2020 Jaguar E-Pace Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2020 Jaguar E-PACE is part of Jaguar's relatively new line-up of SUVs. The E-PACE is the first compact SUV to be released by the brand. Able to seat five passengers, it has high-performance components and high-end interior elements. Does it deserve its spot towards at the top of its class? Below are 10 reasons why the Jaguar E-PACE would make an excellent investment as well as some reasons why one might think twice about purchasing it.

What's New for 2020?

One of the most noticeable additions to the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trims. Previously, they were only available with an add-on technology package or on a higher trim.

2020 brings with it a new Checkered Flag Limited Edition model. It comes with a four-cylinder engine and has some unique exterior designs that could make it attractive to people with refined tastes. This means that there are six total trims to choose from: the P250, P250 SE, P250 Checkered Flag Edition, P300 R-Dynamic S, P300 R-Dynamic SE, and P300 R-Dynamic HSE.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Jaguar E-Pace – The Pros

1. Rev Things Up

Two engines are available on the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE. The more powerful one showcases 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It has a turbocharged four-cylinder design that lets it shine. It can run as fast as 149 miles per hour, and it gives the Jaguar the ability to accelerate to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. With all of this capability, it still has pretty good fuel economy at 21/27 (city/highway) mpg.

The base models run on a four-cylinder that generates 246 horsepower and has 269 pound-feet of torque. Its efficiency is pretty comparable to the other model, achieving an estimated 21/28 (city/highway) mpg. Its other stats are not far behind, as it's capable of reaching 143 mpg and can get to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.

2. Standard All-Wheel Drive

Instead of forcing people to pay a little extra to get all-wheel drive, Jaguar has put this system into all of its E-PACE models. When necessary, all-wheel drive provides each axle with power. Since everything is automatic, drivers don't have to think about when to utilize it. The vehicle will take into account the response it gets from each tire as it determines when to shift drive torque.

Paired with all-wheel drive is a multi-link rear suspension system that smooths out the road. It improves handling and ride quality on a variety of terrain. There's also Low Traction Launch and Hill Launch Assist, both of which are able to give the Jaguar more control as drivers start moving either on slippery terrain or uphill slopes.

3. Plenty of Cargo Space

Behind the second row of seats is 24.2 cubic feet of storage space. For a small SUV, this is fairly generous. Folding down the second row is an option whenever people have larger items to transport. There is 52.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity when those seats are lowered. Since the second row has a 60/40 configuration, there's the opportunity to put down just one side down when some cargo and a back-seat passenger have to be accommodated.

For convenience, luggage tie-downs and hooks are integrated into the cargo space. The cover can be used to keep things hidden away from sight. Upgraded trims come with a powered tailgate so it's even easier to access this space.

4. Voice Control

Being able to control various features with voice control makes the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE feel futuristic. With a simple voice command, a driver can make and receive a phone call or send a text. Voice commands can be used to change the radio station and do a few other things that would otherwise take some attention from the road.

5. Advanced Infotainment

The E-PACE's Touch Pro system features a large, 10-inch touchscreen. It's designed to be user-friendly and can be used to access maps and media. The screen has multi-touch capability, making it easier to zoom in or out and move between windows. On higher trims, built-in navigation is included. This navigation program can take into account up-to-the-minute traffic data to inform a driver of the best route to take.

6. Looking Out for Drivers

It's comforting to know that the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE can actively take measures to keep its passengers safe. For instance, Emergency Braking can activate if it seems like the SUV is about to hit an object in front of it. Other systems are in place to keep drivers focused on the road and from drifting into other lanes. A Rear View Camera is standard to give people better lines of sight while doing tight maneuvers.

On higher trims, more driver-assist features are included. These can keep drivers from changing lanes when vehicles are in their blind spots, and they can help drivers pay attention to traffic signs and speed limits.

7. Excellent Sound Systems

The 2020 Jaguar E-PACE is built with a Meridian Sound System. The surround system can come with up to 20 speakers arranged in strategic places around the cabin. Combined with 825 watts of power and a dual-channel subwoofer, the total package offers high-quality audio. A 3D experience is provided, thanks to how Trifield technology combines certain channels together.

Meridian Signature Sound is even more advanced, with up to 26 speakers and 1300 watts. It's something very unique for people who truly love to listen to their music.

8. Back-Seat Entertainment

A rear-seat entertainment package is available for anyone who feels that their passengers might need something to keep them busy on road trips. Both eight- and ten-inch screens are available, and they can be integrated right into the front headseats for a more streamlined look. The screens can be operated independently of each other, which is key when two people can't agree on what to do or watch. Each screen comes with wireless headphones, and a wireless remote can be passed back-and-forth to control the screen(s).

9. Parking Assistance

For those who dread parallel parking, Park Assist is available to take the pressure off. This system automates some of the moves required to safely maneuver into a parallel spot. It's able to do so through the use of sensors placed around the Jaguar. It's quickly deactivated if the driver adjusts steering on his or her own, so there's no need to worry about losing control. A great bonus is that the system will find parallel parking spots in which the car will actually fit, using a threshold of an open area that's at least 20% greater than the length of the E-PACE.

There are actually three modes to Park Assist, the first of which is Parallel Park mode. The others - Perpendicular Park and Parking Exit - do what one would expect, helping with 90-degree parking and leaving a parking space.

10. Comfortable Seats

The standard seats in the E-PACE are far from basic, featuring grained leather and being 10-way power-adjustable. Higher trims have contrast stitching, and at the top of the line are elegant perforated Windsor leather seats. The front seats can come heated and ventilated and can be power-adjusted in up to 18 different ways.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Jaguar E-Pace – The Cons

1. Small Back Seat

The second-row can feel tight, considering it has a 35.1 inches of leg room and 38.3 inches of head room. Taller people will certainly notice the lack of space to stretch out.

2. Upgrades are Expensive

The higher trims of the E-PACE offer a lot more both in terms of form and function. Exterior design elements are just a bit more luxurious, and there are upgraded technology and safety systems. Consumers should be prepared to pay quite a bit more for these upgrades.

3. Potentially Slow Shifting

Some have reported that the Jaguar E-PACE is slow to downshift. While this isn't always a problem, it could be noticeable on a windy country road or when driving in variable traffic conditions.

4. A Bit More Noise Than Ideal

Without some of the advanced noise cancelling materials that some other luxury vehicles have, the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE can have a somewhat noisy ride. Wind and noise from neighboring cars can all be heard inside the cabin.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

When comparing the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE to the Volvo XC40, another contender in the compact luxury SUV market, the Jaguar wins in the engine showdown. The XC40 has 248 horsepower, coming in under the higher trims of the Jaguar. In terms of cabin size, the E-PACE outshines the Audi Q3 with more head room, shoulder room, and cargo capacity.

Conclusion

The 2020 Jaguar E-PACE is a solid choice in the compact class of luxury SUVs. It combines style and performance to provide drivers with a high-quality all-around package. Its advanced convenience features are a bonus for anyone who values technology. With their relatively modest price points, the base models are affordable for many consumers. Those with finer tastes and healthier budgets can consider one of the higher trims of the E-PACE.