2020 Jaguar E-PACE Review

　　

2020 Jaguar E-Pace Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Sporty driving dynamics and eye-catching styling have been part of Jaguar's DNA for decades. Even when skeptics scoffed at Jag for capitulating to the demands of the SUV-buying public, nobody argued against the F-Pace's striking design and performance. Two years ago, the luxury automaker introduced the E-Pace, a smaller crossover that, like its big brother, successfully translated the gorgeous sheet metal of the F-Type sports car to a more passenger-friendly package. The 2020 Jaguar E-Pace improves upon last year's model by streamlining the trim structure and adding more features to the standard equipment list.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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) - $39,950 MSRPP250 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $43,700 MSRPP250 Checkered Flag Limited Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $46,400 MSRPP300 R-Dynamic S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $46,600 MSRPP300 R-Dynamic SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $49,200 MSRPP300 R-Dynamic HSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $52,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The 2020 E-Pace lineup is fairly easy to understand. There's the well-equipped base model, followed by the SE that includes additional luxury equipment. If you want more power, the R-Dynamic adds 50 horsepower. Finally, there's an HSE R-Dynamic that includes the high-output engine and even more goodies. Of course, there are also tons of optional extras so you can customize to your heart's content.

　　Once you spec your ideal configuration and jump behind the wheel, you'll find that the E-Pace is one of the most rewarding small crossovers out there. The turbocharged engine is potent — especially in R-Dynamic tune — and the handling is sublime. We're also huge fans of the luxe cabin materials and design.

　　There are only a handful of drawbacks, starting with the rear-seat headroom. Taller passengers might find the chopped roof makes it impossible to sit in the back. One more wish list item: a new touchscreen system. Jaguars have long suffered from sluggish, nonintuitive user interfaces, and that trend continues here. Overall, though, the E-Pace is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that brings driving thrills to this otherwise fairly ho-hum class.

　　

Which E-PACE does zzdcar recommend?

While we dig the uprated P300 engine found on R-Dynamic models, it comes with a hefty price increase from the standard P250 engine. As it is, the P250 is sufficiently sporty. We wouldn't go with the base configuration, however, since the SE isn't significantly more expensive and adds a wealth of options. We think it's worth paying extra for its upgraded audio system, adaptive cruise and additional convenience features.

　　

2020 Jaguar E-PACE models

The 2020 Jaguar E-Pace is a small luxury SUV offered in five trims: base, SE, S R-Dynamic, SE R-Dynamic and HSE R-Dynamic. The base and SE models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine — Jaguar refers to this powertrain as the P250 (246 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque). All R-Dynamic models get a similar but more powerful version: the P300 (296 hp, 295 lb-ft). A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard across the board.

　　The base E-Pace comes with features such as LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a 10-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with two USB ports and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay functionality. Driving aids include lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning and mitigation with low-speed automatic braking.

　　The SE upgrade adds automatic high-beam control, a power tailgate, front-seat memory settings, navigation, an 11-speaker audio system, adaptive cruise control, and the contents of two packages: Connect Pro (a Wi-Fi hotspot) and Park (automated parallel and perpendicular parking, a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert).

　　The S R-Dynamic builds off the base model, adding the more powerful engine, an aerodynamic body kit, sport seats, and the SE's tech upgrades, minus the audio system and the Park package. Next up is the SE R-Dynamic, which simply includes the rest of the SE's upgrades.

　　Finally, there's the HSE R-Dynamic. It includes 20-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, additional front-seat adjustments, keyless entry, a digital instrument panel, and the Drive package (blind-spot monitor, full-speed cruise control and high-speed automatic emergency braking).

　　New for 2020 is a special Checkered Flag variant that is based on the S R-Dynamic but equipped with the base engine. It also comes with a few extra features from the HSE R-Dynamic.

　　Many of the extra features from the higher trim levels are available as options on lower trims. Other notable options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Cold Climate package (which adds heating for the front seats, steering wheel and windshield), satellite radio, a 16-speaker surround-sound audio system, and adaptive suspension dampers.

　　

2020 E-PACE Highlights

Trim: P250P250 SEP250 Checkered Flag Limited EditionP300 R-Dynamic SP300 R-Dynamic SEP300 R-Dynamic HSEP250

　　

Base MSRP	$39,950
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