car–but they also have stylish sheet metal. Crossovers also come in variety of shapes, sizes, engine configurations, and consumer appeal.
We compared the Audi Q5 and the Range Rover Evoque–two of the most stylish and luxurious small crossover SUVs. The Audi Q5 is priced lower than the Range Rover Evoque, but the latter offers something that is absent on a large majority of crossover SUVs in the market today: real off-road capabilities.
2012 Audi Q5
Edmunds.com says this about the Audi Q5: “You can really have it all with the 2012 Audi Q5. From exciting performance to excellent comfort and convenience, this crossover has broad appeal”.
With a base MSRP of around $35,600 the Audi Q5 already comes with Quattro all-wheel drive and a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 211hp together with an 8-speed automatic transmission. If you need more power, then you can order the 3.2-liter V6 with 270hp. This engine is mated to a 6-speed auto box.
Standard equipment includes automatic wipers, automatic headlights, triple-zone climate control system, full leather seats, power driver seat, sliding and reclining rear seat, 18-inch wheels, and a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio as standard.
The 2012 Audi Q5 2.0T can return a best-in-class 20/27 MPG in city and highway driving. And it being an Audi, the interior craftsmanship of the Q5 is simply amazing. And since it is based on the Audi A4 sedan, you can add sporty handling to the list of attributes of the Audi Q5.
2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
From a purely aesthetic perspective, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is more stylish compared to the Audi Q5. It even comes in a coupe body style for added appeal. However, the Range Rover Evoque offers real-world off-road capabilities, thanks in large part to the Terrain Response System. The Evoque can alter engine, transmission, suspension, and throttle settings with a simple turn of the knob, or it can automatically adjust on its own.
The Evoque starts at around $41,000–considerably more expensive than the Audi Q5–but it also comes with a generous level of standard kit. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 240hp. The engine is mated to a smooth 6-speed auto box.
Standard equipment on the Evoque includes the Terrain Response System with hill-start assist feature, front and rear parking sensors, dual zone auto climate control, full leather upholstery, 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, and an 11-speaker audio system with touchscreen interface.
The 2012 Range Rover Evoque can return 18/28 MPG in city and highway driving. Driving the Evoque is akin to piloting the plush Range Rover Sport, albeit having a more stylish and striking interior. The Evoque can also accompany you to any type of mild off-road adventure, since it was also designed to bring you where other crossovers simply cannot.
If you happen to be searching for a compact luxury crossover SUV, you should both consider the Audi Q5 and the Range Rover Evoque.