2024 Jaguar E-PACE

We’ve all seen plenty of small Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz SUVs whenever we’ve been out driving. They’re popular for good reason. But what if you wanted something less obvious, yet still luxurious? And why not add “engaging to drive in its own way” to the wish list? You know where we’re heading with this: the Jaguar E-Pace.

Jaguar has put many of its celebrated traits into this subcompact SUV, like sleek styling and an even sleeker ride quality. We like driving the E-Pace. We like looking at it as well.

The E-Pace launched for the 2018 model year. It’s built in Austria by a third-party manufacturer that also produces the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, the BMW Z4 sports car, and the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace SUV.

A lot of standard equipment makes it into (and onto) the 2024 E-Pace. Additions this year include a fixed panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, digital instrument display, extra power outlets, garage door opener, black exterior elements, and an updated infotainment system. Which goes some way to justifying the rather high starting price, yet it’s still the most affordable new Jaguar. We may be nearing the end of the road for this E-Pace, as the company plans to have an all-electric lineup in 2025.

Rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Lexus UX all begin in the high 30s. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is more like $40K, and the Volvo XC40 kicks off in the low 40s. The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque starts around $50K. If an E-Pace is too small, the F-Pace is priced from $57,000.

Before buying a new E-Pace subcompact luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should pay. Resale values are respectable, better than the X1 and Q3, not far from the UX, XC40, and GLA.

The 2024 E-Pace has 246 horsepower from a turbocharged engine, sufficient muscle to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in just over seven seconds. Both the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40 are quicker by several tenths.

Even so, we’ve still found the E-Pace an absolute pleasure to drive. The engine is quite muscular and the suspension blends comfort with control in that special, flowing Jaguar way. Brake-based torque vectoring is also included, controlling the speed of individual wheels to enhance stability through the corners. An adaptive suspension is optional, bringing a broader set of choices between cushioning and sportiness.

All-wheel drive is standard in every new E-Pace, along with All Surface Progress Control — a form of off-road cruise control that takes care of the throttle and gearshifts, leaving the driver to concentrate on steering.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of subcompact luxury SUVs, including the E-Pace.

Fuel Economy

The E-Pace achieves 23 combined mpg (20 city, 26 highway), putting it among the thirstiest in its class. Premium gasoline is required.

Outside of Britain and a few other countries, the gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) sport of cricket might be a bit of a mystery. It could even seem a little eccentric. For example, one player position is called silly mid-off. No kidding.

However, it has provided the inspiration for the cricket ball stitching pattern on the E-Pace’s shifter. The rest of the cabin includes perforated leather upholstery, Leaping Cat logos set into the front headrests, and heated front seats. There’s a general air of subtle indulgence blended with well-judged technology, especially now that the digital driver information display has become standard.

Rear legroom is 35.1 inches. That’s not bad, but the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 (to name just two examples) have more. Behind the 40/20/40 split/folding rear seats is a luggage area of 20.4 cubic feet. When these seats are folded, maximum cargo space is 43.6 cubic feet. Again, the aforementioned German rivals do better.

Anyone who has liked the look of other Jaguar SUVs — the larger F-Pace and electric I-Pace — should find the E-Pace more than agreeable. It can’t be easy for a vehicle to appear simultaneously sleek and authoritative when it has subcompact dimensions, but we think the E-Pace makes a fine attempt.

It looks even cooler this year, with the Black Exterior Pack becoming a standard feature (with things like the grille surround, badges, and side vents finished in gloss black), plus 19-inch alloy wheels with contrasting elements of satin-finished dark gray.

The only no-cost paint choice is Fuji White. The majority of premium paint options are $950, but Carpathian Grey Metallic is $1,550. Silicon Silver has been discontinued.

Infotainment system
Upgraded this year to include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration, Alexa compatibility, voice-controlled navigation, and over-the-air updates, this system is controlled by an 11.4-inch touchscreen.

Meridian audio
Meridian is a British company that also makes high-end home audio equipment costing thousands. Other clients include British Airways and Jaguar’s sister company: Land Rover. Jaguar installs one as standard.

Blind Spot Assist/Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
Often referred to as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, this standard system warns drivers of vehicles on either side. This is one of those features you never want to be without once you’ve used it. It’s standard in the E-Pace.

Heated steering wheel
A new standard feature this year, it goes perfectly with the heated/leather-covered/power-adjustable front seats.

Powered tailgate
Another item in a comprehensive array of standard equipment. We also like the power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps.

ClearSight rearview mirror
Part of the Driver Intelligence Pack that also includes a head-up display and Wi-Fi, this uses a rear-facing camera to show a rearward view clear of passengers’ heads, cargo, or C-pillars.

Propulsion for the 2024 E-Pace SUV comes from the P250 drivetrain. So called because it makes nearly 250 horsepower. The actual figure is 246, accompanied by 269 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. This goes to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3,968 pounds.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Jaguar’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance are also included at the same terms. This is generous for the class, especially compared with European rivals.

Safety Ratings

The E-Pace has not been crash-tested by any independent agencies in the United States. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance.