The Range Rover Evoque stands as one of Britain’s most desirable compact luxury SUVs, blending iconic design with premium comfort. But with tightening emissions regulations and diverse driving needs across the UK, choosing between its D150 diesel and P250 petrol engines has never been more critical.
Why Your Engine Choice Matters
- Running Costs: Diesel’s superior MPG vs petrol’s ULEZ compliance
- Driving Experience: Torque-heavy diesel for motorways vs responsive petrol for cities
- Future-Proofing: Diesel restrictions vs petrol’s longevity in urban areas
This guide pits the D150 (2.0L diesel) against the P250 (2.0L petrol), comparing:
- Performance (0-60mph, towing)
- Efficiency (MPG, range)
- Real-World Suitability (ULEZ, maintenance)
Range Rover Evoque D150 vs P250 Comparison Table (UK Specs)
| Feature | D150 (Diesel) | P250 (Petrol) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel | 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo Petrol |
| Power Output | 150 PS (148 hp) | 249 PS (246 hp) |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 365 Nm |
| 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) | ~10.5 sec (manual FWD) / ~9.3 sec (AWD Auto) | ~7.5 sec (AWD Auto) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual or 9-speed Auto | 9-speed Automatic only |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | AWD only |
| WLTP Fuel Economy | 47–53 mpg (manual) / 43–48 mpg (auto) | 30–33 mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | ~143–150 g/km | ~179–190 g/km |
| ULEZ Compliance | Euro 6 (ULEZ Compliant) – confirm locally | Fully ULEZ Compliant |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Petrol |
| Annual Road Tax (VED) | ~£180 (1st year may vary) | ~£220–£260 (1st year higher) |
| Insurance Group | 25–28 (varies by trim) | 30–33 (varies by trim) |
| Towing Capacity (Braked) | Up to 2,000 kg | Up to 2,000 kg |
| Drive Style | Relaxed, efficient cruising | Sportier, responsive |
| Ideal Use Case | Long-distance, motorway, rural UK | Urban, mixed use, performance-minded |
| Available Trims | Base, S, SE, R-Dynamic, etc. | S, SE, R-Dynamic, HSE |
| Boot Space | ~591 litres | ~591 litres |
| Price (New) | From ~£34,000 | From ~£39,000 |
D150 Diesel Engine Built for Efficiency
Engine Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel
- Power: 150 HP
- Torque: 380 Nm
- Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
- Transmission: 6-speed manual / 9-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: 10.5 seconds (automatic)
Pros for UK Driving
- Exceptional Fuel Economy: ~50 MPG (real-world), ideal for long commutes
- Lower CO₂ Emissions (149g/km): Reduced VED road tax vs. petrol equivalents
- Motorway Mastery: Effortless cruising with high torque (380Nm)
- Longer Range: 600+ miles per tank, perfect for rural UK & cross-country trips
Drawbacks
- Slower Acceleration: 10.5s 0-60mph (vs. P250’s 7.5s)
- ULEZ/LEZ Restrictions: Non-compliant in London & expanding zones
- Urban Driving Limitations: Louder, less refined in stop-start traffic
P250 Petrol Engine – Power & Urban Readiness
Engine Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L turbo petrol (249 PS / 365 Nm)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic only
- Drivetrain: AWD standard
- 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
Pros for UK Driving
- Brisk Acceleration: 40% quicker 0-60mph than D150
- City-Friendly: Silent start-stop, ULEZ-compliant
- All-Weather Confidence: Standard AWD with Terrain Response
Drawbacks
- Thirstier: ~35 MPG (vs D150’s 50 MPG)
- Insurance Group 32 (vs D150’s Group 28)
- Higher Long Term Costs: Fuel + tax add ~£800/year
Performance & Driving Feel
Acceleration
- P250: 7.5s 0-60mph (urgent overtaking)
- D150: 10.5s (leisurely but torque-rich)
City vs Highway
| Scenario | D150 Diesel | P250 Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Stop-Start Traffic | Noisy vibration | Silent & smooth |
| Motorway Cruising | Effortless 70mph | More gear shifts |
| UK B-Roads | Confident torque | Sportier handling |
AWD Performance
Both handle rain/mud/light snow well, but P250’s quicker power delivery aids traction.
Fuel Economy & Running Costs
| Metric | D150 | P250 |
|---|---|---|
| UK MPG (Real) | 48-52 | 32-36 |
| 12k-mile Fuel Cost* | £1,560 | £2,340 |
| Insurance Group | 28 | 32 |
| Major Service Cost | £380 | £320 |
*Based on UK diesel (£1.55/L) vs petrol (£1.45/L) prices
Emissions, Tax & Compliance
| Factor | D150 | P250 |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ Emissions | 149g/km | 183g/km |
| VED (Year 2+) | £180/yr | £220/yr |
| ULEZ Compliance | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Key Issue
D150 faces £12.50 daily charges in London/Birmingham/Bristol.
Which Engine Is Best for You?
Choose D150 If:
- You drive >10,000 miles/year
- Route avoids ULEZ zones
- Prioritise pence-per-mile costs
Choose P250 If:
- You’re urban-based (London/Manchester)
- Want sportier responses
- Value resale flexibility as diesel bans loom
Conclusion
The Range Rover Evoque offers two compelling but very different engine choices for UK drivers:
The D150 Diesel is the long-haul champion, delivering unbeatable fuel efficiency (50+ MPG) and low running costs—ideal for high-mileage drivers, motorway commuters, and rural owners who rarely enter ULEZ zones. However, its slower acceleration and urban restrictions may deter city dwellers.
The P250 Petrol shines as the refined urbanite, with smoother power, ULEZ compliance, and sportier handling. While thirstier (35 MPG), it’s the smarter pick for city driving, shorter commutes, and drivers prioritizing driving enjoyment over frugality.
FAQs
1. Is the D150 diesel engine ULEZ-compliant?
No The D150’s Euro 6d diesel engine still falls short of London’s ULEZ standards. Expect £12.50 daily charges in London, Birmingham, and other Clean Air Zones. The P250 petrol is fully compliant.
2. Which engine is better for towing?
D150 wins for heavy loads Its 380Nm torque (vs. P250’s 365Nm) provides stronger low-end pull. Both tow up to 2,000kg, but the diesel feels more effortless on inclines.
3. How much more expensive is the P250 to run?
~£800/year extra Based on 10,000 miles:
- Fuel: P250 costs £780 more annually (35 MPG vs. D150’s 50 MPG).
- Tax: P250’s higher CO₂ adds £40/year in VED.
- Insurance: P250 is Group 32 (vs. D150’s Group 28).
4. Will diesel Evoques lose value faster?
Potentially As UK cities expand emissions zones, diesel demand may dip. What Car? predicts the P250 will hold 5% better resale value after 3 years.
5. Can I get the D150 with FWD to save money?
Yes The FWD D150 (manual or auto) is £3,000+ cheaper than AWD, with slightly better MPG. But AWD is recommended for UK weather.