2019 Jaguar F-Pace

Pros: Strong acceleration (V6 and V8): 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: The 2019 Jaguar F-Pace line gains a new high-performance model. The SVR is powered by a 550-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Jaguar claims the SVR is capable of accelerating 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. All models now have standard automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, driver-condition monitor, front and rear park assist, and rearview camera. A 10-inch infotainment control screen is now standard on all trim levels. Newly available is adaptive cruise control with a steering-assist feature to keep the vehicle centered in a lane. 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 supercharged V8 joins the existing engine lineup that consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that is rated at 247 hp in 25t models or 296 hp in 30t versions; supercharged 380-hp 3.0-liter V6; and a 180-hp turbodiesel 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. 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 and V8 forms. If you’re shopping the Porsche Macan, Audi SQ5, or Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG, be sure to check out the 2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR, and if you’re interested in economy as much as athleticism, check out the F-Pace 20d.