A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.9
Comfort & Interior
4.4
Running Costs
3.3
Practicality
3.7
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Jaguar E Pace brings British luxury to the competitive family SUV market with distinctive styling and premium appeal. This compact SUV combines Jaguar’s sporting heritage with everyday practicality, making it an attractive alternative to more mainstream options. The E Pace stands out with its coupe inspired roofline and dramatic proportions that set it apart from rivals like the BMW X1 or Audi Q3. Inside, you’ll find a well appointed cabin with quality materials and Jaguar’s Touch Pro infotainment system. The range of petrol and diesel engines offers decent performance, though fuel economy could be better than some German competitors. What really appeals is the E Pace’s character and presence on the road. It feels more special than typical family SUVs, with responsive handling that reflects Jaguar’s sporting credentials. The ride quality is generally comfortable, though larger wheels can make it feel firm over poor surfaces. For buyers wanting something different from the usual German options, the E Pace offers genuine style and desirability. It’s particularly suited to those who prioritize design and brand appeal over outright practicality. While boot space isn’t class leading and running costs are on the higher side, the E Pace delivers that premium feel that makes every journey feel more special.
What's the Jaguar E Pace Like to Drive?
The Jaguar E Pace focuses on delivering refined performance rather than outright speed. The petrol engine lineup includes efficient turbo units ranging from around 160 to 250 horsepower, with the base P200 providing adequate performance for most driving situations. The mid-range P250 offers a good balance of power and efficiency, making motorway cruising and city driving equally comfortable. For those wanting more performance, the P300 delivers genuinely brisk acceleration.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo Petrol
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Power Output
160 - 300 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.1 - 6.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
32 - 40 mpg
- Boot Space
- 577 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Jaguar E Pace: Comfort & Features
Open the E Pace door and the quality difference becomes immediately apparent. This is one of the most luxurious interiors in the compact SUV segment. The dashboard design is modern and elegant, featuring premium materials throughout including soft-touch plastics, quality leather, and brushed metal accents. The infotainment system, while sometimes slow to respond, offers good smartphone integration and clear graphics on its touchscreen display.
The Jaguar E Pace blends British luxury with a refined, sporty edge, offering a well-appointed cabin that elevates daily driving. Its coupe-inspired silhouette and smooth ride make it stand out, though performance feels more composed than urgent. While running costs and practicality are average, the E Pace delivers a distinctive, premium character that rewards those seeking a unique alternative to mainstream SUVs.
Is the Jaguar E Pace Expensive to Run?
As a premium SUV, the E Pace comes with correspondingly higher running costs than mainstream alternatives. Fuel economy typically ranges from the high 20s to low 40s MPG depending on engine choice and driving conditions, which is reasonable for this type of vehicle. Insurance groups tend to be higher than average, reflecting the luxury positioning and higher repair costs. Service costs align with other premium brands and require budgeting accordingly.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Jaguar E Pace
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BMW X1
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Audi Q3
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| Starting Price | £32,000 | £31,000 | £33,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 200hp | 2.0L Turbo 192hp | 2.0L Turbo 190hp |
| Power | 200 bhp | 192 bhp | 190 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 8.7 seconds | 7.7 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 35 mpg | 42 mpg | 40 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 577 litres | 505 litres | 530 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Distinctive styling, Premium interior, Coupe-like design | Efficient engines, Practical layout, Strong resale | Tech-heavy cabin, Solid build quality, Refined drive |
Jaguar E Pace Practicality & Boot Space
For a compact luxury SUV, the E Pace offers decent practical credentials. The 577-litre boot capacity is competitive for the segment, easily accommodating weekly shopping trips or holiday luggage for a small family. The rear seats fold to expand cargo space when needed, though the loading lip is slightly high due to the stylish design. Interior storage includes useful door pockets, cup holders, and a reasonable centre console compartment.
Absolutely love my E Pace. The interior quality is fantastic and it turns heads everywhere I go. Fuel economy could be better, but the driving experience and luxury feel make up for it. It’s my first Jaguar and definitely won’t be my last.
The Jaguar E Pace carves out its own niche in the compact luxury SUV segment by prioritising style and refinement over pure practicality. It successfully delivers an authentic premium experience that justifies its luxury positioning. The distinctive coupe-like styling, high-quality interior, and refined driving dynamics create a compelling package for buyers seeking something more special than mainstream alternatives.