With a sleek look, eager engines, a sensitive suspension, and snappy brakes, the Jaguar F-Pace is definitely on the sporty side of midsize SUVs. However, such design decisions come at the sacrifice of passenger comfort and space.
Overview
Jaguar’s first foray into the very competitive midsize premium SUV sector. The F-Pace, like many of its European counterparts, combines elegance and performance. For those who wish to combine SUV practicality with sports car performance, there are three engine options, standard all-wheel drive, and even a high-performance SVR model. The F-dynamic Pace’s appearance gives it a sporty air, but it results in a cramped cabin for both rows of seating. The style on the outside was modified for 2021, and a new infotainment system was incorporated on the inside. All of the most up-to-date technology is available, however it isn’t necessarily intuitive.
Overall, the F-Pace is a great contender for anyone looking for a fast SUV that won’t get lost in the crowd of German and Japanese rivals. The Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and Infiniti QX60 are among the Japanese luxury trifecta. The BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche, and Audi Q5 are all German models. The Lincoln Nautilus and the new Korean Genesis GV80 are also worth consideration.
Pricing and Trims
Standard, S, R-Dynamic S, and SVR are the four trim levels offered for the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace.
The S is the most popular model, and it’s also our top pick. We’ll tell you why in a moment.
Standard
19-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated power-folding mirrors, auto-configurable ambient lighting, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats with faux leather, a premium Meridian stereo system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, front and rear parking aids, a 3D surround-view camera, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assist are all standard on the base model F-Pace ($51,145 including destination fees). All F-Pace vehicles come with free maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles.
S
The 335-hp six-cylinder engine is available as an option if you upgrade to the “S” level ($55,045). A motorized tailgate, grained leather seats with diamond-design perforation, and adaptive/configurable dynamics are also included as standard features. The six-cylinder engine is a worthwhile upgrade, and the finer cabin feels more fitting for this class in this trim.
S-Dynamic R-Dynamic R-Dynamic R-
The R-Dynamic S ($66,350) comes with a body modification that includes door cladding, a distinctive grille, bumper finishers, and bumper inserts, as well as a 395-hp version of the six-cylinder engine.
SVR
The SVR ($85,750) is the most powerful model in the series, with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 550 horsepower. 21-inch wheels, quad tailpipes, red brake calipers, 14-way heated and cooled leather front seats, adaptive cruise control, and a rear crash monitor are all standard features.
Performance of the Engine
According to Jaguar, the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 246 horsepower and takes 6.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. The standard 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine produces 335 horsepower when upgraded. The R-Dynamic S model comes with a 395-hp version of the 3.0-liter engine, which reduces the duration from 0 to 60 mph to 5.1 seconds. The top-of-the-line SVR has a 550-horsepower V8, which translates to a 0-60 speed of less than 4 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard on all engines.
This is a mild-mannered SUV, despite the engines’ decent growl. Even in the stronger F-Pace R-Dynamic S model, Jaguar creates among of the world’s most supple suspensions. Even when there are some hard collisions, the automobile absorbs road rash without issue. The shocks, on the other hand, are tuned for a more sporting use, with improved handling as a result.
Interior
The Jaguar F-Pace boasts unique colors and materials that give it some individuality, unlike its German rivals’ fairly cold interiors. As soon as you go inside, you’re greeted by a sea of leather and chrome, and the atmosphere is decidedly athletic. Unfortunately, there are flaws in the general design. From the outside, those small slit windows appear elegant, but the interior is dark and cave-like, and the driver’s sightlines are significantly reduced. It feels more like a huge compact than a true midsize luxury SUV because there isn’t as much passenger space as in most other midsize luxury SUVs. The F-Pace can handle short journeys thanks to its 27 cubic feet of cargo space.