2022 Jaguar E-PACE

　　

2022 Jaguar E-PACE 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.

　　The 2022 Jaguar E-Pace may be a pint-sized cat, but it's no kitten. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive and quick acceleration, the E-Pace is one of the more athletic choices in the extra-small luxury crossover SUV class. While it's a little jarring to see the familiar Jaguar sweep on such a small frame, the E-Pace retains the swagger of its bloodline with its taut proportions, tapering windows and roofline, and attractive LED headlights. 

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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) - $45,995 MSRP300 Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $49,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Jaguar updated the E-Pace last year, nearly five years on from its debut, with subtle new styling, a larger touchscreen, more user-friendly infotainment, and increased power for the top trim level's engine. Not much changes for 2022 then. The 300 Sport trim gets a new black contrast roof and driver's seat memory function now comes standard.

　　The appeal of small, stylish luxury SUVs is obvious to anyone who lives in a city with tight parking and narrow streets. There's delight in slicing in and around the traffic of larger behemoths, and the E-Pace holds its own against other European runabouts such as the BMW X2, Mercedes-Benz GLB and Volvo XC40. Overall it's worth a look for anyone who prizes 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below