2023 Jaguar E-PACE SUV

　　

2023 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.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.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 will forever be synonymous with stately sedans and long-hooded coupes in our minds. But the bite-size 2023 Jaguar E-Pace wears its bloodline well. With its taut proportions, tapering windows and roofline, and signature grille, the E-Pace looks as stylish in its skin as any Jag before it. Standard all-wheel drive, quick acceleration and crisp handling help make the E-Pace one of the more athletic choices among subcompact SUVs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Jaguar E-PACE P250 SE 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 SE

　　E-PACE P250 SE

　　P250 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $48,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　For 2023, Jaguar has dropped the E-Pace's 300 Sport trim and its 296-horsepower turbo engine. The lineup is now down to a single trim level and a handful of options. A new Premium Black Pack optional package bundles an adaptive suspension with black exterior accents and 21-inch wheels, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality now comes standard.

　　Anyone who lives with tight parking or narrow streets will understand the appeal of small, stylish luxury SUVs like the E-Pace. The Jag holds its own with its European rivals like the BMW X2, Volvo XC40 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. It's also more expensive than those alternatives while offering most of the same features. Read our Expert Rating below to see if the E-Pace makes a good fit for your needs.

　　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. Acceleration is smooth, but it's not as quick as what you get from more powerful rivals. The automatic transmission upshifts quickly in an effort to save fuel, but there's usually enough power on tap to accelerate without excessive downshifts. The E-Pace 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.

　　

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 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.

　　On the downside, the E-Pace's ride isn't the best. It's pretty comfy on smooth roads but became jittery and un-luxury-like on broken city streets. We'd recommend sticking with the base 19-inch wheels 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