2019 Jaguar E-PACE Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

Updated infotainment interfaceNew Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integrationPart of the first E-Pace generation introduced for 2018

　　Jaguar hasn't wasted any time catching up with rivals and establishing itself as a maker of crossover SUVs. Its first effort, the F-Pace, has been a big success thanks to its sharp style and sports car-like performance. Now the automaker has doubled-down on its SUV portfolio with the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Jaguar E-PACE P250 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) 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

　　$196/mo  for E-PACE P250

　　E-PACE P250

　　P250 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $38,600 MSRPP250 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $40,900 MSRPP250 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $43,500 MSRPP300 R-Dynamic S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $46,400 MSRPP300 R-Dynamic SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $49,000 MSRPP300 R-Dynamic HSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $52,850 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The name might lead you to believe that electric power is somehow involved; it's not. (That, ironically, has been reserved for Jaguar's new I-Pace electric SUV.) The E-Pace is simply Jaguar's smaller crossover SUV, similar to how the Jaguar XE sedan is smaller compared to the XF sedan. In both size and price, the E-Pace is larger and more expensive than established subcompact SUVs such as the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1.

　　Power comes from one of two available turbocharged four-cylinder engines: One makes 246 horsepower; the other generates 296 hp. All E-Paces are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, although the AWD system fitted to the 296-hp engine is more advanced and helps improve the E-Pace's handling when going around turns.

　　Although it's more expensive than some rival SUVs, we're enthused by the E-Pace. We haven't run it through our standard battery of testing yet. But based on our initial drives, the E-Pace delivers plenty of style and performance.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Driving

　　The Jaguar E-Pace R-Dynamic impresses with speedy performance from its turbocharged 296-hp four-cylinder. Paired with a responsive, quick-shifting nine-speed transmission and accurate steering, the R-Dynamic delivers on its promise of a rewarding driving experience.

　　

Comfort

　　The E-Pace's ergonomics are preferable to those of the larger F-Pace, striking a more natural balance between car-like familiarity and SUV utility. The upgraded 20-inch wheels are good for cornering but deliver a relatively harsh ride quality. But overall, the E-Pace feels unquestionably luxurious.

　　

Interior

　　Despite its small SUV proportions, the E-Pace is surprisingly roomy on the inside. The back seat provides enough legroom for adults, even if the headroom may be tight for taller passengers. We can't comment on lower-trim versions, but the upgraded leather upholstery is a pleasant treat.

　　

Utility

　　A lot of thought has been put toward utility. Jaguar managed to squeeze in quite a bit of small-item storage, with generous door pockets and cubbies. There's also a good amount of usable cargo space: 52.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded flat and 24.2 cubic feet with it in place.

　　

Technology

　　For higher trims like the one we drove, you'll find a full digital display screen, a color head-up display, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, app integration and Wi-Fi. There's also a comprehensive suite of driver aids and active safety features.

　　

Which E-PACE does zzdcar recommend?

　　The P250 E-Pace SE provides the best balance between cost and features. It comes with the respectable 246-hp engine, all-wheel drive, and several conveniences such as a power liftgate, power-adjustable leather seats, a premium sound system, and a package of advanced driving and parking aids. Also look to get the Adaptive Dynamics option, which improves the SE's ride quality.

　　

2019 Jaguar E-PACE models

　　The 2019 Jaguar E-Pace is offered in two main trims primarily distinguished by engine output: the base P250 and the P300 R-Dynamic. Additional features are broken out into four subtrims: Standard, S, SE and HSE.

　　The base E-Pace P250 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (246 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque), while the E-Pace R-Dynamic gets a similar but more powerful version (296 hp, 295 lb-ft). A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard across the board.

　　The P250 Standard comes with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, selectable drive modes, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a 10-inch touchscreen, dual USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system. Lane keeping assist and forward collision warning and mitigation with low-speed automatic braking are also included.

　　The S upgrade adds bigger front brakes, 18-inch wheels, LED running lights, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a navigation system, a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional smartphone integration features.

　　The SE trim equips the E-Pace with 19-inch wheels, automatic high beams, a power liftgate, power-adjustable lumbar and memory settings for the front seats, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. Tech and safety features include an automated parking system, a surround-view camera system and rear cross-traffic alert.

　　The top HSE is only offered with the higher-output R-Dynamic P300 models and adds 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, upgraded front seats, premium leather upholstery and a full-digital gauge cluster display. A blind-spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control and high-speed emergency braking also come standard.

　　In addition to the power increase, E-Pace R-Dynamic P300 models (beginning with S trims and up) are also equipped with a performance-enhancing rear differential, special exterior and interior styling details, front foglights, and sport front seats with contrast stitching.

　　Many of the extra features from the higher trim levels are available as options on the S and the SE. Other notable upgrades include a Cold Climate package (which adds heating for the front seats, steering wheel and windshield), a surround-sound audio system, a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and adaptive suspension dampers.

　　

2019 E-PACE Highlights

Trim: P250P250 SP250 SEP300 R-Dynamic SP300 R-Dynamic SEP300 R-Dynamic HSEP250

　　

Base MSRP	$38,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$196/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles