Used 2021 Jaguar E-PACE

The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is a small luxury SUV/crossover. And the least expensive new Jaguar. It’s hardly a notable bargain, but the E-Pace still has that special style and exceptional suspension tuning enjoyed by its larger and pricier stablemates.

One thing it does not have, though, is an all-electric drivetrain. It might seem odd to mention this right now, but with a name like E-Pace and knowing that Jaguar does indeed make an all-electric small crossover, then it wouldn’t be illogical to link the two. But no. The E-Pace runs on good old gasoline, and it’s the I-Pace that buzzes around on electrons.

The E-Pace shares a platform with the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (Land Rover is Jaguar’s corporate sibling) and is built in Austria by the same high-class 3rd-party constructor that produces the awesome Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. This kind of background endows the E-Pace with a smattering of off-road ability. Not for going deep into the wilderness, but probably more than enough for most buyers’ needs.

As with all things crossover, the small luxury class is expanding quickly. Rivals include the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Lexus NX. The revamped-for-2021 E-Pace definitely stands on its own four wheels in such talented company. Not even Jaguar’s historical hiccups with reliability and resale values apply in this case.

Jaguar has a way with suspensions. The company tunes them to be comfortable because it operates in the luxury sphere. But there’s also control, agility, response, and feel. The 2021 E-Pace continues this remarkable run.

The raised driving position so beloved by crossover buyers is present, but the E-Pace doesn’t feel top-heavy. Instead, it behaves like its center of gravity is as low as a sport sedan. That translates to thrills on the back roads yet serenity on the freeways. As well as updating several aspects of the 2021 E-Pace, Jaguar has revised the front suspension and engine mounts for greater ride comfort and steering precision.

Although the 300 Sport has the most powerful engine, some buyers might find it hard to justify the extra cost. In which case, consider the P250 SE with the optional adaptive and configurable suspension at a reasonable $1,450.

It’s important to keep in mind that Jaguar is a British marque, which is why it makes a modest British fuss about the “cricket ball” stitching in the new leather-covered Toggle Shifter for the transmission. This and the curved 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen are two of the more noticeable changes for this year.

However, Jaguar now offers lighter-colored materials for the lower part of the cabin that help make it seem a little brighter and airier. That’s an important consideration for what is essentially a somewhat small environment.

In some ways, that’s good. The dashboard and center console seem to wrap around the driver, a typical Jaguar trait. But accommodation for rear passengers is not as roomy as the BMW X1. Cargo space, on the other hand, beats both the BMW and the Audi Q3, with 23.7 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40 split/folding rear seats, opening out to 48 cubic feet when those seats are down.

Throughout the 5-seater cabin, high quality hums insistently. Not literally, of course, because Jaguar has improved noise, vibration, and harshness to make trips in the 2021 E-Pace more tranquil than ever. But there are plenty of nice touches like fine leather and embossed Leaping Cat emblems in the front headrests.

The grille has been redesigned, so have the headlights — the P250 SE and 300 Sport have “double J blade” LED daytime running lights. The 300 Sport has its own exterior treatment with trim-specific bumpers and black details. Overall, Jaguar has preserved the fluid-yet-muscular aura that defines all of its vehicles.

Other cosmetic changes for the 2021 E-Pace include five new alloy wheel designs and five new paint choices: two blues, two grays, and a silver. Speaking of paint, Jaguar charges extra for anything that isn’t white. Most are $650, but a couple (Carpathian Grey and Silicon Silver) are $1,350. The E-Pace also offers red-painted brake calipers for the top two trims.

ACTIVITY KEY
It looks like it could be a fitness tracker worn on the wrist, but it’s an electronic key that allows drivers to lock the usual fob inside then go off and do something messy like mountain biking (it’s waterproof and shockproof). The Activity Key is part of an optional Convenience package offered with the P250 SE and 300 Sport.

ACTIVE DRIVELINE
The all-wheel-drive system in the 300 Sport can vary torque between the rear wheels to whichever one has the most traction. This is also known as torque vectoring, which can enhance cornering abilities as well. The P250 models have a brake-based simulation of torque vectoring.

There’s a lot of standard equipment in the Jaguar E-Pace P250, such as automatic on/off LED headlights, heated side mirrors (self-dimming on the driver’s side), 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, perforated leather seating surfaces, and a self-dimming rearview mirror.

Technology includes wireless charging, phone signal booster, two USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, satellite radio, 380-watt/12-speaker Meridian audio setup, and a new Pivi infotainment system controlled by an 11.4-inch touchscreen. The previous system was never really held in high regard, so this one is a welcome change.

Driver aids include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, 360-degree camera system, front/rear parking sensors, driver attention monitoring, and All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) — cruise control for slippery surfaces.

The mid-level E-Pace P250 SE, which will probably be the most popular variant, adds 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beams, powered tailgate, driver’s-side memory settings, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, road sign recognition, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, and an upgraded Pivi Pro infotainment system with navigation.

The 300 Sport has the more powerful engine, along with an adaptive/configurable suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, sport front seats, and a head-up display.

The entry-level P250 isn’t eligible for many options. The P250 SE can be ordered with the adaptive suspension and head-up display. The top two trims qualify for adaptive cruise control, Wi-Fi, heated steering wheel/windshield/washer jets, 21-inch alloy wheels, fixed panoramic roof, ambient cabin lighting, hands-free tailgate operation, rearview camera mirror, Activity Key, and a Meridian surround-sound system. The 300 Sport also offers 16-way power-adjustable front seats and heated rear seats.

Jaguar puts a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine into every 2021 E-Pace. The P250 models are propelled by 246 horsepower, and the 300 Sport has 296 horsepower. Premium gasoline is recommended regardless of output.

Both variants connect to a 9-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted beneath the steering wheel. And all-wheel drive is standard. In the two P250 models, this system will drive just the front wheels to save a little fuel during normal cruising conditions.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (P250, P250 SE)
246 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged mild hybrid inline-4 (300 Sport)
296 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg