British or Japanese: Two CUVs compete for urban curb appeal

The 2013 Range Rover Evoque by Land Rover and the 2013 Infiniti FX37 Limited Edition, both crossover utility vehicles, are looking to turn heads with their heavily stylized version of curb appeal. If a car could be Flock of Seagulls or Madonna, these would be center stage. But which one is the best and how do you really choose?

The Evoque is a curious vehicle. It has a raked back roofline reminiscent of a ‘50s chopped and channeled custom, yet sits high enough to see over other vehicles and still do some significant off-road maneuvers — just ask James May. At $50,225, it is tipping into the luxury category for a small 5-door CUV.

Besides the edgy styling, the Pure option packages added climate control, surround view cameras for easy parking, Meridian surround sound, heated seats, satellite radio, navigation and more. Under the hood you find the standard equipment: 240-hp direct injected turbocharged four-cylinder. And yes, it will push you up to 60 mph with great gusto as in response to “I Ran (so Far Away).”

But rear passengers will find the Evoque cramped, especially if you’re over six feet tall. From a driving and handling perspective the Evoque is the more agile of the two test vehicles, but has the downside of significant turbo lag from a dead stop. All in all, the interior finish and the name, make for quite the package for the price, especially compared to the similarly sized BMW X3.

What about the Infiniti FX37? Also well equipped, the Infiniti comes with similar features and a similar price tag, $53,700. If the Evoque is a New Wave “Hair Band” then the FX37 is Madonna.

The FX37 has never quite been understood. It has gone through some styling changes, but has basically kept its curvaceous coupe-inspired exterior design. The most remarkable thing about the FX37 is that you feel like you are driving a car given the coziness of the interior and it has significantly more power coming from the 2013 upgrade to the 3.7-liter V6 engine that puts out 325-hp. If the Evoque is quick, the FX37 is fast. In fact, it is about 1.5 seconds faster than the Evqoue 0-60 mph.

I found that the FX37 was roomier both for front and rear passengers. It also had a better load floor when folding the seats allowing for more cargo to be held. However, out on the road, it may be faster in a straight line, but its Limited Edition 21” wheels don’t help in the handling department.

So which do you choose? Depends on whether you like edgy or provocative. And if you didn’t get my ‘80s music reference, that should provide hours of fun on YouTube.