2018 Jaguar E-Pace

2018 Jaguar E-PACE Review

“You'll like the E-Pace's mix of style, sport, utility and luxury.”
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by Jonathan Elfalan
Edmunds Editor

Edmunds expert review

Jaguar's first crossover SUV, the F-Pace, has been a big success for the company thanks to its sharp-looking style and athletic performance. Now the company is doubling down on its success with the new 2018 Jaguar E-Pace.

The E-Pace's name could be confusing since a lot of automakers use an "E" to refer to electric power. But the E-Pace is just a smaller SUV, similar to how the Jaguar XE sedan is smaller compared to the XF sedan. In terms of size and price, the E-Pace is a bit bigger and more expensive than established subcompact SUVs such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

Power comes from one of two available turbocharged four-cylinder engines: one that makes 246 horsepower and another that puts out 296 hp. All E-Paces are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The higher-output engine's all-wheel-drive system is more advanced and helps improve the E-Pace's handling when going around turns.

Overall, we're excited about the 2018 E-Pace. It's more expensive than some rival SUVs you might compare it to, but in return it delivers plenty of style, performance and features. It's quite possibly the best-equipped subcompact SUV available this year.

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What's new for 2018

The Jaguar E-Pace is an all-new model for 2018.

We recommend

We recommend the P250 E-Pace SE for its balance between cost and features. This model comes with the base engine, which puts out a respectable 246 horsepower, has standard all-wheel drive, and is packed full of features such as a power tailgate, 14-way power leather seats with memory function, an 11-speaker premium audio system, and a suite of advanced driving and parking aids. Due to the larger 19-inch wheels though, we'd also recommend getting the Adaptive Dynamics option, which can vary the suspension damping and improve ride quality (available in April 2018).
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Trim levels & features

The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace is offered in two main trims primarily distinguished by engine output: the base P250 and the P300 R-Dynamic. Additional features are broken out into four subtrims: Standard, S, SE and HSE. The base E-Pace P250 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (246 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque) while the E-Pace R-Dynamic gets a similar but more powerful version (296 hp, 295 lb-ft). A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard across the board.

The P250 Standard comes with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, selectable drive modes, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a 10-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker sound system. Lane keeping assist and forward collision warning and mitigation with low-speed automatic braking are also included.

The S upgrade adds 18-inch wheels, LED running lights, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a navigation system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, additional smartphone integration, an automated parking system and a surround-view camera system.

The SE trim equips the E-Pace with 19-inch wheels, automatic high beams, a power liftgate, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, an 11-speaker premium audio system, a blind-spot monitoring system and adaptive cruise control.

The top HSE is only offered with the higher-output R-Dynamic P300 models and adds 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, 18-way power seats with memory settings, premium leather upholstery and a full-digital instrument panel.

In addition to the power increase, E-Pace R-Dynamic P300 models (beginning with S trims and up) are also equipped with a performance-enhancing rear differential, special exterior and interior styling details, front foglights, and sport front seats with contrast stitching.

Most of the extra features from the higher trim levels are available as options on the S and SE. Other notable upgrades include a Climate Control package (adds heating for the front seats, steering wheel and windshield), a Drive package (additional safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and upgraded forward collision mitigation), a Meridian surround-sound system, a surround-view parking camera system, and adaptive suspension dampers.

A limited run of First Edition models will also be available. In addition to much of the R-Dynamic content (except the more powerful engine), it comes with exclusive red paint, a black leather interior with red contrast stitching, and special 20-inch wheels. And just about all of the E-Pace's optional features are included as standard.

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Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace R-Dynamic HSE (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).

Driving

The Jaguar E-Pace R-Dynamic impresses with speedy performance from its turbocharged 296-hp four-cylinder. Paired with a responsive, quick-shifting nine-speed transmission and accurate steering, the R-Dynamic delivers on its promise of a rewarding driving experience.

Comfort

The E-Pace's ergonomics are preferable to those of the larger F-Pace, striking a more natural balance between carlike familiarity and SUV utility. The upgraded 20-inch wheels are good for cornering but deliver a relatively harsh ride quality. But overall, the E-Pace feels unquestionably luxurious.

Interior

Despite its small SUV proportions, the E-Pace is surprisingly roomy on the inside. The back seat provides enough legroom for adults, even if the headroom may be tight for taller passengers. We can't comment on lower-trim versions, but the upgraded leather upholstery is a pleasant treat.

Utility

A lot of thought has been put toward utility. Jaguar managed to squeeze in quite a bit of small-item storage, with generous door pockets and cubbies. There's also a good amount of usable cargo space: 52.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded flat and 24.2 cubic feet with it in place.

Technology

For higher trims like the one we drove, you'll find a full digital display screen, a color head-up display, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, app integration and Wi-Fi. There's also a comprehensive suite of driver aids and active safety features.

Edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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