Jaguar F-PACE 2021 Review

The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace is larger than the typical small SUV but not quite as large as midsize SUVs. In terms of price, however, it's more in line with the midsize class. We've been fans of the F-Pace since it debuted in 2017, particularly for its sleek style and sporty driving dynamics. Unfortunately, it also had plenty of drawbacks, including some disappointing cabin materials and a glitch-plagued infotainment system.

Encouragingly, the 2021 F-Pace had had a significant refresh. It has updated front and rear styling and a significant interior makeover. The cabin materials are noticeably improved, and the infotainment system is all-new. Under the hood, the F-Pace gains a new turbocharged six-cylinder engine that's a little more powerful and fuel-efficient than last year's supercharged engine. Jaguar also retuned the suspension to provide a more comfortable ride quality.

Overall the F-Pace is a likeable luxury SUV and holds particular appeal if you want something that's sized between typical small and midsize SUVs. But it also has a few drawbacks that keep it from being truly great. Check out our test team's full Expert Rating to learn more.

What's it like to live with?

For more information on the Jaguar F-Pace of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with a 2017 Jaguar F-Pace 35t Prestige. We cover everything from in-car tech to fuel efficiency. The F-Pace's performance and style won many of us over, but we all took issue with its ride comfort, price and infotainment system. The 2021 F-Pace has a number of improvements compared to that model, but many of our observations still apply.

Which F-PACE does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace is a five-passenger luxury SUV, available in four trim levels: Base, S, R-Dynamic S and SVR. These trim levels are mostly aligned with the four engine choices. Feature highlights include:

Base F-Pace The base model F-Pace is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (246 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque) that Jaguar labels the P250. It's paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. It comes standard with:

• Heated, power-folding mirrors
• Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors
• Interior ambient lighting
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power-adjustable and heated front seats
• Simulated leather upholstery
• 11.4-inch touchscreen
• 13-speaker Meridian audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Wireless charging pad with signal booster
• Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
• Advanced safety and driver assistants:
• Frontal collision mitigation  (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Front and rear parking sensors  (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automatic high beams
• Driver attention monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

F-Pace S The F-Pace S comes standard with the P250 engine, but you can also opt for the P340 turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (335 hp, 354 lb-ft). You also get:

• Powered liftgate
• Leather upholstery
• Upgraded infotainment system with internet access and over-the-air updates
• Traffic sign reader
• Selectable drive modes and adaptive dampers (P340 only)

R-Dynamic S The R-Dynamic S is also powered by the six-cylinder engine, but with increased output (395 hp, 405 lb-ft). Added features include:

• Sporty exterior body elements
• Interior R-Dynamic styling flourishes
• Selectable drive modes
• Adaptive suspension dampers (enhances ride comfort and handling)

SVR The top-performing SVR F-Pace goes all-in with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 (550 hp, 516 lb-ft). It also turns up the luxury and convenience quotient with:

• Unique exterior body elements
• 21-inch wheels
• 14-way heated and cooled front sport seats
• Faux suede and leather upholstery
• Digital instrument panel
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• 17-speaker Meridian surround-sound system
• Hands-free liftgate
• Heated windshield
• Cooled glovebox
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)