2018 Jaguar F-PACE Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJonathan ElfalanDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　

What’s new

　　Jaguar adds a third engine option for the 2018 F-Pace. A 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the new engine for the base model. A more powerful 296-hp version is also new and arrives midway through the model year. It replaces the 340-hp version of the supercharged V6. Two new helpful active driving aids have also been added (Forward Traffic Detection and Forward Vehicle Guidance) to help avoid collisions and make you look like a parking pro. For more details on these new safety items, see "Notable Features" under the F-Pace Safety section.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Though it's a relative newcomer to the luxury crossover scene, the Jaguar F-Pace has already made favorable impressions with us as well as the buying public. Coming off its debut year in 2017, the 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is indeed an attractive package. It's elegant, fun to drive, spacious, and even potentially fuel-efficient, depending on your choice of engine and how much fun you want to have.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Jaguar F-PACE 25t 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$195/mo  for F-PACE 25t

　　F-PACE 25t

　　25t 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,065 MSRP25t Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $44,775 MSRP20d Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $46,275 MSRP30t Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,775 MSRP35t Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 09/17 (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $48,975 MSRP25t Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,125 MSRP20d Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $50,625 MSRP30t Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,125 MSRP35t Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 09/17 (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $53,325 MSRP25t R-Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $54,175 MSRP20d R-Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $55,675 MSRP30t R-Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,175 MSRP35t R-Sport 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 09/17 (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $58,375 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $59,775 MSRP30t Portfolio 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $62,000 MSRP35t Portfolio 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 09/17 (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $63,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　We happen to prefer the engine sitting at the high end of the power curve, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 making 380 horsepower in the S model and 340 hp for all 35t trim variants. Jaguar has added a new turbocharged inline-four this year, though. It's good for 247 hp or 296 hp and at a more affordable price. And still available diesel engine returns an impressive 29 mpg in combined driving.

　　The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace occupies a unique space in the luxury crossover SUV spectrum, splitting the size difference between the small and midsize classes. However, you'll likely be cross-shopping it against smaller crossovers because it lines up with the rest of the class offerings in terms of price and power. Though the F-Pace has some drawbacks, overall we think you'll find it an alluring choice.

　　

What's it like to live with?

For more information on the Jaguar F-Pace of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with a F-Pace Safety section. We cover everything from in-car tech to fuel efficiency. The F-Pace's performance and style won many of us over, but we all took issue with its ride comfort, price and infotainment system. The 2018 F-Pace gains a few driver assist systems that were not available on our long-term test vehicle, but our observations still apply.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

　　The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is a sharply styled small luxury SUV with impressive dynamics and utility to rival the top players in this competitive segment. With the exception of a few infotainment system quirks and some cheap-feeling interior bits, we expect this Jag will be a popular choice.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace S (supercharged 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Jaguar F-Pace has received some revisions, including a new turbocharged inline-four engine and a couple new active safety aids. But our findings remain applicable to this year's Jaguar F-Pace with the V6 engine.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	6.5

　　

Driving

7.0

　　The supercharged V6 can also be found in Jaguar's F-Type Coupe, providing the first clue to this SUV's ambitions. The S model takes performance further, with a horsepower bump, larger wheels and an adaptive sport suspension. This is a sharp SUV that'll give sport sedans a run for their money.

　　

Acceleration

8.0

　　The supercharged V6 is responsive, has a broad powerband and easily puts it all to the ground through the all-wheel-drive system. In our testing, the F-Pace S (with the 380 hp) accelerated to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, one of the quickest times in the segment.

　　

Braking

8.5

　　A long and light pedal feel makes for easy brake modulation in casual driving, and there's ample stopping power. Our F-Pace S came with sticky summer tires, which helped it stop in just 102 feet from 60 mph in our panic-stop test. An outstanding result.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　There's a lack of straight-ahead feel and road feedback is minimal, but the steering is precise enough to enjoy, even in spirited driving. Steering effort is on the light side, which makes it easy to manage in daily driving.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　On curvy roads, the F-Pace handles more like a sport sedan. It's eager to change direction and hugs the road surprisingly well. But the F-Pace S gets unsettled over bumps at speed, especially if it's fitted with the optional 22-inch wheels.

　　

Drivability

8.5

　　Ample, readily available engine power and a highly responsive transmission that does as it's asked make for a great driving combo. Occasionally the AWD system feels like it will bind up in slow, tight turns, but it doesn't happen all the time.

　　

Off-road

7.5

　　The F-Pace may fare slightly better than its kinfolk when the pavement ends, thanks to electronic aids that make driving on slippery surfaces (snow, graded dirt roads or wet grass) easier to manage. But if you're looking for something to truly blaze trails with, this isn't the optimal vehicle.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　Overall comfort in the F-Pace is good, especially with the optional seat ventilation, which works wonders on a warm summer day. The only demerits are poor ride quality, due possibly to the oversized optional 22-inch wheels, and a cabin that's not as quiet as those of some competitors.

　　

Seat comfort

9.0

　　The front seats are highly configurable with adjustable lateral and lumbar support. The cushions are firm but not uncomfortably hard and will sustain you for hours on end in the saddle. The rear seatbacks are set at a good angle with similar cushion support.

　　

Ride comfort

6.0

　　It's difficult to know if the suspension is tuned too stiffly, but we suspect the upgraded 22-inch wheels are to blame for our test car's poor ride. Even with the adjustable suspension, the F-Pace S proved too stiff-legged for anything but the smoothest roads.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　No specific noise issues stand out, just an average level of ambient sound that permeates the cabin. The cabin isn't loud but lacks the vaultlike serenity of other luxury vehicles. One benefit of this is hearing more of the engine's sweet song.

　　

Climate control

5.5

　　Powerful seat ventilation delivers hours of sweat-free comfort. Most climate controls are basic hard buttons, but we prefer these over a beautiful but cumbersome interface. Dual-zone rear climate controls with outboard seat coolers and heaters are impressive.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　Because of its more sport-focused nature, the F-Pace makes concessions to some of the more hospitable qualities of a small SUV. But it's still accommodating overall, and we think most buyers will be pleased.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　Steering wheel controls for cruise control and menu navigation are intuitive but are unresponsive on occasion. The only real ergonomic oddity is the placement of the window controls, which sit atop the high doorsills like they do in a Land Rover.

　　

Getting in/getting out

6.5

　　The sloping windshield pillar cuts into the front door head clearance, so taller folks may need to duck on the way in or out. The F-Pace sits relatively low for an SUV, positioning the seats at a good level. Oddly, though, the sill stepover is a little high.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　The driving position is comfortable with a good amount of seat and steering wheel adjustment. But the seat may not range low enough for those with an especially long torso. You sit in the F-Pace rather than on it, which makes for a sporty working environment.

　　

Roominess

7.5

　　Reasonable head- and legroom, but the cockpit-style layout wraps around the driver and passenger in a way that makes the cabin feel smaller than it looks from outside. Accommodating rear passenger space has lots of headroom and is suitable for three adults.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　Good forward visibility thanks to large windows and well-positioned side mirrors. Rear visibility is somewhat compromised by a short rear window and headrests that partially obstruct the view. Rear three-quarter windows and driver aids help with blind spots.

　　

Quality

6.5

　　The F-Pace's interior may appear delightful, but those familiar with Jags might notice the thinner padding and surfaces that lack the elegance and density of other models. The aesthetics are good, but tactile quality falls a little short.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　The F-Pace proves that a small, sporty SUV can also be surprisingly practical. Highlights in the utility category include a generous cargo area and a towing capacity of nearly 5,300 pounds. Cat imitates workhorse.

　　

Small-item storage

6.5

　　There are some creative nooks for small-item storage, though most aren't big enough to be useful. The center armrest and glovebox are the best for personal effects, but nothing is remarkably space-efficient.

　　

Cargo space

9.0

　　With 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the F-Pace is one of the roomiest in the compact luxury SUV segment. The rear seats easily fold forward and nearly flat, and sliding tie-down points are solid and aesthetically pleasing.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

　　LATCH anchors are very easy to access. Four anchors reside at the rear edge of the backseat cushion under pop-off covers, and there are three top-tether anchors on the rear of the seatbacks.

　　

Towing

9.0

　　The F-Pace impresses with a max towing capacity of 5,290 pounds, a solid number in this category, one that surpasses competitors such as the Porsche Macan (4,409 pounds), Audi SQ5 (4,400 pounds) and BMW X3 (3,000 pounds).

　　

Technology

6.5

　　Our F-Pace's technological strengths rest on its well-sorted driver aids, but it falls short of the competition with an average navigation system interface and clunky smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto would be a prime solution.

　　

Audio & navigation

6.0

　　Logical to operate but offers nothing special and doesn't allow for single-line address entry (think Google Maps). Uses old ZIP code/street/number process. The map screen also defaults to your direction of travel, even after changing to North/Up, which is frustrating.

　　

Smartphone integration

5.5

　　The interface is nice and easy to navigate, but the system fails to provide consistent control to a smartphone. Songs are missing, commands are unresponsive, and sometimes songs are repeated. Better to initiate playback from the device. Bluetooth pairs quickly and works as it should.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　The active cruise control is better than other systems but not the best we've seen. Forward collision alert and lane keeping assist work well once adjusted for sensitivity. The head-up display is nice, colorful, displays a ton of information and is somewhat visible in daytime with sunglasses on.

　　

Voice control

6.5

　　The system will execute commands related to music and Bluetooth phone commands but nothing beyond that. The voice recognition works well and provides prompts to follow. No voice-programmable navigation, which is puzzling.

