2020 Jaguar E-PACE

With the addition of Limited Edition trim the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE comes in a total of six trim levels divided under ‘P250’ and ‘P300’. The difference between these is the engine configuration as P300 comes with a more powerful one. As for the features, the base trim ‘P250’ offers a decent list of features going from leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and various safety assists. 

The P250 SE upgrades over that by having a better infotainment system, bigger wheels, and memory settings for front seats. The Limited Edition offers unique exterior and interior styling with more comfortable seats. The R-Dynamic trims offer an aerodynamic body kit with ‘S’ trim having Sports seats, a better navigation system, and traffic sign recognition and speed limiter. The SE and HSE trim under R-Dynamic offers top-tier upholstery, more luxury features, and additional safety features.

Which trim should you buy?

Sure, having six trim levels offer so many choices for the buyers but if we had to suggest one we would go for the ‘P250 SE’ which comes with a fairly good list of features and clearly justify its price tag. For additional features from higher trims just go for different packages such as Park Pro and Drive Pro pack and do not forget about the meridian sound system.

As mentioned above, the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE comes with two different engine configurations to choose from. The P250 trims come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine which manages to produce 246 horsepower and a torque of 269 lb-ft. The P300 Trims on the other hand comes with a more powerful 296 horse-powered and 295 lb-ft engine. Both are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and yes all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup for that added practicality.

The base engine feels like an underdog as it can move an E-PACE from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds. These timings are impressive for its segment and it feels potent on the road whether driven slowly or aggressively. Naturally going for the 296 hp P300 engine is going to get you even better timings and is rated to achieve 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and the top speed also goes up to 143 mph.

The base engine of E-PACE is impressive on the road and when compared to its rivals and manages to outrun the Audi Q3, which has a superior towing capacity. Towing capacity is where the E-Pace lacks to all its competitors in spite of its higher price tag. The Volvo is the quickest off the mark while the X1 has the most impressive towing capacity. Audi’s Q3 is the most affordable one as well with AWD while the X1 with FWD is even cheaper. 

How well does the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE handle?

As amazing as it is in the straight lines, take it to complex corners and you get an equally impressive driving experience. We don't know what Jaguar conjured while making the E-PACE as it stays impressively under control. The steering wheel is light and offers accurate feedback from the road which is why going over sharp corners is not going to be a problem.

The standard suspension system is also decent however jaguar does offer an enhanced version which comes with R-Dynamic as standard, not to forget the enhanced handling (Active driveline system with torque vectoring). We must say this combination certainly elevates the overall experience.

2020 Jaguar E-PACE Braking Performance

Handling and suspension are not the only things that provide solid control over the vehicle as the braking system is equally responsible. Fortunately, Jaguar E-PACE comes with a solid braking system that offers decently sized 13.7 inches front and 11.8 inches rear disc brakes. The system is paired with assists such as ABS, Hill descent control, Electric parking brake, and hill hold control.

But we must say that the vehicle does need some getting used to because it might feel a bit twitchy at first. On top of that, it weighs 4,035 pounds which is why it takes a braking distance of 130 feet in the 60-0 mph braking test. A bit longer for its segment but acceptable especially seeing how well it performs once you get familiar with it.

When compared to its rivals, the E-PACE comes with decent-sized brakes but it does weigh more than the others which are probably why it takes longer than the others to stop. Both the BMW X1 and the XC40 on the other hand are much lighter and stop at a shorter distance than the Jaguar. The Q3 also weighs more than the Bimmer and Volvo and hence has a longer stopping distance than them. 

In terms of fuel economy, the base four-cylinder engine does surprise us. As it offers a mileage of 21 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highways, and 24 MPG when combined. These numbers are unimpressive for its class but sure seem acceptable. However, the E-PACE comes with an 18.1-gallon fuel tank which changes everything as it is the biggest in its class. So combine these and you get an impressive driving range of around 400 miles. That makes a pretty good compact SUV that you can take to your destination without much worrying about running out of gas.

The fuel economy which E-PACE offers is only better than Audi Q3, as both BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 offer far better efficiency. However, having the biggest fuel tank in its class does provide an advantage over the others as the E-PACE offers an impressive driving range. The X1 is even more frugal with its FWD variant and so is the lower and underpowered T4 variant of the XC40. The smaller gas tank capacity of the Volvo does put its driving range just on par with the Audi. 

Get inside and you will find a visually attractive cabin however the material quality at some spots is not top tier. As for the dashboard, it has a very tapered and driver eccentric design which should be advantageous while driving. The steering wheel offers decent adjustability. As for the occupants, power-adjustable front seats are very comfortable but go for higher trims and you will find even better ones with memory settings and even sports seats are available.

At the rear, a split-folding bench seat is available which is upgradable with heated functionality. The front seat offers ample room for the occupants however the occupants in the rear are going to find a shortage of legroom. However, the 24.2 cubic feet of trunk capacity is one of the biggest in its class. Even the inside of the cabin offers multiple cubbies for small items.

The inside of the E-PACE might be visually pleasing, but when it comes to the room for occupants. Only front seats offer an adequate room as the rear might be a bit tight for taller passengers. As all three rivals offer better room for rear occupants. But E-PACE does offer far better volume for cargo which is second to only BMW. Both Q3 and the Volvo XC40 offer a bit more space for passengers than the Jaguar but then they have a smaller boot as well. Below are some of the key interior features:

• Heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats with memory settings
• Heated rear row seat
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise controls
• Remote keyless entry
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Day and night auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Digital instrument panel
• Perforated Windsor leather upholstery

What’s there to keep you entertained?

For entertainment, E-PACE comes with an acceptable infotainment system that has a 10-inch touchscreen at the front. Yes, the display is wide and responsive but the interface needs getting used to. So don't expect quick swipes through everything on the first try, although you can skip all that because, for 2020, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on every trim. 

Other features such as dynamic volume control, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input jack, six-speaker audio system, and USB port can be found on the base trim. Go for higher trims and you will find better audio systems, an updated navigation system, WiFi support, and a real-time traffic display. The top trim HSE comes with a Meridian 380 watt sound system which is a must-have for audio bliss. Below are some of its key infotainment features:

• 10-inch infotainment touchscreen
• WiFi hotspot
• Meridian 380 watt sound system
• Apple CarPlay support
• Android Auto support
• Navigation Pro

Just like its interior, the Jaguar E-PACE looks fabulous from the outside. Unlike others in its segment, the E-PACE comes with a design that is compact as it is only 173-inch long. This must be the reason why the inside offers limited room for the occupants. As for the design, you will find sharp-eyed headlights at the front. On the sides, you will find power heated side mirrors with the auto-dimming, chrome window trim, and attractive 18-inch 5 spoke alloy wheels. 

However, 20-inch dark satin grey alloy wheels are inarguably better looking. The top of the E-PACE can be had with a fixed panoramic roof or with a full blacktop. At the rear, you will find thin tail lights with a power liftgate in the middle and two exhaust tips below. By default various parts of the E-PACE come in chrome but opting for a black exterior package makes everything better. The R-Dynamic trims come with an aerodynamic body kit which surely adds sporty character. As for the Checkered flag edition, the photon red looks fantastic and unique.

Dimensions-wise, the Jaguar E-PACE is a bit shorter than the others which explain the lack of cabin space. That being said, the wheelbase is on par with others which means passenger space could have been better utilized But it sure is wider and heavier which does affect its handling. Its 8.8 inches of ground clearance is also the best in this comparison. The Q3 rides lowest here but is also the largest compact SUV amongst all the ones present here. Below are some of its key exterior features:

• 20 inch 5 spoke satin grey alloy wheels
• Aerodynamic body kit
• All season tires
• Body side window trim
• Power heated side mirrors with auto-dimming
• Power liftgate
• Automatic high beam control
• Front and rear fog lamps

The 2020 Jaguar E-PACE hasn’t been crash-tested by NHTSA and IIHS yet, but the vehicle does offer a long list of safety assists and features. Other than multiple dual-stage airbags, stability, and traction control you will find front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning and mitigation system, lane departure warning system, and automatic emergency braking system.

Going for higher trims gets you additional assists such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist with automated parking sensors, surround-view camera, and blind-spot monitoring system. These features work properly as intended and keep E-PACE and its occupants safe making it a decently safe SUV. Below are some of its key safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning system
• Forward collision warning and mitigation system with an automatic emergency braking system
• Lane-keeping assist
• ParkAssist
• rear cross-traffic alert
• Surround-view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors

2020 Jaguar E-PACE vs 2020 Audi Q3

When stacked against the Audi Q3, Jaguar E-PACE offers an engine that is much faster on the road and offers superior fuel economy. Not to forget about the impressive driving experience. The Audi Q3, on the other hand, is much lighter which is why it offers better braking performance. It also offers a spacious cabin with better quality and an infotainment system which is clearly better.

2020 Jaguar E-PACE vs 2020 BMW X1

Going against BMW X1 is a tough one for Jaguar E-PACE as X1 offers a much more capable engine that is equally efficient. It also offers a bigger cabin with a decent level of technology and lastly, the exceptional braking performance on offer is one of the best in the segment. The Jaguar on the other hand is slower by a few milliseconds and comes with average mileage but its bigger fuel tank results in better driving range.

2020 Jaguar E-PACE vs 2020 Volvo XC40

When compared, Volvo XC40 seems to be the only one in the competition which offers a highly spacious cabin. The Jaguar E-PACE on the other hand is more performance-oriented, offers a better driving range, and a memorable driving experience. Jaguar also offers far better cargo capacity making it more practical for families.

Despite being a bit costlier than the other vehicles in its segment, Jaguar E-PACE stands strong due to its unique qualities. Both engines offer impressive performance and when combined with competent handling, braking, and suspension you get an amazing driving experience. Yes, the fuel economy seems average but the bigger fuel tank compensates for that. The cabin might be a bit tight but the ample level of technology and adequate cargo capacity makes up for it. So yes we suggest you should take a look at the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE.