Used 2023 Jaguar E-PACE

The big change to the Jaguar E-Pace this year is that there’s only one version offered. It used to be the second of three trim levels, so its starting price isn’t really a like-for-like comparison with those of rival vehicles. But even the Range Rover Evoque — sharing the E-Pace platform and not usually recognized as a bargain — is more affordable. And the German competition is even less expensive.

A potential buyer really has to want a 2023 E-Pace instead of anything else, then. And that’s OK. The E-Pace can also be considered a less obvious choice among small luxury SUVs.

In its standard state, the 2023 E-Pace SUV is still a pleasure to drive. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is sufficiently muscular, and the suspension blends comfort with control in that special flowing Jaguar way.

The configurable and adaptive dynamics options don’t add more power, but improve the driving experience in other ways. Configurable dynamics are really just a combination of settings the driver can select, determining responses of the throttle, transmission, and steering.

Adaptive dynamics involves, no surprise, an adaptive suspension that reacts automatically to conditions from moment to moment. However, it also allows drivers to toggle between modes like Comfort and Sport. You get these systems either through the Dynamic Handling or the Premium Black packages.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard in every new E-Pace, along with All Surface Progress Control — a form of off-road cruise control that takes care of the throttle and gearshifts, leaving the driver to concentrate on steering. Brake-based torque vectoring — also included — controls the speed of individual wheels to enhance stability through the corners.

Outside of Britain and a few other countries, the gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) sport of cricket might be a bit of a mystery. It could even seem a little eccentric. For example, one player position is called silly mid-off. No kidding.

However, it inspired the cricket ball stitching pattern on the E-Pace’s shifter. The rest of the cabin includes perforated leather upholstery, Leaping Cat logos set into the front headrests, and heated front seats. There’s a general air of subtle indulgence blended with well-judged technology, especially when you choose the optional driver information display.

Rear legroom is 35.1 inches. That’s not bad, but the BMW X2 and Audi Q3 (to name just two examples) have a little more. Behind the 40/20/40 split/folding rear seats is a luggage area of 20.4 cubic feet. When you fold the rear seatbacks down, maximum cargo space is 43.6 cubic feet. Again, the aforementioned German rivals do better.

Anyone who has liked the look of other Jaguar SUVs — the larger F-Pace and electric I-Pace — should find the 2023 E-Pace more than agreeable. It can’t be easy for a vehicle to appear simultaneously sleek and authoritative when it has subcompact dimensions, but the E-Pace makes a fine attempt.

It looks a little more serious this year, thanks to side window surrounds that are now satin black instead of chrome. Going further down that dark road, the new-for-2023 Premium Black options bundle also includes exterior elements and 21-inch alloy wheels all in the same color as the tires.

The only no-cost paint choice is Fuji White. The majority of premium paint options are $650, but Carpathian Grey Metallic and Silicon Silver cost $1,350.

ACTIVITY KEY
Looking exactly like a wrist-worn fitness tracker, the Activity Key is shockproof and waterproof, allowing drivers to enjoy their outdoorsy pursuits to the full without worrying about their regular keys. This is part of the optional Convenience package that also includes two USB-C ports for rear passengers, plus hands-free tailgate operation.

MERIDIAN AUDIO SYSTEMS
Meridian is a British company that also makes high-end home audio equipment costing thousands. Other clients include British Airways and Jaguar’s sister company: Land Rover.

Previously a mid-level trim and the most obvious choice, this P250 SE version of the Jaguar E-Pace luxury SUV comes with generous amounts of standard equipment.

This includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights, rain-sensing wipers, powered tailgate, front/rear parking sensors, keyless entry/ignition, perforated leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated/12-way power-adjustable front seats (with driver’s-side memory settings), self-dimming rearview mirror, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The infotainment system has an 11.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, wireless charging, satellite radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 12-speaker/400-watt Meridian audio system.

Adaptive cruise control with stop/go is newly standard this year. It joins other driver-assistance features like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance.

This year, the Premium Black Pack is a new options bundle that brings adaptive/configurable dynamics, 21-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black, and black exterior elements. It costs $3,000. A Dynamic Handling package has just the configurable/adaptive dynamics plus red-painted brake calipers for $1,450.

Other extras include a panoramic roof, roof rails, hands-free tailgate operation, side steps, heated windshield/washer jets/steering wheel, heated rear seats, Activity Key, Wi-Fi, head-up display, configurable driver information display, 360-degree camera system, rearview camera mirror, and a 15-speaker/650-watt Meridian surround-sound system.

Propulsion for the 2023 E-Pace SUV comes from the P250 drivetrain. So called because it makes nearly 250 horsepower. The actual figure is 246, accompanied by 269 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. This goes to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Premium gasoline is required. That’s often the case when there’s a turbocharger in the mix.

Maximum towing capacity is 3,968 pounds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
246 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg