Used 2020 Jaguar E-PACE

Well known for its luxury and performance automobiles over the decades, Jaguar is taking a new direction by wading into the popular small-SUV segment. Among its newest creations is the 2020 Jaguar E-Pace, a compact-luxury-crossover SUV that successfully translates the sleek lines and sporty demeanor of the F-Type coupe into a compact SUV that is both functional and fun to drive.

Up against familiar names like the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Lexus NX, the E-Pace more than holds its own, with a set of powerful turbocharged engines, stunning styling and exceptional performance capabilities both on- and off-road. Resale and reliability issues, once Jaguar’s Achilles heel, are no longer an issue, at least not for the E-Pace. And while the E-Pace’s interior isn’t as modern or technologically advanced as the Audi Q3, it is still a pleasant place for those who prefer knobs and buttons over touch screens.

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 2020 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 mpg combined.

While not as large as the F-Pace, the 2020 Jaguar E-Pace retains all the luxury and sophistication of its larger sibling. Standard Jaguar luxury features like supple leather and rich wood join more modern touches such as Jaguar’s large 10-inch Touch Pro touch-screen infotainment with InControl apps. While not as intuitive as some, the Touch Pro system is brimming with features and capabilities including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The E-Pace’s dash isn’t as thrilling to look at as the SUV’s exterior, however, and the row of small buttons controlling the heating and A/C systems can be difficult to see and operate. The E-Pace isn’t big on rear-seat headroom and legroom, either, and its cargo area can only be described as “adequate.”

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.

In the new Checkered Flag trim, the look is enhanced with R-Dynamic body-color front and rear bumpers, twin tailpipes and LED headlights. Also in the mix are 19-inch Satin Dark Grey wheels and more standard features such as a power tailgate and keyless entry.

ACTIVITY KEY
Not just a stylish rubberized and waterproof piece of arm jewelry, the 2020 Jaguar E-Pace’s electronic wristband substitutes for the key fob, unlocking the doors with a simple swipe across the letter “J” in the tailgate’s name badge. With the wristband, you can hide the key in the car when it’s not convenient to carry it, then retrieve it when you return. The fob is disabled until the Active Key is used, eliminating the worry of theft due to a break-in.

ACTIVE DRIVELINE
Available only with the R-Dynamic engine, this system employs an innovative torque-vectoring design to distribute power to the wheel or wheels that need it most. The result is improved year-round traction in all weather conditions, as well as better cornering on dry pavement.

Jaguar offers the E-Pace in six trims: E-Pace, SE, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE, R-Dynamic HSE and Checkered Flag. Standard equipment on the base model includes LED headlights, auto-dimming and heated power mirrors, leather seating with 10-way power-operated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, push-button start, a 180-watt/6-speaker sound system, 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment with voice control plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver monitor and front and rear parking aids. All-wheel drive is also standard, accompanied by JaguarDrive Control, All Surface Progress Control, hill-launch assist and torque vectoring.

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.

Audiophiles will appreciate the 380-watt/12-speaker Meridian sound system, while those who live in cold climates will want the Cold Climate Package (heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated windshield and washer jets) as well as the 14-way memory front seats.

With the InControl Touch Pro or Touch Duo Pro infotainment systems buyers can also add navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional driver aids include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, high-speed emergency braking and a 360-degree parking aid.

Five years ago, Jaguar would have launched the E-Pace with a V6. But that was an era before downsizing and forced induction. All E-Pace models are fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine — which makes either 246 or 296 horsepower, depending upon the model — and a 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard and features an enhanced performance version on the R-Dynamic 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