Range Rover Evoque 2.0 P250 Petrol Engine Guide: Specs, Reliability & Common Problems

If your Evoque's engine light just came on, or you're hearing a faint rattle on cold mornings that wasn't there last winter, you're probably searching for answers right now rather than reading for fun. That's fair. The Range Rover Evoque 2.0 P250 petrol engine has earned a mixed reputation, and most owners only start digging into the details once something feels off.

This guide covers what the P250 actually is, where it tends to go wrong, what keeping one healthy costs, and what your options are if yours has already started showing problems. It's built from real workshop experience at Vogue Technics Engine Rebuild in Grays, Essex, where we diagnose and rebuild these engines regularly, not from generic spec-sheet content recycled across the internet.

What Is the Range Rover Evoque 2.0 P250 Engine?

The P250 badge refers to a specific output tune of Land Rover's 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine, built under the internal engine code PT204 (also referenced as AJ20P4). It's a turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder unit that Jaguar Land Rover introduced as part of its push to move engine production in-house, replacing older externally-sourced units.

"P250" tells you the power output in metric horsepower 250 PS, around 246 bhp. You'll also see P200 and P300 badges on Evoque listings, using the same core Ingenium architecture with different turbo and tuning setups.

Engine Code, Architecture and Specifications

The Ingenium petrol family was built with a modular approach: same fundamental block, different output levels depending on turbocharging and software calibration. For the P250 specifically:

• Engine capacity: 1,997cc
• Engine code: PT204 / AJ20P4
• Configuration: Inline four-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection
• Block material: Aluminium
• Fitment: Range Rover Evoque, with related Ingenium petrol variants also used across Range Rover Sport and Velar applications

One detail that catches buyers out: the Ingenium petrol and diesel variants share very little beyond the family name. If you're cross-shopping a 2.0 P250 petrol against a 2.0 diesel Evoque, the engineering underneath is genuinely different.

Power, Torque and Performance Figures

On paper, the P250 is a quick small SUV. Typical figures across Evoque variants fitted with this engine:

• Power: 246-250 bhp
• Torque: Around 365 Nm
• 0-60 mph: Roughly 6.3-6.6 seconds depending on trim and drivetrain
• Top speed: Around 143 mph

Those numbers put it ahead of several diesel-engined rivals in the same bracket. The trade-off is that this performance comes from a smaller, harder-working engine than the segment is used to, which has consequences for long-term reliability that we'll cover honestly below.

Which Evoque Years Use the P250 Engine?

The P250 (PT204/AJ20P4) has been fitted across Evoque production from 2019 through to current models. If you're researching a 2018, 2021, or 2022 Range Rover Evoque 2.0 P250 petrol engine specifically, here's the practical context:

• 2018: This was the final year of the previous-generation Si4 petrol unit on some Evoque trims, so confirm the exact engine code on the V5 or via the engine bay plate before assuming P250 fitment
• 2019-2021: P250 fitted as standard across the second-generation Evoque (L551), with documented timing chain tensioner revisions introduced during this window
• 2022 onwards: Mild-hybrid assistance (MHEV) introduced on some variants, still using the same PT204 base architecture

Because the core mechanical architecture carries across these years with running updates rather than a clean break, service history tells you far more than the model year badge does. We stock and supply reconditioned P250 units (PT204/AJ20P4) covering Evoque fitment from 2019 through to 2025, so we see the full spread of this engine's real-world condition at every mileage bracket.

P250 vs P200 vs P300 — What's the Difference?

The practical difference comes down to turbocharger sizing and boost pressure rather than a different engine family. The P250 sits in a sensible middle ground, with enough power to never feel underwhelming without pushing internals as hard as the P300.

Is the Range Rover Evoque P250 Reliable? Common Problems Explained

This is the question that brings most people to this page, so we won't dance around it. The Evoque P250's Ingenium petrol engine has documented failure patterns, particularly on earlier production examples. It's not catastrophically unreliable, but it isn't fit-and-forget either.

Timing Chain Issues on the 2.0 Ingenium Engine

This is the issue we see most often at our Grays workshop. The Ingenium petrol engine uses a timing chain to keep the camshafts synchronised with the crankshaft. Early production units suffered from premature wear in the timing chain tensioner, the component responsible for keeping the chain taut as it ages.

