Spec Comparison: Range Rover Evoque Convertible vs Jeep Wrangler

When Land Rover announced that they would bring the drop-top version of their stylish SUV, the Evoque, we went scrambling to see if we can find anything that goes head-to-head with it. While some might not completely agree, we do have the Wrangler, the utilitarian truck from Jeep. While the two SUVs are poles apart in their approach, both are known to be very capable off-road and the Evoque will be priced very close to the price tag of the Jeep. So, here is how it goes.

Looks and design

Like we have said before, the Land Rover and the Jeep are poles apart. With the Range Rover, aesthetic luxury is top priority. It gets the Evoque fascia with the tall bonnet, a chunky bumper and those cool-looking goggle-headlamps. Move on to the sides and you will see that this one gets just two doors instead of four and there is no roofline. The fabric roof unfolds at the flick of a switch to create the cabriolet-top.

The Wrangler is a typical old-school Jeep – minimal on aesthetics and maximum on utility. You have the 9-vertical-slat grille and the round headlamps, the bonnet with external locks and the almost upright windshield. It gets a soft-top, the one that can be removed, but manually. Square from all-sides the Jeep is nowhere as stylish as the Evoque convertible, but it has its own rustic charm.

Interior and Features

The opulence of the Range Rover continues inside as well with the leather upholstery, electric seats, dual-zone climate control and of course, the electric-fabric roof. It gets all the latest technology including the touchscreen infotainment display, cruise control, driving modes, driver aids and of course a cocoon of airbags.

The Jeep is bare-bones in this regard. It does get all the requisites like climate control, power windows and manually adjustable seats amongst others. Basically, the electrical stuff has been minimised owing to its utilitarian genesis which expects us to take it into extreme situations where there is a chance that the electric gizmos might fail.

Engine and gearbox

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible gets the latest 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine that pumps out 237bhp of power and comes mated to the ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox. Of course, it gets all-wheel drive and all the capabilities of the Evoque including its off-roadability. Being a premium offering, the diesel might not be on the options list in India but if the numbers justify, we might as well get one in future.

As for the Wrangler, you can choose from the 3.6-litre petrol V6 or the 2.8-litre inline-four cylinder diesel engines both mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. It also gets diff-locks for outright off-road abilities and is considered to be one of the best off-roaders available across the world. 

Conclusion

The Range Rover Evoque convertible and the Jeep Wrangler are certainly poles apart but if you are looking for something of their type, you might be looking to make a statement. The Evoque convertible will get you noticed in the page 3 parties while the Wrangler will make you stand out when you are out of the comfort zone.