NEW CAR PROFILES LAND ROVER — LINCOLNLand Rover
Range Rover
Owners of any ultra-luxurysedan will feel right at homein the stately Range Rover.The inline six-cylinder gaso-line engine and excellenteight-speed automatic provide effort-
less motivation, and the air suspension
swallows up bumps with ease. Han-
dling is responsive and secure but not
sporty. We averaged 17 mpg overall in our tests. Terrain-coping mechanisms
and adjustable ride height give it standout off-road abilities, and the ride height
can be lowered for easier cabin access. Interior furnishings and seats are first-
rate, but the dual touch-screen infotainment system responds slowly to inputs.
A 254-hp turbodiesel V6 provides ample power. A plug-in hybrid with 31 miles
of electric range and a limited-edition, V8-powered SV Coupe are available.
OVERALL
SCORE
54
$90,900-$209,500RELIABILITY1SATISFACTION3ROAD-TEST SCORE 78 MPG 17Land Rover
Range Rover Evoque
The Evoque is more aboutstyle than function. Sure, itwears the prestigious RangeRover logo, but the SUV isfrustrating on several levels.There is a pronounced initial delay
when accelerating from a rolling stop,
then the power comes on too abruptly.
The ride is overly stiff, fuel economy is
among the worst in its class, and outward visibility is hampered. The dual-screen
infotainment system echoes other Land Rover models. We find it convoluted and
rather slow to respond to commands. On the plus side, handling is quite nimble,
the front seats are comfortable, and fit and finish is impressive. Forward colli-
sion warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane
keeping assistance are standard; other advanced safety features are optional.
OVERALL
SCORE
45
$42,650-$56,850RELIABILITY1SATISFACTION3ROAD-TEST SCORE 58 MPG 20Land Rover
Range Rover Sport
Though the Sport has asimilar level of interiorplushness as the statelyRange Rover it is basedupon, it focuses on han-dling prowess and less on ride comfort
and off-road ability. Low-range gear-
ing is optional. An inline six-cylinder
engine is standard. Supercharged
V8 and V6 diesel engines are also available. An eight-speed automatic is
standard. The Sport delivers an engaging driving experience, with taut, agile
handling, but the ride is stiff and choppy and the exhaust note is over the top.
Some controls are behind the times, and the gear selector is unintuitive. Rear-
seat room is generous, but the optional third-row seat is tiny. A plug-in hybrid
version with 31 miles of electric range is also available.
OVERALL
SCORE
54
$68,650-$114,500RELIABILITY1SATISFACTION4ROAD-TEST SCORE 72 MPG 18Land Rover
Range Rover Velar
The Velar shares its funda-mentals with the JaguarF-Pace, putting a greateremphasis on sport ratherthan Land Rover's traditionaloff-road prowess. Available power trains
include a 3.0-liter super charged V6 and
a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder,
plus a new 5.0-liter supercharged V8.
Even the four-cylinder delivers plenty of power. Handling is taut and agile, but
the ride is rather stiff. Dominating the dash in the quiet cabin is an infotainment
system with two touch screens. But the bottom screen, which houses the climate
and other controls, is mounted too low to easily use. And the system requires
too many extra steps to accomplish simple tasks. Forward collision warning and
automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
54
$56,300-$90,790RELIABILITY1SATISFACTION2ROAD-TEST SCORE 76 MPG 21Lexus ES
!The Lexus ES is comfort-able and has a quietdemeanor, but interiorquality is much better thanpast versions. The V6 ismated to an eight-speed automatic,and the combination has promptthrottle response and a linear powerdelivery. We attained 25 mpg overall.We tested the ES hybrid's powertrainin the similar Toyota Avalon and got an impressive 42 mpg. The ES absorbsbumps very well, and the body stays composed. Handling has been improvedwith this generation. The cabin is quiet and luxurious, and the front seats arevery comfortable. However, the touchpad controller for interacting with theinfotainment system is fussy and distracting. Standard safety equipmentincludes forward collision warning and automatic braking with pedestriandetection, lane keeping assistance, and lane departure warning.OVERALLSCORE87
$39,900-$45,610RELIABILITY5SATISFACTION4ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 MPG 25Lexus GS
!The GS delivers a bal-anced combination of ride,handling, quietness, androominess. Engaging todrive, the car's responsivehandling and taut yet supple ride farewell against German rivals. The strong3.5-liter V6 returned 21 mpg overall inour tests. Rear- and all-wheel-driveversions are available. Interior spaceis on a par with the class, and the cabin is nicely furnished. Working manyfunctions of the infotainment system is an overly distracting affair because ofa delicate center controller that interacts with the screen. A high-performanceGS F with a 467-hp V8 is also available. The Lexus Safety System+ is standard,and it includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, andblind spot warning.OVERALLSCORE87
$51,065-$85,010RELIABILITY5SATISFACTION4ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 MPG 21Lexus GX!
The GX 460 is very quietand quick, yet this hulkingbrute is both highly capableoff-road and capable oftowing a 6,500-pound load.The 4.6-liter V8 engine and six-speedautomatic make for a slick powertrainbut got a paltry 17 mpg overall.Handling is lumbering but ultimatelysecure. The ride is very comfortable,especially at low speeds, although the body tends to jostle when driving overuneven pavement. Inside, the cabin is plush and well-finished. Drivers of almostany height should find a good seating position. There's plenty of spaceall-around and a commanding view out. The small third-row seat folds neatlyinto the floor when it's not in use, but the side-swinging rear door can be incon-venient at times. For 2020, forward collision warning, automatic emergencybraking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning are standard.OVERALLSCORE79
$53,000-$64,265RELIABILITY5SATISFACTION3ROAD-TEST SCORE 70 MPG 17Lexus IS
In our tests, the IS cameup short as a sports sedan.Handling is secure but notengaging enough to runwith the best in the class.Ride comfort is neither tied-downnor plush. Even the punchy IS 350 isunderwhelming to drive. A 260-hpV6 powers the all-wheel-drive IS 300,which gives it more zip, but its fueleconomy of 20 mpg overall is uncompetitive in the class. Plus, the interior isextremely cramped, and getting in and out is an ungraceful chore. The interioris well-finished, but there is room for improvement, especially the tight driver'scockpit. All-wheel-drive versions have a pronounced hump by the driver's rightleg. The mouselike infotainment controller is distracting to use. Two adults willfit in the snug rear seat, but there isn't much headroom or legroom to spare. A2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is available, but only in rear-wheel drive.OVERALLSCORE69
$38,560-$44,345RELIABILITY5SATISFACTION1ROAD-TEST SCORE 56 MPG 2068 CR.ORG APRIL 2020