Used 2019 Jaguar F-PACE

The 2019 Jaguar F-Pace is a premium compact-crossover SUV from a company famous for its luxurious sedans and svelte sports cars. But this is no begrudging concession to fashion. It’s still a proper Jaguar, displaying all the qualities associated with the marque. Such as exquisite design, a suspension that rides with an uncanny mix of comfort and control, and strong engines. Yet this 5-seater is also supremely practical, with plenty of passenger space in both rows and a generous cargo area. Naturally, there are several driver-assistance features as well, plus great-sounding audio systems. With a range encompassing the lavish to the sporty to the fuel-efficient, the 2019 F-Pace is a prime candidate among vehicles like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

The F-Pace has that much-loved raised driving position, but this crossover SUV doesn’t feel top-heavy in the slightest. Aluminum is used extensively in its construction, keeping weight in check and the center of gravity satisfyingly close to the ground. The standard all-wheel-drive system, rear-biased for a sporty feel in normal circumstances, features torque vectoring that sends power to any wheels with the most traction and making the outside wheels faster than their inside counterparts to trace tight lines through corners. A highlight is the ride quality: completely composed, never jarring. The standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is punchy enough for most purposes, the diesel packs a low-end punch while remaining frugal, and the supercharged V6 makes the 2019 F-Pace feel like a bona-fide Jaguar. The SVR is ballistic and therefore more specialized. The 8-speed automatic transmission, meanwhile, functions unobtrusively.

Clever packaging results in remarkable roominess for this compact-crossover SUV. The F-Pace can accommodate five in comfort, with the rear passengers enjoying a “stadium” seat set slightly higher than those in front. The panoramic moonroof is one of this segment’s largest, adding to the overall sense of space. However, the driver’s vision is hampered by wide B-pillars and a narrow rear window. And some of the plastics used, such as those on the door tops, seem a touch down-market. The standard-issue power tailgate opens to reveal a wide aperture and a class-leading 33.5 cubic feet of trunk space, increasing to 63.5 when the rear seats are folded down.

Jaguar is now firmly in the 21st century and, if its designs are any indication, thriving on the fresh challenges. The 2019 F-Pace isn’t one of those “coupe” crossover SUVs, but still manages to look streamlined instead of boxy (despite generous interior dimensions). The company is named after a big cat and that feline grace extends to its vehicles, enhanced by a muscular tautness to the lines. This is made more impressive considering the mainly aluminum body, a metal that’s much trickier to shape than steel. It also looks classy enough to make an impact in front of a 5-star hotel.

ACTIVITY KEY
Surfers, kayakers and mountain bikers will love this. It’s an electronic key that looks like a fitness tracking device. It’s also worn on the wrist, plus it’s shockproof and waterproof, and needs no batteries. Leave the regular key in the F-Pace, touch the “J” of the tailgate’s Jaguar badge, then go out and catch a few waves without a worry.

JAGUAR INCONTROL TOUCH PRO
Auto manufacturers all have pet names for their infotainment systems. Jaguar’s is InControl Touch Pro. This is now standard in the 2019 F-Pace with a high-resolution 10-inch touch screen that works with smartphone-like pinch-and-zoom gestures. A 12.3-inch display is optional, plus a 17-speaker/825-watt Meridian surround-sound system well regarded among audiophiles.

The list of standard equipment in the 2019 F-Pace is longer than last year’s. Joining the all-wheel-drive system, power tailgate, sliding panoramic roof, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control and a 380-watt/11-speaker Meridian audio setup are parking sensors at both ends, rearview camera, lane-keeping assistance and a driver-fatigue monitor. Plus Jaguar EliteCare that includes a warranty, free scheduled maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance for five years or 60,000 miles, a 5-year/unlimited mileage subscription to Jaguar InControl Remote & Protect service that remotely locks/unlocks the doors, starts the engine, heats/cools the cabin, and notifies emergency services automatically if an airbag deploys.

Once we move up to Premium trim, just above the entry level, then the 2019 F-Pace becomes eligible for a Drive Package that brings blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Extra equipment is available as the trims grow more expensive. Other options in the range include heated steering wheel/seats/windshield-washer jets, 360-degree camera system, Wi-Fi, automatic parking assistance, adaptive suspension, configurable driving modes, head-up display, and 22-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a choice of engines ranging from sensible to blistering.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is the default unit on all models except the S and SVR. It develops a respectable 247 horsepower. Available in the Premium, Prestige and R-Sport trims is a torquey yet efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine. A 296-horsepower gasoline turbo-4 (replacing last year’s 340-horsepower V6) is also available in these trims and the Portfolio version. Then there’s the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the S, bringing 380 horsepower for an authoritative thrust that’s ideal for the overall Jaguar character. New for 2019, the SVR has a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 generating a mighty 550 horsepower (only the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 comes close with 469). All variants have superb 8-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
247 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/27 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
180 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm
318 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/33 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
296 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/27 mpg

3.0-liter supercharged V6
380 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 mpg

5.0-liter supercharged V8
550 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
502 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22