Jaguar F-Pace review

Jaguar hit the bullseye with its first SUV. The F-Pace has good looks and a classy interior, and it proves that you don't need to sacrifice driving excitement when choosing a family-friendly crossover. We liked it so much at launch that we named it our 2016 Car of the Year, and it's still a leading choice in the premium crossover class. It's got competition from the Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 – but the F-Pace remains one of our favourite all-rounders.

Until 2016, people were used to Jaguar selling saloons and sports cars, but the F-Pace began a new era for Jaguar. The British manufacturer's first SUV still retains the DNA that has made 80 years-worth of sporting models so popular both in the UK and abroad - and healthy global sales have backed this up. 

The F-Pace is as luxurious and comfortable as a Jag 4x4 should be, while its relatively high running costs have been somewhat addressed with the introduction of new mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Under the skin, the F-Pace shares running gear with the XE and XF models, but the SUV body means it offers greater practicality than its saloon siblings.

The F-Pace is a front-runner in the mid-sized premium SUV class, where it rivals models such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. Also worth considering are alternative choices such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Porsche Macan, Lexus NX and Volvo XC60, as well as the Range Rover Velar, which is similar to the F-Pace under the skin. The F-Pace is slightly larger than all of these models, though, so it's more spacious and practical as a family car.

A facelift in late 2020 saw minor revisions to the F-Pace's already handsome exterior, while the cabin was treated to a significant overhaul - the most notable update being the inclusion of a larger 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, running Jaguar Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro operating system. 

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Customers have a wide variety of F-Pace variants to choose from, with the S, SE and HSE specifications also available as sporty R-Dynamic versions, offering enhanced exterior details, unique alloy wheel designs and upgraded upholstery options. The standalone SVR model, with its huge 543bhp output, sits at the top of the range.

All cars are well equipped, though, with a heated windscreen, two-zone climate control, auto wipers, heated leather front seats and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included on every model.

The engine lineup for the F-Pace includes three diesels, two petrols and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The oil-burning D165, D200 and D300 offer 161bhp, 201bhp and 296bhp, respectively, while the 247bhp P250 and 394bhp P400 form the petrol options. The P400e plug-in hybrid produces 398bhp, and brings the benefit of travelling up to 33 miles on electric power alone - helping to reduce running costs and lower BiK rates for company car drivers.

Overall, the F-Pace is a great-all rounder. All models use a smooth, eight-speed automatic transmission and offer reassuring all-wheel-drive. It's comfortable even on the large wheel options that are available, but it also handles well, which more than justifies the existence of the rapid SVR model.

For the latest deals on the Jaguar F-Pace visit our sister site buyacar.co.uk...