When the tensioner fails, the chain develops slack. That changes the timing relationship between crankshaft and camshafts, and in the worst cases the chain can skip a tooth or snap entirely, causing valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic internal damage.

Symptoms of Timing Chain Wear and Cold Start Rattle

Timing chain wear rarely happens silently. Watch and listen for:

• Cold start rattle: A distinct rattling or metallic slapping noise from the top-front of the engine, most noticeable for the first 30-60 seconds after a cold start
• Fault codes P0016 or P0017: Camshaft/crankshaft correlation errors on an OBD-II scan, directly linked to timing chain issues
• Engine management light: Often triggered alongside the codes above
• Rough idle or misfires: Particularly while the engine is still warming up

If you hear that rattle, the worst thing you can do is assume it's fine because "it runs okay once it's warm." That's exactly the pattern we see right before a tensioner fails completely. Get the timing chain inspected immediately rather than waiting for it to worsen.

Turbocharger Problems and Failure Warning Signs

The P250's turbocharger works hard to extract 250 PS from a relatively small 2.0-litre engine, and that workload shows up in wear patterns over time. Common complaints include:

• Whining or whistling noises under acceleration that weren't present previously
• Visible blue-grey smoke from the exhaust, often pointing to oil passing worn turbo seals
• Noticeable turbo lag developing where there wasn't any before
• Loss of boost pressure, felt as sluggish acceleration despite normal revs

Turbo failure rarely happens instantly. It tends to announce itself gradually, giving an attentive owner a real window to catch it before debris or oil contamination causes secondary engine damage. A proper turbo replacement addresses both the failed unit and the underlying cause, rather than just swapping the part.

Restricted Performance Mode — Causes and Fixes

Many P250 owners report the car suddenly entering a limp-home state that deliberately limits power output to protect the engine. This typically gets triggered by:

• A knock sensor fault, often related to fuel quality
• Low engine oil pressure readings
• Coolant temperature sensor faults
• Turbocharger boost pressure irregularities

The fix depends entirely on the underlying cause, which is why a proper diagnostic scan using live sensor data is non-negotiable rather than clearing the code and hoping. Clearing a fault without addressing what triggered it usually means the warning returns within days.

Oil Consumption and Carbon Buildup Issues

Direct injection engines like this one are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves over time, since fuel never washes over the valves the way it does in older fuel-injected designs. Combined with reports of higher-than-expected oil consumption on some units, this is worth monitoring proactively:

• Check oil level monthly, not just at service time
• Be alert to a slightly rough idle or hesitation developing gradually, which can indicate carbon buildup affecting airflow
• A professional injector clean or intake valve clean, combined with an oil system check, often resolves symptoms that otherwise look like more serious internal wear

Are There Specific Evoque Years to Avoid?

If you're asking which Evoque years to be cautious of for the P250 specifically, the consensus among specialist workshops points toward early production examples from 2019, before updated timing chain tensioner components were introduced.

That doesn't mean every early car is doomed and every later car is fine. Service history matters more than build year alone. A 2019 Evoque with documented timing chain inspections and consistent oil servicing can easily outlast a neglected later model. Always prioritise paperwork over production date.

Evoque P250 Maintenance, Servicing and Running Costs

A well-maintained P250 can genuinely go the distance. The problems above are real, but they're largely manageable with the right maintenance approach. This engine punishes neglect more than it punishes age or mileage.

Recommended Oil Type and Service Intervals

Land Rover specifies a fully synthetic, low-viscosity oil for the Ingenium petrol engine, typically 0W-20 or 5W-30 depending on variant. Using anything outside this specification, even a seemingly equivalent "fully synthetic" alternative, can affect both performance and long-term engine health.

Manufacturer intervals list up to 16,000 miles or 12 months, but that's a maximum, not an ideal. In real-world UK driving, particularly short urban journeys and stop-start traffic, oil degrades faster than the official schedule assumes. Our recommended practice:

• Change engine oil every 8,000-10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first
• Use only the correct oil specification for your specific variant
• Never top up with a different grade; mixing specifications accelerates wear
• Check oil level monthly rather than waiting for the next service

Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy

Official figures for the P250 typically sit in the low-to-mid 30s mpg. Real-world driving tells a slightly different story:

• Motorway cruising: 35-38 mpg with steady, moderate speeds
• Mixed urban/rural driving: Most owners report 28-32 mpg
• Heavy urban traffic or spirited driving: Can drop to the low-to-mid 20s

