2018 Jaguar F-Pace

Pros: Strong acceleration (V6): athletic driving personality; availability of economical diesel engine; generous cargo room for the class

Cons: Mediocre fuel-economy ratings with V6; firm ride, especially with optional upsized wheels

CG Says: For 2018, the Jaguar F-Pace gains a new 4-cylinder engine. A 247-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is the new base engine. There is also a 300-hp version of the new turbo four. Newly available are Forward Traffic Detection that warns if something crosses the vehicle’s path and Forward Vehicle Guidance that helps direct the driver in low speed maneuvers. Introduced for 2017, F-Pace was Jaguar’s first SUV. The F-Pace is a 5-passenger premium crossover that aims to blend the Jaguar brand’s sporty dynamic character with the cargo versatility and rough-terrain/all-weather capabilities of an SUV. The new gasoline turbo 4-cylinder joins the existing engine lineup that consists of a supercharged 380-hp 3.0-liter V6 and a 180-hp turbodiesel 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. (A 340-hp version of the V6 has been dropped.) All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The standard all-wheel drive sends all power to the rear wheels unless extra traction is needed, then power is also directed to the front wheels. Like other Jaguars, F-Pace uses aluminum-intensive construction to reduce weight for better fuel economy and driving dynamics. Tech and safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking, lane-departure mitigation, traffic-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, and Wi-Fi hotspot. Also available, is Jaguar’s Activity Key, an optional waterproof wristband that can lock and unlock the vehicle and allow the key to be left securely inside while the driver participates in water sports. With the F-Pace, Jaguar brings a stylish-yet-practical vehicle to the premium compact SUV segment that also delivers impressive performance in V6 form. If you’re shopping the Porsche Macan, Audi SQ5, or Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG, be sure to check out the F-Pace S, and if you’re interested in economy as much as athleticism, check out the F-Pace 20d.