Used 2018 Jaguar E-PACE

Jaguar leaps into the highly competitive premium subcompact crossover-SUV segment with its all-new 2018 E-Pace, which is targeted to rival the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. While luxury and superior driving dynamics are expected, Jaguar brings something new to the table thanks to its Land Rover DNA — strong off-road aptitude. Package those traits into one of the best-looking SUVs on the road, complemented with attractive pricing, and the British appear to have a potential winner on their hands.

Jaguar touts its new subcompact crossover SUV as a vehicle with the utility of an SUV, but the driving dynamics of a sport sedan — and they aren’t exaggerating by much. Mash the accelerator pedal in the 296-horsepower premium R-Dynamic model, and there is a slight delay (engineers call it "turbo lag") that is followed by a strong surge of power — the sprint to 60 mph takes fewer than six seconds. (The power is appreciated, but we are betting that the 246-hp model, which we didn’t get a chance to drive, is more than adequate.) Expect a 23-mpg combined fuel-economy figure, which is about average in the segment.

The ride is firm on pavement, but it’s never harsh or bothersome. Straight-line stability on the highway is exemplary, while sport-tuned suspension damping allows the E-Pace to dance through twisty corners — the steering effort is light, but very accurate. Handling is impressive for a vehicle with a curb weight of 4,175 pounds (the new E-Pace is about 150 pounds heavier than its big brother, the F-Pace). Despite being extraordinarily capable off-road, the ride can get very jarring when the pavement ends.

Passengers within Jaguar’s all-new E-Pace are coddled with a stylish interior crafted from premium materials. High-resolution, configurable digital displays replace analog instruments and the infotainment system operates like an oversized tablet (warning: there’s a learning curve for its operation). The cabin is sleek, upscale, and decidedly futuristic.

The front seats are comfortable and accommodating, even for those over six-foot tall. However, second row passengers will find themselves a bit cramped — all bets are that Jaguar wasn’t targeting those with a few teenagers in the household. The trunk will swallow a couple suitcases, or a few bags, but not much more without dropping the seats.

Jaguar’s design team did a spectacular job sculpting the 2018 E-Pace — it’s arguably the most attractive SUV in its segment. The iconic Jaguar grille leads the way, with a pair of sleek cat-eye shaped headlights on either side. The greenhouse is perfectly proportioned and a pair of aggressive-looking round exhaust ports bring up the rear. Even with the standard 17-inch wheels (Jaguar offers wheels up to 20 inches in diameter), it looks fabulous. The overall design is impeccably cohesive, visually sleek, and decidedly sporty.

ACTIVITY KEY
Jaguar offers a shockproof, and waterproof, electronic wristband that allows the wearer to lock the vehicle’s key within the cabin when they don’t have pockets (e.g., wearing a bathing suit). A simple swipe of the wristband over the E-Pace’s exterior sensor effortlessly unlocks it for the drive home.

ACTIVE DRIVELINE
While it is only offered with the premium engine, the performance all-wheel-drive powertrain automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it through an innovative torque-vectoring system. As a result, all-season traction and dynamic handling are improved.

Jaguar is launching its E-Pace in seven trims: E-Pace, S, SE, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE, R-Dynamic HSE, and First Edition. All are fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (R-Dynamic model are tuned for more horsepower) and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 8-way power-operated front seats, a 10-inch infotainment screen, and automatic emergency braking.

The E-Pace First Edition is offered with a Caldera Red exterior — unique to this trim — and Ebony Windsor leather inside the cabin (accented by Flame Red twin-needle contrast stitching). The stunning metallic paint and sporty upholstery is complemented by 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a satin paint finish, head-up display, 18-way power-operated front seats, Activity Key, and First Edition metal treadplates.

Five years ago, Jaguar would have launched the E-Pace with a V6. But, that was an era before downsizing and forced induction. Turbocharged 4-cylinder engines are today’s 6-cylinder replacements — more powerful and efficient than their larger predecessors. Under the hood of the E-Pace is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, tuned to deliver two different outputs (premium trim levels deliver 50 more horsepower). A 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard across all models.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (E-Pace, S, SE, and First Edition)
246 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (R-Dynamic S, SE, and HSE)
296 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg