Just like a Rotten Tomatoes review can make or break a movie’s reputation and its box-office success, Consumer Reports’ road tests have the potential to boost a vehicle's sales or in some cases force a an automaker to run back to the drawing board.
The latest batch of vehicles tested by CR include two SUVs that even though different in size, will compete in the premium segment: the second iteration of the BMW X3 and the brand-new challenger in the category, the Range Rover Evoque.
To sum it up, the BMW X3 xDrive28i scored an 80 in CR's road test and received the “Recommended” tag, while the Range Rover Evoque managed a test score of 60 score and was placed near the bottom of its class.
“The X3 does an impressive job of combining sporty handling, a lavish interior and surprising fuel economy”, said CR’s Auto Test Center senior director David Champion. He added that it has strong acceleration, a smooth-shifting gearbox and very good brakes.
The Bavarian model also received good marks thanks to its steering, interior quality and its ability to keeps its occupants serene by isolating them from road imperfections and noise. All in all, the BMW X3 outscored every other model in its segment, bar the Audi Q5 3.2.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged Range Rover was praised for its design, impressive acceleration, braking power and six-speed auto transmission. CR also liked the finish of the interior and the full-length glass roof.
However, according to Consumer Reports, that’s where the good stuff ends. In Champion’s own words, “although the stylish Evoque has won lots of accolades in the press, including North American Truck of the Year, our more thorough testing reveals quite a few flaws.”
For starters, the Evoque is criticized for its artificial steering, choppy ride, cramped and noisy cabin and lack of visibility. CR points out that track testing also revealed flaws in its handling.
"The Evoque tackles corners well but its steering feels artificially weighted, impairing feedback. When pushed to its handling limits at our track, the tail slid out and the vehicle repeatedly lifted a wheel during our avoidance maneuver."
In the same issue, Consumer Reports awarded the “Recommended” tag to the Toyota Prius Vand the VW Tiguan, but not the Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep’s 4x4 did well in acceleration and off-roading but was panned by CR’s testers in almost everything else, from handling and braking to more trivial issues like removing the roof.