For context, that's broadly comparable to similarly-powered turbocharged petrol SUVs from German rivals, though noticeably thirstier than the Evoque's own diesel variants. If fuel economy is your priority, a diesel Evoque or the lower-output P200 will serve you better.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Long Engine Life

Owners who get genuine longevity from the P250 tend to follow a consistent pattern:

• Shorten the oil interval to 8,000-10,000 miles, especially for mostly short-trip driving
• Use only the correct Land Rover-spec approved oil
• Listen for cold start rattle at every single start, not just occasionally
• Use fuel that meets the minimum octane rating specified for the engine, given the knock sensor's sensitivity to fuel quality
• Have the timing chain and tensioner condition checked proactively around the 60,000-80,000 mile mark, even though it isn't an official scheduled replacement item
• Avoid prolonged idling, which contributes to carbon buildup more than steady-state driving

None of this is exotic or expensive. It's mostly discipline rather than cost, which makes preventable faults all the more frustrating to see in practice.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain or Repair a P250 Engine?

Routine maintenance costs are broadly comparable to other premium SUVs in this class. Where costs escalate is when preventive maintenance gets skipped and a fault is allowed to progress. Based on UK specialist pricing for Ingenium petrol engines:

• Injector replacement: £300-£800 per injector
• Timing chain and tensioner replacement: £800-£1,500
• Turbocharger replacement: Varies by extent of secondary damage, quoted after inspection
• Full engine rebuild: £2,500-£4,500 depending on damage extent
• Engine replacement (reconditioned unit): From around £4,990-£5,200 for a supplied and fitted PT204/AJ20P4 unit

These figures reflect specialist pricing; main dealer rates typically run 30-50% higher for comparable work. A timing chain tensioner caught early through diagnostic inspection is a comparatively minor repair. A timing chain that's skipped and caused valve-to-piston contact is a different conversation, often meaning a full rebuild or replacement rather than a component swap.

Buying, Repairing or Rebuilding a P250 Engine

Whether you're shopping for a used Evoque P250 or already own one showing symptoms, this is where the practical decisions get made.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for a Used Evoque P250

Given the known fault patterns, a proper pre-purchase inspection matters more on this engine than on a typical used car. Before handing over money, check or have a specialist check:

• Cold start behaviour: Insist on starting the car from genuinely cold, not after it's been idling on a forecourt
• Full service history: Specifically evidence of consistent oil servicing and any documented timing chain inspections
• Diagnostic scan: A proper OBD-II scan for stored or pending fault codes, including P0016/P0017 timing correlation codes, even if the dashboard is currently clear
• Exhaust smoke: Have someone rev the engine while you watch for blue-grey smoke
• Oil level and condition: Low or noticeably dirty oil on a recently "serviced" car is a red flag worth pushing back on
• Turbo boost behaviour: A test drive with hard acceleration to check for hesitation, whining, or delayed power delivery

A seller who's nervous about you doing any of this, or who insists the car must be bought "as seen," should make you more cautious, not less.

Repair vs Engine Rebuild — Which Makes Sense?

Once a fault is confirmed, the decision between repair and full rebuild depends on how far the damage has progressed:

Signs You Need a Professional Engine Rebuild

A rebuild becomes the sensible option rather than a repair when:

• Oil analysis confirms metal contamination, indicating internal component wear
• The timing chain has already skipped, even if the engine still runs
• Compression testing shows significant variance between cylinders
• Internal metal contamination from timing chain or turbo debris is confirmed
• The cost of repeated component-level repairs starts approaching the cost of a full rebuild anyway

At that point, patching individual symptoms tends to be false economy. A proper rebuild, carried out to OEM specification with new timing chain kit, bearings, and gaskets throughout, addresses the underlying wear rather than chasing one fault after another.

Why Choose Vogue Technics Engine Rebuild for Your Evoque P250

We specialise specifically in Land Rover, Range Rover, Jaguar, SVR, and Defender engines at our workshop in Grays, Essex (Unit 1D Hedley Avenue, RM20 4EL), which means we're not learning the P250's quirks on your car. We already know where this engine tends to fail and why, because we see it regularly, including the timing chain tensioner pattern, turbo wear signs, and carbon buildup issues covered throughout this guide.

We also stock reconditioned P250 (PT204/AJ20P4) units ready for supply and fit, covering Evoque fitment from 2019 through to 2025, on an exchange basis with a 6-month/6,000-mile warranty included.

