2022 Jaguar E-Pace

With the popularity of the crossover SUV in the USA, just about every automaker has a player in the game. Even in the unconventional premium subcompact space, there are plenty of options these days, with the Jaguar E-Pace facing off against competitors such as the BMW X2, Volvo XC40, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. In comparison, the Jaguar E-Pace stands out for its suave and upscale aesthetic, well-rounded character, and entertaining performance. It also offers livable practicality.

Powering the base model E-Pace is a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing up to 246 horsepower, which is plenty for the subcompact cruiser. The turbo unit in the 300 Sport, however, is good for 296 hp, compliments of a mild-hybrid system. Neither of these power plants is particularly frugal, but there's some fun to be had from behind the wheel, at least. There's a lot to admire about the Jaguar E-Pace, but is it really worth considering over its similarly priced premium competitors?

The Jaguar E-Pace SUV adopted a fresh new aesthetic in 2021 that included a new grille with chrome detailing, a revised lower aperture design with a blade running through it, and a more finely sculpted hood. Two integrated tailpipes and a mesh-integrated diffuser define the back end of the SUV. In terms of features, all models come outfitted with LED headlights with Double J-Blade daytime running lights, heated power exterior mirrors, and LED taillights.

The 300 Sport has some blacked-out goodies and R-Dynamic front and rear bumpers, as well as fog lights, and the P250 SE can be specced with a Black Exterior Pack to get a similar effect. Both the top two trims can have a panoramic roof or roof rails optionally, while the 300 Sport comes with a Narvik Black contrast roof as standard.

The base model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, the mid-range trim on 19-inch alloy wheels, and the top-spec E-Pace on 20-inch alloy wheels.

The E-Pace's dimensions position it within the subcompact classification, though its curb weight, which ranges between 3,925 and 4,135 pounds, makes it one of the heavier SUVs.

More typical for the class, the E-Pace spans an overall length of 173 inches with a wheelbase of 105.6 inches. It stands at a height of 64.9 inches and has a width of 78.1 inches with mirrors folded.

There's an extensive array of exterior colors presented for the 2022 Jaguar E-Pace and though every model has access to all of the hues, most hues carry an additional cost. The only cost-inclusive color is the Fuji White solid paint with Caldera Red asking $350. The Standard metallic paint palette includes Santorini Black, Firenze Red, Bluefire Blue, Borasco Grey, Eiger Grey, Portofino Blue, Hakuba Silver, and Ostuni Pearl White, all of which cost $650.

The Premium metallic paints cost an additional $1,350 and include Carpathian Grey and Silicon Silver. On the P250 SE a black contrast roof can be specified, which is standard on the 300 Sport.

Objectively speaking, the E-Pace is a good-looking vehicle no matter which color you option it in, although we are partial to Portofino Blue.

Like most in the segment, the E-Pace uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four across the range. In the standard P250 models, the engine is tuned to deliver 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to manage day-to-day duties. Put the pedal to the metal and the E-Pace P250 will launch from 0 to 60 mph in just seven seconds. The turbo-four in the 300 Sport is augmented with a mild hybrid system that boosts total potential to 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. With this engine and all of its other enhanced underpinnings, the 300 Sport completes the 0 to 60 mph run in 6.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 150 mph. Lesser models top out at 142 mph.

Jaguar's all-wheel drivetrain is standard across the board, though the 300 Sport comes with an Active Driveline system that can automatically distribute the engine's torque between the front and rear wheels to optimize traction. Regardless of which powertrain is in play, the E-Pace is rated for a towing capacity of 3,968 pounds, which is impressive for a subcompact. The E-Pace's Swedish competition from Volvo manages only 3,500 lbs.

Both P250 models and the 300 Sport are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but outputs differ. In P250 spec, the E-Pace makes 246 hp and 269 lb-ft while the 300 Sport ups this to 296 hp and 295 lb-ft courtesy of a mild-hybrid electric motor. In both applications, it is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The E-Pace is a hefty crossover, but even the base models have enough grunt for town driving or highway cruising. For a more exciting driving experience, the 300 Sport has more power on tap. That additional 47 hp and 26 lb-ft make a noticeable difference, with the 300 Sport always feeling eager and more enthusiastic when pushed Still, it could feel even livelier if it didn't weigh as much as vehicles in the next segment up. The nine-speed automatic transmission performs impressively, delivering quick and smooth responses throughout the engine's rev range, while remaining relatively fuel-efficient, too.

Despite being one of the heavier subcompact SUVs in the classification, the E-Pace still feels really sprightly and dexterous on the road. Acceleration is a little slower than expected, thanks to all the body weight, but precise and communicative steering results in an entertaining and engaging driving experience. The steering remains light at low speeds so the SUV feels easy to maneuver around tight city streets and parking lots, but tightens up at higher speeds for improved control and retains a solid on-center feel. It may take a while to get used to the feel of the E-Pace, however, as it does tend to come across as a little unsettled in spirited driving, but the 300 Sport comes with torque-vectoring for improved handling.

Jaguar's chassis and suspension setup don't just contribute to the E-pace's entertaining and engaging performance dynamics, but also benefit its ride quality. The P250 models are especially comfy with their smaller wheels and supple dampers that together absorb most road undulations and bumps. The 300 Sport's larger 20-inch wheels don't do it any favors, and road surfaces that aren't perfectly smooth are felt in the cabin.

With the same engine in two states of tune - and the 300 Sport having mild-hybrid assistance - gas mileage figures vary, with the more powerful variant actually achieving better fuel economy. The base model has EPA ratings of 20/26/23 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, while the 300 Sport manages 21/26/23 mpg - a worthy improvement for the extra power.

Both models come with a 17.7-gallon gas tank that, when topped up, should fuel the E-Pace for up to around 407 miles before running empty.

Even in the base model, the interior of the E-Pace is a pleasant space. An 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, leather-clad steering wheel, and an array of plush leather interior surfaces are all standard, while a 12.3-inch configurable driver display is available, as is a head-up display. The cabin is spacious, particularly up front, and there is plenty of cargo space, too. High-end comforts and conveniences such as front-seat heating and 12-way power adjustability, cruise control, and dual-zone automatic climate control all come standard as of the entry-spec P250. The infotainment system is seamlessly integrated into the dash and is underscored by the climate controls for an ergonomic setup. Overall, the Jag boasts a premium and contemporary look and feel.

Front occupants in the Jaguar E-Pace are certainly given the lion's share of cabin room, with 38.4 inches of headroom provided as standard along with 40.6-inches of legroom. Headroom expands to 39.2 inches with the panoramic roof selected. Both the driver and front passenger get seat heating and 12-way power adjustability, so comfort is superb, and finding an optimal driving position is effortless. Outward visibility is good as the driver is perched with a commanding view of the road ahead.

Headroom is plentiful in the back seats, too, but legroom is a little tight, with just 34.3 inches provided. Getting in and out of the SUV is effortless whether in and out of the front or back. Overall, the Jaguar E-Pace provides comfort for all five of the occupants it can accommodate.

Grained leather seats are standard from the entry point to the range, and no-cost color schemes on P250 models include Ebony, Light Oyster, or Caraway. On the SE trim, you get to opt for an Ebony Morzine headliner over the Light Oyster that is standard. On 300 Sport models, Light Oyster and Caraway are switched out for Cloud grey or Deep Garnet interior color schemes. On this trim, you can also upgrade to full Windsor leather in the same colors. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped across the range, as is the shifter.

The Jaguar E-Pace is surprisingly spacious and practical despite its subcompact size. Pop the tailgate and you're presented with 22.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rearmost seats. That's more than enough room for the kid's school bags and for a week worth of grocery shopping. With a 40/20/40 split, the back seat bench can be folded down in various configurations; fold them all down, and the cargo room is expanded to 49.5 cubic feet.

In-cabin storage points are plentiful throughout the Jaguar E-Pace's interior. Upfront, there are two large cupholders, a small-items storage console, a spacious center console beneath the armrest, large door-side pockets, and a typically-sized passenger-side glovebox. Both back doors also feature large pockets.

Comforts and conveniences are plentiful throughout the Jaguar E-Pace SUV lineup. Standard in the entry-spec P250 is a keyless entry system with push-button start, a leather steering wheel equipped with satin chrome gearshift paddles, and a driver's and front passenger's seat with heating and 12-way power adjustability. Jaguar also ensures that each E-Pace comes well-appointed with driver assistance technologies, the P250 coming standard with a driver condition monitor, speed limiter, cruise control, emergency braking, lane keep assist, and front and rear parking sensors. Moving up to the P250 SE sees the addition of high-beam assist, a 12.3-inch interactive driver display, a power-operated liftgate, and more driver assists including traffic sign recognition, an adaptive speed limiter, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. With the top-spec 300 Sport, you get a head-up display, an Ebony suede cloth headliner, and bright metal pedals.

A large 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen is seamlessly integrated into the central dashboard of every E-Pace model. In the entry-spec P250, Jaguar's Pivi infotainment software is standard, so you get all of the essentials such as Bluetooth connectivity, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. It also allows for HD Radio and SiriusXM Radio connectivity. Every mode is also outfitted with a premium 12-speaker Meridian surround-sound system that incorporates a dual-channel subwoofer and 400-watt amplifier. The P250 SE and the 300 Sport are upgraded with the Pivi Pro infotainment software, which installs intelligent navigation, fast start-up, smart settings, 2D and 3D maps, and online search with ratings and reviews to the Jaguar E-Pace's infotainment. The touchscreen features an anti-glare coating that keeps the user interface and images clear and easy to see, and another coating that makes cleaning fingerprints really easy.

J.D. Power hasn't published a review of the Jaguar E-Pace, but none of the E-Pace models have been recalled in the last few years. This speaks highly of potential reliability.

Even so, Jaguar still covers the E-Pace SUV with a typical five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty that includes complimentary scheduled maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Unfortunately, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has subjected the Jaguar E-Pace to review for its crashworthiness and safety, and the last Jaguar E-Pace that the Euro NCAP evaluated was the 2017 release. Since then, the E-Pace has undergone several updates so it's difficult to determine the standard of the current model.

Jaguar ensures that the E-Pace crossover line comes comprehensively outfitted with advanced driver-assistance technologies and safety features. The entry-spec P250 comes standard with a driver condition monitor, cruise control and speed limiter, lane keep assist, auto emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. In addition to these, the P250 SE and 300 Sport also get traffic sign recognition, an adaptive speed limiter, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

All models also come standard with ABS, EBD, traction and stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and six airbags: front, front side, and side curtain.

Jaguar upped the ante with the latest E-Pace generation, tweaking the styling to modernize it visually in a fashion that will appeal to style-conscious buyers. Its beauty isn't entirely skin deep, and it looks and feels good inside too, although it lacks the space and ergonomics of rival crossovers. Both engines are capable, albeit a little unrefined, and the gearbox programming works well for the application. The problems the E-Pace faces come from its dated platform which is too heavy to make full use of the powertrains. This is at fault for poor fuel economy and middling performance, while handling would also benefit from less weight.

Jaguar has elevated the E-Pace substantially with the latest round of updates, but in this segment, manufacturers are giving their all to cater to a new generation of young, affluent buyers who want style and substance. The E-Pace might be pretty good at what it does, but the rivals are better.

In the USA, Jaguar presents the E-Pace at a price most will immediately cringe at. But for those shopping in the price range, the E-Pace is one of the most stylish, contemporary, and luxurious crossover SUVs your hard-earned money can buy. The entry-spec P250 is put forward at a base price of $41,800. The mid-spec P250 SE comes in at $46,900, and the top-spec 300 Sport at an MSRP of $51,000. These prices are exclusive of Jaguar's $1,050 destination and handling fee, as well as of any tax, registration, and licensing fees.

There are three models that make up the 2022 Jaguar E-Pace lineup: the base P250, P250 SE, and the 300 Sport. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard across the board along with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drivetrain. The turbo-four unit is, however, augmented with a mild-hybrid electric system in the 300 Sport for more power and efficiency. Base models have outputs of 246 hp/269 lb-ft and 300 Sport models make 296 hp/295 lb-ft.

The P250 comes standard with full LED exterior lighting, power and heated door mirrors, and 18-inch gloss silver alloy wheels. Keyless access grants entry and the push-button start gets you going. For the driver, there's a leather-clad steering wheel and all-power accessories. Both the front seats feature heating and 12-way power adjustability. Covering infotainment is an 11.4-inch touchscreen tethered to a premium 12-speaker Meridian sound system. It includes full smartphone integration and HD and SiriusXM Radio connectivity. Finally, the standard driver-assist consignment includes a driver condition monitor, lane keep assist, cruise control, speed limiter, emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors.

Upgrading to the P250 SE sees premium LED headlights with auto high-beam assist fancify the exterior along with 19-inch gloss sparkle silver alloy wheels and a power-operated liftgate. Part of Jaguar's Pivi Pro equipment is a 12.3-inch interactive driver display. It also brings connected navigation, 2D and 3D mapping, online search and reviews, and more to the infotainment setup. The driver-assistance suite gains traffic sign recognition, an adaptive speed limiter, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Sportier front and rear bumpers define the 300 Sport's position within the lineup along with its 20-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels. Also exclusive to the 300 Sport are its improved engine mounts, enhanced front suspension and chassis architecture and an Active Driveline system with torque vectoring. The driver is equipped with a head-up display and the cabin is enhanced with an Ebony suede cloth headliner and bright metal pedals.

Jaguar has compiled a small selection of optional packages for the E-Pace line, but none that we're really stirred to recommend.

For the P250 SE, there's the Dynamic Handling Pack for $1,450, which equips the SUV with adaptive dynamics, configurable dynamics, and red brake calipers. There's a $950 Convenience Pack offered for both the P250 SE and the 300 Sport that includes an Activity key, additional in-cabin power sockets, a power, gesture tailgate, and cargo space storage rails. Both trims can be outfitted with a fixed panoramic roof for $1,250. A universal garage door opener will set you back $300, while adaptive cruise control can be optioned on for $1,350. Onboard Wi-Fi costs $400.

As tempting as it may be with its more powerful engine and selection of performance-focused underpinnings, the E-Pace 300 Sport does come with some compromises. The firmer chassis and suspension along with its large 20-inch alloy wheels contribute to harsher ride quality. While the Jag is a fun vehicle to drive and does have the chops to contend with sportier competitors, we feel the E-Pace is better suited to those seeking more of a leisure, luxury cruiser. In this regard, we're compelled to recommend the P250 SE for the extra driver aids it comes with including the Pivi Pro setup which includes the 12.3-inch interactive driver display and many navigation features. It's a happy middle-ground pricewise and one that will please the most buyers.

The Cadillac XT4 is inherently the more spacious and practical SUV between the two, but not by all too much. In fact, the Cadillac's larger size benefits only the rear-seat occupants with headroom and legroom in the front still very similar to that in the E-Pace. Also similar to the E-Pace, the XT4 comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-four that is only slightly less powerful with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. Unlike the E-Pace, the XT4 isn't offered with a more powerful powertrain or with a genuine performance model, the Sport trim being more of an appearance package. In terms of looks, the Jag sure has our hearts with its suave aesthetic and sharp design cues, while the XT4 falls to the wayside with its far more generic traits. The XT4 might be around $5,000 cheaper than the E-Pace, but for what it is and how much more the E-Pace offers over the XT4, that money is well worth paying. It's more entertaining and more luxurious on the road and in terms of comforts and conveniences. The Jaguar is the better buy here.

Bringing the real heat to this segment is the BMW X2. The X2 is offered with a punchy 228-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that powers the majority of the lineup while the M35i model comes with the same engine but tweaked for greater outputs of 301 hp and 331 lb-ft. The M35i is clearly in a league of its own in comparison to even the top-spec Jaguar E-Pace.

The X2 is known for being a fun SUV to drive, with nimble, agile, and yet composed handling. The E-Pace does better in terms of comfort and feeling softer on the road. It's clear that BMW brings a performance game into all the vehicles it produces these days first and foremost, while the E-Pace receives more of a luxury focus or treatment from Jaguar. In terms of features, the Jaguar's infotainment setup is far more appealing than the BMW's, which consists of a smaller touchscreen, lesser sound system, and no Android Auto. But both cars do come with extensive selections of comforts and conveniences as standard. Ultimately, with these two cars, you'll be choosing whether to prioritize performance or comfort, the X2 being the former, the E-Pace the latter.