Used 2019 Jaguar E-PACE

While slow to enter the crossover-SUV space, Jaguar has now come out with the proverbial guns blazing, introducing three distinctive models that have quickly transformed it into a serious player in this highly competitive market. Along with the bigger F-Pace and all-electric I-Pace, it has shown its ability to repackage classic Jaguar DNA in a more functional form — without looking like a badge-engineered Land Rover. Going up against the likes of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Jaguar E-Pace is one of the most attractive offerings in the compact segment, with the sort of luxury touches you’d expect. It retains the sporty dynamics Jaguar is known for yet also introduces a reasonable level of off-road capabilities.

Slip behind the wheel, stomp on the throttle and you’ll quickly be in for a pleasant surprise. While some competing luxury SUVs trade good driving dynamics for “command seating” and better visibility, the 2019 E-Pace manages to package them both. Even the base version has a delightfully sporty feel as you enter tight corners, and that’s enhanced when you’re driving the E-Pace R-Design, which punches out a spry 296 horsepower from its turbocharged inline-4. Steering is precise, with just the right sense of boost. And, despite weighing in a bit over 4,000 pounds — depending upon the model and options — the E-Pace never feels lumbering. We’re particularly fond of the optional Active Driveline system. This all-wheel-drive package helps boost on-road handling by shifting torque to the wheels that most need it. But it also improves grip in bad weather, as well, as when driving off-road. As for fuel economy, the E-Pace is middle-of-the-pack, both models delivering around 23 miles per gallon combined.

While smaller and more affordable than Jaguar’s first utility vehicle, the F-Pace, the 2019 E-Pace retains the bigger model’s lavish feel, with a well-executed balance of classic luxury materials, including leather and wood, along with more modern details like its large touch-screen infotainment system. It takes a bit of learning to get the hang of that system, but it is, on the whole, one of the better packages available and, for 2019, adds both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of its new Smartphone Package. The downside is that the E-Pace offers a rather downsized back seat, one in which a couple adults might feel cramped on long trips. Cargo space is also a bit compromised.

There’s a reason Jaguar waited so long to launch its first SUV. It’s difficult to capture the brand’s distinctively sporty look in a “2-box” package. But the British maker has done a surprisingly good job of transforming its familiar DNA into its first-ever compact-crossover SUV. There are, of course, the familiar queues, starting with the menacing Jaguar grille, framed by slick, cat’s-eye headlights. The steeply raked windshield and coupe-like roofline add to the sporty feel, with deeply sculpted doors that avoid the slab-sided blandness of many key competitors.

ACTIVITY KEY
This rubberized, waterproof electronic wristband replaces your key fob when, say, you’re swimming or biking. Simply swipe it across the “J” on the tailgate badge and the doors unlock, letting you find the key you’ve hidden inside. Oh, and the regular key fob is disabled, in case someone breaks into the car, until the Activity Key is used.

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 offers the E-Pace in six trims: E-Pace, S, SE, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE. All are fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine — which makes either 240 or 296 horsepower, depending upon the model — 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.

Depending upon the model, options include 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, head-up display, 18-way power-operated front seats, Activity Key, and the Active Driveline all-wheel-drive system. With the InControl Touch Pro or Touch Duo Pro infotainment systems buyers also can order the new Smartphone Package that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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 and SE)
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