As far as mid-sized luxury SUVs go, the Jaguar F-PACE has been a top contender since it was introduced onto the market in 2017. Now, the 2021 line-up is here with its new turbo- and super-charged 6-cylinder engine option that is said to deliver a smooth balance of power and fuel efficiency. The old V6 has been a people-pleaser with its power delivery, so we expect much of the same from the new option. This year's make-over might be more of a mild face-lift than a total overhaul, but there truthfully was not a whole lot that needed fixing. Let's go over what is new on the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE, what styles and trims it is available in, how its driving performance ranks, and where it sits in terms of fuel economy.
What's New For 2021?
As we already mentioned, the F-PACE gets a new engine option for 2021: a turbo- and super-charged 3.0-L 6-cylinder engine that comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain system. This system is meant to provide a small boost to the vehicle's fuel economy without taking power away from the gas engine when you need it. Other changes include a new (and much less frustrating) 11.4-inch curved-glass touchscreen infotainment display with either Pivi or Pivi Pro Connected equipped (and we recommend the latter, which is highly inclusive with its features). The interior also received a number of upgrades, including standard heated seats, a 14-speaker premium sound system, and a quieter and more refined cabin design.
Available Styles
The 2021 Jaguar F-PACE is available as a mid-size luxury SUV.
Available Trims
There are seven trim levels with now five engine variants available for the F-PACE, so you get a lot of options for configuration. The base F-PACE comes with power-adjustable front seats with newly-equipped standard heating, smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a panoramic sunroof. The Premium adds four-way lumbar support for the driver, plus Wi-Fi hotspot and auto-dimming side mirrors. The next trim level up is the Prestige, which includes luxury-oriented features like leather upholstery, upgraded interior surfaces, and InControl app connectivity. The Portfolio goes to town with an 825-watt Meridian audio system, cooled glovebox, and exclusively-equipped 30t engine configuration. The R-Sport has adaptive LED headlights and leather sport seats but is largely the same equipment-wise as the Prestige. It comes in your choice of the 25t or 35t powertrain. The S equips the sporty 3.0-L supercharged V6 engine and features sportier accents than the R-Sport. Meanwhile, the line-topping SVR gives you a super-charged 5.0-liter V8 that puts out 550 hp. This line-topper is packed with all the luxury features that came as options on the lower trims.
Driving Impressions
Your driving experience will depend on which configuration you buy. Which one do we recommend? The supercharged V6 on the S trim level is the one to get if you want a truly thrilling ride. Spending more gets you more on the F-PACE. It shaves a few seconds off of the 25t's miserly 8.4-second 0-60 mph acceleration time, which is something luxury buyers will be pleased with. The swifter and sportier, the better. Having the sport-tuned suspension gives the F-PACE a sense of nimbleness it does not otherwise have, thereby efficiently hiding the vehicle's heft. The brake pedal is easy to modulate, and the powertrain makes efficient and smooth transitions. As far as comfort goes, the seats can feel a bit firm, but they have a fair amount of structured padding. Sticking with the smaller wheels will get you a smoother ride; anything 20 inches or bigger makes the F-PACE feel overly busy when going over jagged road surfaces.
Fuel Economy
The EPA has rated the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE for 24 mpg combined (22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway). However, real-world tests indicate that the combined number is smaller, coming in around 21-22 mpg combined on the 4-cylinder and 20 mpg combined on the 6-cylinder. Of course, the new super- and turbo-charged engine with its mild hybrid powertrain system could shake things up a bit with a better balance between power and fuel efficiency.
The 2021 Jaguar F-PACE is fun when you get the right configuration. This is not the vehicle for beginners, per se, but it is one that can be a thrilling ride for those looking to spend more on a luxury vehicle. Stepping it up to the S trim level is a good way to go, and the changes made for the model year are sure to delight buyers.
Formula for Calculating Dealer Cost:
Total Dealer Cost - Rebate and Incentive + Taxes / Licensing Fees = True Dealer Cost. (You can get rebates and incentives here.)
Note: All Jaguar F-Pace MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are approximate amounts. Prices are subject to change without notice.
A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.
