TFL Car brings together the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and Toyota 4Runner for a challenging off-road test in the Colorado mountains. Land Rover has a strong reputation for building SUVs that are highly capable on roads less-traveled. But how serious is the Range Rover Evoque on slippery and chunky surfaces of the Saxon Mountain trail, just east of Georgetown, Colorado?
Accompanying the Range Rover Evoque is a Toyota 4Runner, one of the last body-on-frame SUVs on the market today. The 4Runner has trail-busting features such as dual-range four-wheel drive, tall ground clearance, Multi-Terrain Select system, off-road suspension, and skid plates for off-road protection.
| 2015 Range Rover Evoque | 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | |
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 4.0L DOHC V6 |
| Power | 240 hp @ 5500 rpm | 270 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 250 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 278 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight | 3,680 lbs. | 4,789 lbs. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 in. | 9.6 in. |
| Approach Angle | 25 degrees | 33 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 33 degrees | 26 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 22 degrees | N/A |
| Wading Depth | 19.7 in. (500mm) | N/A |
| Price as Tested | $50,745 | $42,910 |
Trucks are generally used for work, towing or that off-road trek to a sweet fishing hole. Toyota’s 4Runner has all the burly capabilities of a truck with the utility of an SUV. The Evoque, not so much. It is more of a stylish crossover/SUV that comes from a British car company with a commendable off-road reputation and strong off-road aptitude.
Saxon Mountain trail is not to be approached lightly. The dust and loose rocks make for slippery traction. And even bigger rocks require picking careful lines or in some cases a spotter. Check out this video to see how well the Range Rover performs on something more difficult than a gravel road leading up to the country club.
