Jaguar is a brand known for crafting elegant sedans, sleek coupes, and stunning convertibles. But with the Jaguar F-Pace, the iconic British automaker ventures into the world of luxury crossovers for the first time—and they’ve done it in style. Designed by Ian Callum’s legendary team, this crossover brings a whole new dimension to Jaguar’s lineup while maintaining its core DNA of performance, luxury, and refined design.
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For those loyal to Jaguar’s long history of graceful sports cars, a crossover might seem like an unusual addition. However, as Porsche proved with the Cayenne, adding SUVs to the lineup can be a smart business move. The F-Pace aims to balance the needs of practicality with the brand’s dedication to performance. And with Jaguar and Land Rover both owned by Tata Motors, you might assume they’d simply borrow architecture from the Range Rover Sport or Evoque. Surprisingly, Jaguar took a different route, building the F-Pace on the aluminum-intensive platform shared by the Jaguar XE and XF sedans—an excellent foundation for an engaging, lightweight crossover.
Power and Performance: Jaguar’s First SUV Still Feels Like a Sports Car
The F-Pace offers a variety of engines to match your driving style. The R-Sport model I tested is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, churning out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This engine propels the F-Pace from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, and the growl from the engine when you punch the throttle is exhilarating. While it roars to life under hard acceleration, it fades into a more refined tone during relaxed cruising.
For those seeking a little more thrill, the S model tunes the same V6 engine for an extra 40 horsepower, giving it a total of 380 hp. If speed isn’t your priority and you’re more focused on fuel economy, you can opt for the 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which offers a more efficient, yet still engaging, driving experience.
One thing Jaguar excels at is theatrical touches. From the pulsating start button—which mimics a heartbeat—to the sporty 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, this SUV feels alive. The all-wheel-drive system is tuned to send most of the power to the rear wheels, but it can seamlessly shift up to 90% of the power to the front wheels when necessary. Brake torque vectoring also helps keep the vehicle under control, making the F-Pace feel sporty and responsive.
On slick surfaces, Jaguar’s Low Traction Launch feature ensures a confident pull-away from a standstill. And if you’re on a long journey, the optional Traffic Sign Recognition system uses cameras to scan road signs and adjust the car’s speed accordingly with Intelligent Speed Limiter—great for staying within the limits without too much thought.
Driving Impressions: Size, Feel, and Fun
One thing that stands out about the F-Pace is its size—it strikes the perfect balance between being not too big and not too small. This crossover is just the right size for those who want a practical SUV without the bulk. And while it doesn’t have the fuel efficiency of some of its competitors like the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, the F-Pace makes up for it with good road feel and nicely weighted steering.
In terms of handling, the F-Pace is one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers on the market. While my personal favorite in this category is the Porsche Macan, the Jaguar comes close with its engaging driving dynamics. The Jaguar F-Pace is also roomier and more comfortable than the Macan, all while being easier on the budget. The base model starts at $41,985 for the diesel version, while the R-Sport trim I tested retails for $63,000.
Interior Comfort and Off-Road Capability
Step inside the F-Pace, and it immediately feels like a Jaguar. The design of the cabin is elegant, though it lacks the high-grade materials you’d find in a Land Rover. Still, the interior feels premium, and the 8.4 inches of ground clearance means that the F-Pace can handle moderate off-roading. It can even wade through nearly 21 inches of water, a testament to its versatility.
The interior wraps comfortably around the driver and front passenger, with the expected luxury features at this price range, including a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and InControl Touch Pro, Jaguar’s intuitive infotainment system with a large customizable display.
One unique feature that might catch your eye is the Activity Key—perfect for those who love outdoor adventures. The $400 Activity Key is a wristband with an RFID chip that lets you lock and unlock the car without needing the regular proximity key. Great for swimming, running, or hiking without worrying about your key fob.
In the back, the rear seats offer ample space for two average-sized adults, with generous foot and legroom. The seats don’t slide fore and aft, but they do offer plenty of comfort and conveniences, such as power ports, seat warmers, and storage for your devices.
For cargo, the F-Pace features a reversible floor—carpet on one side and a rubber surface on the other, making it easier to clean after a weekend adventure. With the seats up, the Jaguar can hold 8 packs of paper towels, just one shy of the larger Lexus RX. So, while the F-Pace is slightly smaller than the RX, it’s still plenty practical.
Technology and Safety: Packed with Features
The F-Pace offers a wide range of technology and safety features. From adaptive cruise control that follows cars to a complete stop, to semi-autonomous parking, the F-Pace is equipped with the latest tech to make driving easier. It also comes with auto braking with pedestrian detection, adding an extra layer of security.
Another standout feature is All Surface Progress Control, a low-speed cruise control for off-roading. This system operates between 2 and 19 mph, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering while the car manages the rest.
Jaguar backs the F-Pace with a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty that includes scheduled maintenance—something you don’t often see with premium brands. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that your crossover is covered for years to come.
A Smart Move for Jaguar
Jaguar may have been one of the last premium automakers to enter the crossover market, but the wait was worth it. The F-Pace combines good looks, engaging performance, and Jaguar’s signature charm to create a vehicle that is both practical and fun to drive. And the numbers don’t lie—Jaguar’s sales have jumped by 174%, largely thanks to the addition of this crossover to their lineup. More sales mean more resources for Jaguar to develop even better vehicles, so it’s a win for all of us.
As someone who had the privilege of meeting Ian Callum, the legendary Jaguar designer, I can tell you that his vision shines through in the F-Pace. During my time with him at the 2016 New York Auto Show, he walked me through the details of the F-Pace, explaining the design choices with such passion and patience. It was a fascinating experience and a reminder of why Jaguar’s designs remain iconic.
For a closer look at the Jaguar F-Pace and more in-depth insights, check out the video on our channel. Get a visual tour of the car and experience its beauty firsthand. Click here to watch the full review!
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