NEW CAR PROFILES LAND ROVER — LINCOLN
Land Rover
Range Rover
Owners of any ultra-luxury
sedan will feel right at home
in the stately Range Rover.
The inline six-cylinder gaso-
line engine and excellent
eight-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-$209,500
RELIABILITY
1
SATISFACTION
3
ROAD-TEST SCORE 78 MPG 17
Land Rover
Range Rover Evoque
The Evoque is more about
style than function. Sure, it
wears the prestigious Range
Rover logo, but the SUV is
frustrating 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-$56,850
RELIABILITY
1
SATISFACTION
3
ROAD-TEST SCORE 58 MPG 20
Land Rover
Range Rover Sport
Though the Sport has a
similar level of interior
plushness as the stately
Range Rover it is based
upon, 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-$114,500
RELIABILITY
1
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE 72 MPG 18
Land Rover
Range Rover Velar
The Velar shares its funda-
mentals with the Jaguar
F-Pace, putting a greater
emphasis on sport rather
than Land Rover's traditional
off-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-$90,790
RELIABILITY
1
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 76 MPG 21
Lexus ES
!
The Lexus ES is comfort-
able and has a quiet
demeanor, but interior
quality is much better than
past versions. The V6 is
mated to an eight-speed automatic,
and the combination has prompt
throttle response and a linear power
delivery. We attained 25 mpg overall.
We tested the ES hybrid's powertrain
in the similar Toyota Avalon and got an impressive 42 mpg. The ES absorbs
bumps very well, and the body stays composed. Handling has been improved
with this generation. The cabin is quiet and luxurious, and the front seats are
very comfortable. However, the touchpad controller for interacting with the
infotainment system is fussy and distracting. Standard safety equipment
includes forward collision warning and automatic braking with pedestrian
detection, lane keeping assistance, and lane departure warning.
OVERALL
SCORE
87
$39,900-$45,610
RELIABILITY
5
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 MPG 25
Lexus GS
!
The GS delivers a bal-
anced combination of ride,
handling, quietness, and
roominess. Engaging to
drive, the car's responsive
handling and taut yet supple ride fare
well against German rivals. The strong
3.5-liter V6 returned 21 mpg overall in
our tests. Rear- and all-wheel-drive
versions are available. Interior space
is on a par with the class, and the cabin is nicely furnished. Working many
functions of the infotainment system is an overly distracting affair because of
a delicate center controller that interacts with the screen. A high-performance
GS F with a 467-hp V8 is also available. The Lexus Safety System+ is standard,
and it includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and
blind spot warning.
OVERALL
SCORE
87
$51,065-$85,010
RELIABILITY
5
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 MPG 21
Lexus GX!
The GX 460 is very quiet
and quick, yet this hulking
brute is both highly capable
off-road and capable of
towing a 6,500-pound load.
The 4.6-liter V8 engine and six-speed
automatic make for a slick powertrain
but got a paltry 17 mpg overall.
Handling is lumbering but ultimately
secure. The ride is very comfortable,
especially at low speeds, although the body tends to jostle when driving over
uneven pavement. Inside, the cabin is plush and well-finished. Drivers of almost
any height should find a good seating position. There's plenty of space
all-around and a commanding view out. The small third-row seat folds neatly
into 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 emergency
braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning are standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
79
$53,000-$64,265
RELIABILITY
5
SATISFACTION
3
ROAD-TEST SCORE 70 MPG 17
Lexus IS
In our tests, the IS came
up short as a sports sedan.
Handling is secure but not
engaging enough to run
with the best in the class.
Ride comfort is neither tied-down
nor plush. Even the punchy IS 350 is
underwhelming to drive. A 260-hp
V6 powers the all-wheel-drive IS 300,
which gives it more zip, but its fuel
economy of 20 mpg overall is uncompetitive in the class. Plus, the interior is
extremely cramped, and getting in and out is an ungraceful chore. The interior
is well-finished, but there is room for improvement, especially the tight driver's
cockpit. All-wheel-drive versions have a pronounced hump by the driver's right
leg. The mouselike infotainment controller is distracting to use. Two adults will
fit in the snug rear seat, but there isn't much headroom or legroom to spare. A
2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is available, but only in rear-wheel drive.
OVERALL
SCORE
69
$38,560-$44,345
RELIABILITY
5
SATISFACTION
1
ROAD-TEST SCORE 56 MPG 20
68 CR.ORG APRIL 2020