If your Evoque is showing cold start rattle, has triggered restricted performance mode, or you're simply trying to decide whether a repair or full rebuild makes sense before committing to spending money, we offer:

• Same-day diagnostics available at our Grays workshop
• Transparent, itemised quotes confirmed upfront, with no additions between quote and invoice
• Up to 40% savings compared to main dealer engine replacement costs
• UK-wide vehicle collection and recovery
• A 6-month or 6,000-mile warranty on every reconditioned and rebuilt engine

We're an RAC-approved garage serving customers across Essex, London, Kent, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire, with UK-wide collection available for owners further afield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Evoque P250 engine reliable? 
It's reasonably reliable when properly maintained, but it has documented weak points, particularly timing chain tensioner wear on earlier production units and turbocharger wear over high mileage. Service history matters enormously here.

What engine is in the Evoque P250? 
The P250 uses Land Rover's 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine, engine code PT204 (also referenced as AJ20P4), in a turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder configuration producing 250 PS.

Does the P250 use the Ingenium engine? 
Yes. P250, P200, and P300 are all output variants of the same Ingenium petrol engine family, differentiated mainly by turbocharger sizing and tuning.

What are common Evoque P250 problems? 
The most frequently reported issues are timing chain tensioner wear (often signalled by cold start rattle and P0016/P0017 fault codes), turbocharger degradation, restricted performance mode triggers, and carbon buildup on intake valves from the direct injection system.

How long does the Evoque P250 engine last? 
With consistent maintenance and prompt attention to early warning signs, well-cared-for examples can comfortably exceed 100,000-150,000 miles. Neglected examples with ignored timing chain symptoms can fail far earlier.

Does the Evoque P250 have timing chain issues? 
Earlier production units, broadly from 2019, are the most commonly affected, before updated tensioner components were introduced. Always check service history rather than relying on build year alone.

Is the Evoque P250 expensive to maintain? 
Routine servicing costs are comparable to other premium SUVs in its class. Costs escalate significantly if preventive maintenance is skipped and faults progress into major internal damage, where repair costs can range from a few hundred pounds for injector work to several thousand for a full rebuild.

What fuel does the Evoque P250 require? 
Fuel meeting the minimum octane rating specified for the engine, given the knock sensor's sensitivity to fuel quality.

How often should Evoque P250 oil be changed? 
Manufacturer intervals list up to 16,000 miles or 12 months, but we recommend shortening this to 8,000-10,000 miles, particularly for predominantly short-trip or urban driving.

Is the Evoque P250 better than the P200? 
The P250 offers noticeably stronger performance and torque, while the P200 is the more budget-conscious, slightly more economical option. Neither is inherently more reliable than the other, since they share the same core architecture.

Is the Evoque P250 worth buying used? 
Yes, provided you prioritise service history and a proper pre-purchase inspection over headline mileage or model year. A well-documented example is a far safer buy than an undocumented one regardless of age.

Can timing chain failure destroy the engine? 
Yes, in severe cases. If the chain skips significantly or breaks, valve-to-piston contact can cause catastrophic internal damage requiring a full rebuild.

What causes restricted performance mode? 
Common triggers include knock sensor faults (often fuel-quality related), low oil pressure readings, coolant temperature sensor faults, and turbo boost irregularities.

How much horsepower does the P250 produce? 
250 PS, approximately 246 bhp.

What is the Evoque P250's real-world MPG? 
Most owners report 28-32 mpg in mixed driving, with motorway-only journeys reaching the mid-30s and heavy urban driving dropping into the low-to-mid 20s.

Final Thoughts

The Evoque P250 is a genuinely capable engine wrapped in a genuinely premium SUV, but it rewards attentive ownership and punishes neglect more than most. The faults aren't mysterious or random. Timing chain tensioner wear, turbo degradation, and carbon buildup are well-documented patterns with well-documented warning signs. Catch them early, and you're looking at manageable repairs. Ignore them, and you're looking at a rebuild.

If you're hearing that cold start rattle, dealing with a restricted performance warning, or just want a straight answer on whether your Evoque needs a repair or a full rebuild, contact Vogue Technics Engine Rebuild in Grays, Essex today. We'll give you a clear diagnostic picture and a transparent, itemised quote before you spend a penny on guesswork.