　　

Which F-PACE does zzdcar recommend?

　　While the new base engine puts up some competitive power figures, we believe the F-Pace is best experienced with a supercharged V6 under the hood. The S model gets 40 more horsepower, but we find the 35t model's 340 horses plenty to frolic with on a daily basis. (Note, however, that Jaguar is only building the 35t for the first half of the model year. Its replacement is the four-cylinder 30t variant.) For a recommended trim level, check out the Prestige. It comes well-equipped and features a host of upgrades, most notably keyless entry, grained leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and front seats, and front and rear parking aids among other things.

　　

2018 Jaguar F-PACE models

　　The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is a compact luxury SUV that seats five. There are six main trim levels: base, Premium, Prestige, R-Sport, S and Portfolio. Jaguar also uses four engine designations: 25t, 30t, 35t and 20d. The 25t features the new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four good for 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, and the 30t version of this engine makes 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 35t has a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 (340 or 380 hp, and 332 lb-ft of torque). The 20d and its turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel (180 hp, 318 lb-ft) offer maximum fuel economy.

　　Engine availability varies by trim level, but all F-Paces come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Note that Jaguar discontinued the 340-hp version of the supercharged V6 engine midway through the model year.

　　The base F-Pace starts you off with 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, rear privacy glass, LED running lights, automatic wipers, keyless ignition, a panoramic sunroof, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, simulated leather (LuxTec) upholstery and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. For technology, there's Jaguar's InControl Protect emergency communication services, the InControl 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and an 11-speaker Meridian sound system with a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player. A rearview camera can be added separately.

　　The Premium trim adds 19-inch wheels, a rearview camera, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors and driver-seat memory functions. The Vision package available at the Premium level adds adaptive xenon headlamps with auto-leveling and washers, front and rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The Black package adds a gloss black finish to the exterior side vents, window surrounds and front grille.

　　Both base and Premium F-Pace models can be optioned with a Cold Climate package that adds heated front and rear seats, a heated windshield, heated washer jets and a heated steering wheel. They can also be equipped with a navigation system integrated into the InControl Touch system.

　　The F-Pace Prestige includes most of the above equipment plus keyless entry, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a folding rear armrest, voice controls and smartphone apps. The only things that aren't standard above are the Black package and active safety aids, which come with the Prestige Vision package (which also has adaptive LED headlights in place of the xenon units). At the Prestige level you also can specify the Adaptive Dynamics package, which adds an adaptive suspension as well as a special drive mode to optimize grip in challenging road conditions.

　　The next level up is the R-Sport. This version gets you 20-inch wheels, special R-Sport bumpers and styling elements, foglights, more aggressively bolstered front seats with power-adjustable thigh support, and a simulated leather-trimmed instrument panel. This is in addition to everything above with the exception of the Adaptive Dynamics and Black packages.

　　The S trim is similarly equipped to the R-Sport but comes with 40 extra horsepower (for a total of 380 hp) and unique S body styling. It also includes the features from the Adaptive Dynamics package.

　　The Prestige, R-Sport and S can be equipped with the Comfort & Convenience package, which adds ventilated front seats, power-reclining rear seats, a remote release for the folding rear seats and a hands-free, gesture-activated liftgate. There is also a Technology package, which adds a fully digital instrument cluster, 3G onboard Wi-Fi, a 17-speaker Meridian surround-sound audio system, and a different, upgraded InControl Pro 10-inch touchscreen interface with configurable menu screens and quicker response. Available as stand-alone options are a head-up display, roof rails and an Activity Key, a waterproof bracelet that allows you to unlock the car with the key still inside.

　　Only R-Sport and S can be equipped with the Luxury Interior and Driver Assistance packages. The former includes four-zone automatic climate control with an air quality sensor, additional rear-seat air vents and power sockets, upgraded carpets and headliner, 10-color interior ambient lighting and a cooled glove compartment. The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, speed limit notification, a surround-view camera system and an automatic parking system (parallel, perpendicular and exit). The R-Sport and S can also be equipped with 22-inch wheels, though we would advise against getting them in the interest of ride quality.

　　Finally, the Portfolio sits at the top in price, and is available only as a 35t model. It comes with everything from the Prestige trim, plus 20-inch wheels, all features in the Comfort & Convenience and Luxury Interior packages, and premium leather upholstery and upgraded trim. The Adaptive Dynamics package is optional.

　　

2018 F-PACE Highlights

Type: SUVDieselSUV

　　Trim: 25t25t Premium20d Premium30t Premium35t Premium25t Prestige20d Prestige30t Prestige35t Prestige25t R-Sport20d R-Sport30t R-Sport35t R-SportS30t Portfolio35t Portfolio25t

　　

Base MSRP	$42,065
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$195/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles