The fall can be a challenging time to test drive new vehicles. The 2022 test vehicles are being sent back to the manufacturers, and the new 2023 models aren’t always available. I was asked if I’d like to drive an “older” vehicle – the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace. Of course, I said yes – who doesn’t want to get behind the wheel of a Jag?
Base Price: $65,200
As Tested: $82,245
Horsepower: 395
Mileage: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined
The F-Pace is the luxury compact SUV from Jaguar. It boasts sporty performance, a beautiful and roomy cabin, and lots of tech but the starting price is steep compared to some rivals.
The F-Pace was introduced for the 2017 model year. For 2021, it gets some interior and exterior tweaks, an updated infotainment system and some changes to the available engines.
The 2021 F-Pace comes in four trims: base, S, R-Dynamic S, and SVR. The base model starts at $49,995 which is high for the class. The top-of-the-line SVR trim starts at $84,600 which is also spendier than top trims from other luxury brands. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims. There’s room for five passengers.
Four engines are available. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 246 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Three other engines are available: a turbo- and supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that makes 335 horses and 354 pound-feet of torque; a turbo- and supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque; and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that cranks out 550 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
My tester has the turbo- and supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is snappy – this powertrain propels the F-Pace from zero to 60 mpg in 5.1 seconds with a pleasing growling sound from the engine. The eight-speed shifts smoothly and quickly. Steering and brakes respond instantly. The F-Pace feels planted when cornering, but there is some body lean. Visibility is good all the way around. Yep, it’s a blast to be behind the wheel! The F-Pace is a great blend of thrilling performance and a cushy ride. In fact, you may forget that you’re behind the wheel of a crossover because the F-Pace handles much like a sport sedan.
Fuel economy is about average for a luxury compact SUV. EPA ratings for my tester are 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with a combined rating of 22. I got 21 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. Premium gas is required.
The cabin is elegant with a clean, modern look. The large windows give the cabin an airy feel. Materials are high-quality. Seats are supportive and comfortable. Front seats have ample leg- and headroom, and the backseat is roomy as well to accommodate adults. The cabin is quiet with road and engine noise kept at bay.
Standard features include a surround-view parking camera system, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, Pivi infotainment system with 11.4-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker Meridian audio system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, panoramic sunroof, and vehicle exit warning.
Available features include a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, real leather upholstery, front seats with more power adjustability, front sport seats, ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, 16-speaker Meridian audio system, navigation, Wi-Fi hot spot, Jaguar’s Activity Key (a waterproof wristband like a Fitbit you can use to access your vehicle).
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
Available driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and traffic sign recognition.
The old infotainment system with the TouchPro interface is replaced with Jaguar’s Pivi system with large touchscreen which is more user-friendly than the outgoing system. The sharp graphics look great and menus are logically arranged. There are also physical controls for common functions.
Cargo space is well above average. There are 31.5 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place and 69.1 cubes with the rear seats folded down. The large opening makes it easy to load large items. A power liftgate and a hands-free power liftgate are available. The cabin, however, doesn’t have many areas for storing small things.
The good:
Sporty performance
Impressive cabin
Loaded with features and tech
Lots of room for passengers and cargo
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Higher price than most rivals
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $65,200. The Hot Climate Package is $2,110 and includes a lockable cooled glovebox, four-zone climate control, air quality sensor and cabin air ionization. The Premium Upgrade Interior Package is $2,220 and includes illuminated metal treadplates with brand name script, extended leather upgrade, bright metal pedals, and light oyster headlining. The Black Exterior Package is $375. 14-way performance heated and cooled memory front seats are $2,925. 21-inch, 10-spoke “Style 1068” wheels with satin dark grey finish are $2,000. Adaptive Cruise Control is $1,325. Head-up display is $1,010. Meridian surround sound audio system is $800. Siena Tan Windsor leather seats are $760. Bluefire is $610. Interactive driver display is $550. Wi-Fi with data plan is $500. Gloss black roof rails are $360. Privacy glass is $200. Adaptive surface response is $150. Delivery fee is $1,150 bringing the grand total to $82,245.
Bottom line:
If you want luxury, practicality, athletic performance, and lots of space for passengers and cargo, the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace delivers. Really the only drawback is its relatively high starting price.
