Jaguar F-PACE review
The F-PACE was Jaguar’s first SUV when it appeared in 2016. It combines great looks and a smart interior with good driving manners. In fact, it’s one of the few SUVs to actually feel genuinely sporty to drive. It seats four in comfort and is well suited to families and couples. Let’s take a closer look at whether this is your next used car in our Jaguar F-PACE review.
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Pros
- Engaging handling
- New infotainment system is miles better
- Good balance of economy and performance
Cons
- Some rivals have more rear seat space
- Mixed reliability records
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
Tech and features
Just as the F-PACE uses much of the XE and XF saloons’ underpinnings, it also gains a lot from their dashboards.
You’re spoiled with soft-touch plastics in the areas that matter, plus smatterings of chrome and leather, depending on trim level.
The Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan have higher-quality interiors, but the F-PACE’s is still an attractive thing to look at.
An eight-inch touchscreen sits in the middle of the dashboard, with the ventilation controls beneath. Most rivals’ screens are more responsive.
The Jaguar’s system comes with sat-nav, Bluetooth, a digital radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot – you’ll always be connected no matter how off-grid you go.
Some have an upgraded, 10-inch screen with a crystal clear Meridian sound system, 10GB of storage, plus digital instruments in front of the driver.
A facelift in 2021 brought extensive revisions to the dashboard, including a larger touchscreen with a new operating system.
Driving position
The best bit about the F-PACE’s interior is the amount of space on offer – it’s easy to find a good driving position and both front occupants have room to stretch out.
It’s the same story in the rear seats, where a couple of adults will be happy; there’s room for 3 back there, although they may be rubbing shoulders.
Performance
Our rating: 10/10
Handling and ride comfort
The F-PACE is based on Jaguar ‘s XE and XF saloons, which means it’s good to drive, even though it has a high-riding body.
The SUV comes into its own on curvy country roads, where it handles well, staying composed on the bends, and the steering is sharp and offers plenty of feedback.
It also grips well, and the larger petrol and diesel engines have more than enough power, with the flagship SVR model covering 0-62mph in just four seconds.
Some models can send power to all four wheels, which improves traction in poor weather, and also provides the F-PACE with genuine off-road ability.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
Storage solutions
Storage space in the F-PACE is as impressive as passenger room - you get a cubby between the front-seat passengers, along with a pair of cup holders, deep bins in all doors, a good glovebox and somewhere to put your smartphone.
You’ll also find USB and 12V sockets, as well as an HDMI connection on some models. No flat phone batteries on your long trips out.
Boot space
The F-PACE’s boot is so cavernous you almost expect it to echo. There’s room for several suitcases or a fully catered picnic with chairs and even a folding table.
The rear seat backs are split 40/20/40 and fold to allow the extended space to take items up to 1.8m long.
You’ll find a powered tailgate on most models, which makes loading easier when you’ve got your hands full of shopping.
Running costs
Our rating: 7/10
Fuel economy
The lowest-powered 2.0-litre diesel engine averages 47.9mpg, according to the WLTP fuel economy tests.
The best petrol engine for economy is the refined 2.0-litre unit, at 30.4mpg officially, and the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 behemoth in the SVR is listed at 23.1mpg – expect economy in the teens in the real world.
F-PACEs fitted with four-wheel drive drink more than their 2WD siblings. The difference isn’t as great as you’d think because it’s only 4WD on demand.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
10/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
7/10
We love the way the F-PACE looks and drives, with more than enough performance from the larger engines to match the styling – and the V8-powered SVR is just phenomenal.
We’re also impressed with the amount of space on offer for occupants – and all of them will love the fact the boot will swallow their luggage with ease.
That makes the F-PACE perfect for couples, families and, yes, even antique shop owners.
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