2021 Jaguar E-PACE Review

　　

2021 Jaguar E-Pace Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Jaguar's E-Pace, which is the brand's small luxury SUV, came out for the 2018 model year and gets a few updates for 2021. On the outside it has more distinctive-looking headlights, a new grille and restyled wheels. More significant changes are inside: a new infotainment system and a larger curved touchscreen. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system has a quicker startup time and an easier-to-use interface. Jaguar also says this E-Pace is quieter.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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

　　$208/mo  for E-PACE P250

　　E-PACE P250

　　P250 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $40,995 MSRPP250 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $46,095 MSRP300 Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $49,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　You still get to choose from two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The P250 and P250 SE models have an output of 246 horsepower, while the 300 Sport model gets a bump to 296 hp thanks to a boost from a mild hybrid system. That hybrid system increases fuel efficiency just enough that the 300 gets the same EPA-estimated fuel economy as the P250.

　　The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is one of the more athletic choices in a very competitive class of small SUVs that includes the Mercedes GLB and GLC, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. Overall, we think the E-Pace is worth checking out, especially if you prioritize performance and style.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the E-PACE drive? Jaguar favored a well-rounded approach to performance with the E-Pace. We tested the 300 Sport trim, which sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Acceleration is smooth, but it's not as quick as similarly powerful rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 (5.2 seconds). The E-Pace performed slightly better than average in our panic-braking test, stopping from 60 mph in a consistent 121 feet.

　　What sport there is in the 300 Sport can be found in the handling department. It has plenty of grip around turns and gives confidence to the driver. Our one gripe with the handling is the somewhat numb steering. It can be difficult to judge the necessary steering input to place the E-Pace exactly where you want it, especially on gentle bends.

　　The nine-speed automatic will upshift quickly in an effort to save fuel, but there's usually enough power on tap to accelerate without excessive downshifts. If you prefer sportier driving, the transmission's Sport mode and the E-Pace's Dynamic drive mode do a fair job of sharpening performance.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the E-PACE? The firm leather seats in the E-Pace are comfortable and supportive for both short and long trips. Our test vehicle's 16-way power-adjustable front seats featured heating and ventilation, and both were quick and effective. The rear seats have decent bolstering and feel less flat than those in some rival SUVs.

　　Our E-Pace's P300 Sport's ride wasn't the best. While the suspension offered good body control and a comfortable ride on smooth roads, it became jittery and un-luxury-like on broken city streets. We'd recommend opting for a smaller wheel and tire size to get the extra cushioning from the larger tire sidewalls.

　　The climate control works effectively and almost imperceptibly in the background, but we found the heater a bit slow to get going on chilly mornings.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The E-Pace is among the class leaders when it comes to providing stylish luxury. The controls are logically placed and easy to read, and the multifunction climate control knobs (controlling temperature, fan speed, seat heating and ventilation) are genuinely clever. But the climate system's other buttons, as well as some of the controls on the steering wheel, use a haptic system that requires a somewhat finicky amount of pressure to operate correctly. Traditional buttons would work much better here.

　　Typical for a small SUV, the E-Pace is very easy to step into. The driver has a good amount of adjustment range from the seat and steering wheel plus a fairly commanding view of the road ahead. Rear passengers have a somewhat narrower door opening to navigate, but once inside, the low seat cushion is easy to slide across. Rear legroom isn't especially generous in the E-Pace, but taller passengers should have enough to be comfortable.

　　Visibility hasn't been sacrificed for the E-Pace's exterior style; the slim windshield pillars and tall side mirrors help out here. The optional surround-view camera system is also very helpful when parking and looks great on the large, high-resolution infotainment screen.

　　

Technology

6.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The E-Pace's stunning 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system is the centerpiece of the Jaguar's modern, luxurious interior. Pleasing graphics and a relatively straightforward layout make it easy to use and explore. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the E-Pace offers wireless as well as ample USB-A and -C charging options. Our test vehicle came with the optional Meridian surround-sound system, which we would recommend considering due to its affordable price.

　　Sadly, the infotainment system's voice controls were glitchy in our testing. Simple commands, like changing the radio station, took upwards of 15 seconds, but more often than not, the voice command system would simply fail. Jaguar still has a lot of room left for improvement.

　　The operation of the advanced driver aids is a bit better. But the lane keeping system was very slow to respond in our testing and often let the E-Pace simply drift out of its lane before correcting. The available speed limit-based cruise control system was far too aggressive in changing its speed, especially when slowing down.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Despite its relatively compact size, the E-Pace remains a fairly practical choice in the segment. Offering 22.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the E-Pace holds a bit more than the Mercedes GLA 250 and the Volvo XC40, which hold 15.4 and 20.7 cubes, respectively. But it falls short of the BMW X1 with its 27.1 cubic feet of space.

　　Inside, the E-Pace offers a variety of storage options. There's a tray in front of the shifter, cupholders and a fairly deep center console bin for front passengers. The door pockets are thoughtfully sectioned and lined with rubber to prevent unwanted rattling. Rear passengers also have door pockets and a drop-down armrest that doubles as a cupholder.

　　Got small kids? You'll appreciate the clearly marked and easily accessible Isofix anchors, but due to the somewhat limited rear legroom, fitting larger rear-facing child safety seats might require moving the front seats forward.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the E-Pace 300 Sport gets 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway). On our 115-mile evaluation route, we saw our 300 Sport test vehicle return an impressive 25.6 mpg. But during the rest of our time in the E-Pace, which was mainly city roads, the E-Pace struggled to hit 19 mpg. Like most other vehicles in the class, the E-Pace requires the use of premium unleaded gas.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the E-PACE a good value? Featuring a well-crafted and stylish interior, the Jaguar E-Pace looks every bit like a top contender in the compact luxury SUV segment. Materials are top-notch, and it matches its German rivals in build quality, both inside and out. But the E-Pace commands quite a premium for its style. The base P250 starts just north of $42,000, while the 300 Sport adds nearly another $10K on top of that. Our well-appointed but still not fully optioned test car rang in at just over $60,000. That's far more than a similarly equipped Mercedes GLA 250 or AMG GLA 35, Volvo XC40 or BMW X1. In fact, it's nearly the same price as a well-equipped version of Jaguar's larger SUV, the F-Pace.

　　Though Jaguar's warranties are quite standard for the class, the E-Pace includes five-year/60,000-mile coverage for both roadside assistance and free maintenance.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　Recent styling and technology improvements have made the Jaguar E-Pace a polished and luxurious little SUV. The look and feel of the interior are excellent, and it's clear that smoothness and isolation are well balanced with the brand's sporting intentions. While the exclusivity of the Jaguar brand and its modern appointments might warrant a slightly elevated price tag, the E-Pace can be downright expensive without offering any more luxury, tech or performance than most of its closest rivals.

　　

Which E-PACE does zzdcar recommend?

The base P250 comes well equipped, but we think it's worth paying a little more for the P250 SE trim. Its upgrades include more driver aids, sharper-looking headlights and an upgraded infotainment system. To that, we'd add the Dynamic Handling Pack for its adaptive suspension as well as the upgraded Meridian surround-sound system.

　　

2021 Jaguar E-PACE models

The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is a small luxury SUV available in three trim levels: P250, P250 SE and 300 Sport. Powering the P250 and P250 SE models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (246 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque) while the 300 uses the same engine but adds mild hybrid functionality to increase power (296 hp, 295 lb-ft). Regardless of trim or engine, every E-Pace is all-wheel-drive and has a nine-speed automatic transmission. Highlighted standard features include:

　　P250

　　Comes generously equipped with:

　　18-inch alloy wheels LED headlights Chrome exterior trim Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors Selectable drive modes Leather seating surfaces Power-adjustable, heated front seats Auto-dimming rearview mirror Keyless entry with push-button start 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Wireless device charging Meridian audio systemStandard advanced driver aids:

　　Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued) Lane keeping assist (steers the E-Pace back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the E-Pace and its surroundings for tight parking situations)P250 SE

　　Extra features include:

　　Upgraded LED headlights 19-inch wheels Power liftgate Driver's seat memory settings Upgraded touchscreen interface with navigation Full digital instrument panel Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)300 Sport

　　Besides the extra power, the 300 Sport builds on the P250 SE with:

　　Sportier exterior styling Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance ride comfort and handling) Foglights Black exterior trim 20-inch wheels Sport front seats Black headliner Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)Many of the extra features from the higher trim levels are available as options on lower trims. Other notable options include:

　　Panoramic glass roof Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Cold Climate package (adds heating for the front seats, steering wheel and windshield) Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front and can also react to traffic signs and set speed) 16-speaker surround-sound audio system

　　

2021 E-PACE Highlights

Trim: P250P250 SE300 SportP250

　　

Base MSRP	$40,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	22.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles