2020 Jaguar E-Pace Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Consumers who want to have ample space and respectable performance without sacrificing comfort and tech should consider a luxury SUV. The subcompact SUV, in particular, is popular. These vehicles are small enough for city driving but still capable of handling weekend adventures.

The 2020 Jaguar E-PACE is a great option for those shopping in this segment of the market. It is a newcomer, having first debuted in 2018. Jaguar continues to tweak this vehicle to help make it more competitive. In 2020, all models are gaining smartphone compatibility through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Which features are available on which trims has also been shaken up a bit.

Speaking of trims, there are a total of five different ones to consider when browsing the new E-Pace. There are two different powertrains as well. Carefully researching each model can guarantee that a consumer gets the features they are after without paying for ones they do not need.

All five different trims levels have been reviewed and summarized in this article, with the goal of simplifying the E-Pace buying process in mind.

2020 Jaguar E-PACE Base vs SE. What is the difference?

The entry-level trim of the 2020 E-Pace has no real name but is simply referred to as the base model. Underneath the hood is the engine that Jaguar has dubbed the P250. It is a 2.0L four-cylinder and it will produce 246-horsepower as well as 269 lb-ft of torque. Paired with this engine is a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base model, as well as all other versions of the E-Pace, comes standard with all-wheel-drive.

With this engine, the E-Pace has a top speed of 143 miles per hour. It gets respectable gas mileage, with an EPA estimate of 28 MPG on the highway and 21 MPG in the city. This gives the E-Pace a combined rating of 24 MPG, a good number for a subcompact SUV.

The outside of the E-Pace base model is useful and eye-catching with a full suite of LED lighting. Included are LED signature daytime running lights. The side mirrors for this trim are heated.

There are several different wheel choices available on this trim, with the largest being 21-inches. Standard for this trim level are 18-inch alloy wheels with nine-spokes. Available on this trim is a panoramic fixed glass roof. Although it cannot let in fresh air, this optional feature can let in a great deal of natural light.

Inside, drivers find a very luxurious cabin, even on this entry-level model. There is more than enough room to comfortably seat five adults. Standard are 10-way electric front seats with stylish and comfortable grain-luxury upholstery. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and drivers can take advantage of the convenient push-button start feature. There is dual-zone automatic climate control as well. Drivers will find two USB ports to help keep their smart devices going.

Speaking of smart devices, drivers can connect their 2020 E-Pace to their phone with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Bluetooth capability is standard as well. The infotainment system displays on an eye-catching 10-inch screen. As for the stereo system, drivers get six speakers when selecting the base model. Optional inside the cabin is highly-customizable ambient interior lighting.

Available for the entry-level trim, as well as all other models, is what Jaguar calls its "activity key." With this feature, drivers can leave their key fob locked safely in their vehicle. The activity key is worn around the wrist like a watch. It has the ability to lock and unlock the E-Pace. It can also de-activate and re-activate the normal key fob, ensuring the vehicle stays secure. This handy feature is waterproof and very useful when consumers want to swim, jog, or engage in other athletic activities.

Being a luxury vehicle, the entry-level model of the 2020 E-Pace also includes some standard driver aids. This trim comes with a driver condition monitor, front and rear parking aid, lane keeping assist, emergency braking, and cruise control with a speed limiter. Like almost every modern vehicle, the E-Pace also has a rearview camera.

Option number two for consumers is called the E-Pace SE. It has the same engine and performance features. Exterior upgrades found here include a power liftgate and 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. The side mirrors also become powered with approach lights and an auto-dimming feature on the driver's side.

Upgrades are made to the interior. The front seats have 14-way rather than 10-way power adjustment. Drivers also now get a standard WiFi hotspot. Listening to music can also be much more enjoyable, thanks to the 11-speaker Meridian sound system.

One area where the SE really pulls away from the base model is driver aids. This model adds adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. It also adds the Park package, which includes a surround-view camera, rear traffic monitor, and park assist.

For just under three thousand dollars, drivers can get quite a few more features out of their E-Pace by going with the SE trim level.

2020 Jaguar E-PACE SE vs R-Dynamic S. What is the difference?

Typically, each trim level of a vehicle builds off of the last one. This is not the case here, however. The R-Dynamic S builds off the base model and lacks several features found in the SE. It is considered a higher trim because it costs more, and this is the result of its more powerful engine.

Although the engine is still a 2.0L four-cylinder, the E-Pace gets more out of it in this trim level. These models of this subcompact SUV can generate up to 296-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This version of the model is referred to as the P300. Both the nine-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive remain standard.

This engine does take a very tiny hit to its fuel efficiency. While the city number remains 21 MPG, the highway estimate goes down to 27 MPG. This reduces the combined MPG to 23. At the same time, the max speed with this engine is 149 MPH, which is six miles per hour faster than the P250.

Consumers will notice this trim looks different than the ones that came before it. This is thanks to the aerodynamic body kit that is added here. The R-Dynamic S goes back down to 18-inch wheels. It also loses the power liftgate found on the SE. The fancier side mirrors with approach lights and the auto-dimming feature remain.

Inside, the seats go back to 10-way power adjustment. The front now has sport seats, however. Going with this trim over the SE does mean losing out on the upgraded sound system. Tech upgrades for the SE do remain for the most part, however. The infotainment system even gains navigation and what Jaguar calls "smart settings."

With smart settings, the E-Pace can identify who is driving it based on their key fob or smartphone. It can then adjust the mirror and seat position, as well as play the preferred music of the driver. Not only can the drivers program these settings, but the E-Pace can automate the preferences based on past behavior.

Choosing the R-Design S over the SE does mean losing some driver aids. This model does not get the Park package. It is also lacking the traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control features.

Interestingly, the R-Design S has a special edition variation in 2020. Known as the Checkered Flag Edition, this model has the exact same base price as the normal R-Design S. It is lacking the more powerful engine, however. The Checkered Flag Edition instead earns its higher price tag with features like unique 19-inch wheels and heated front seats with 10-way power adjustment and a memory feature.

The Checkered Flag Edition also stands out from the rest with ebony grained leather with red stitching and metal tread plates. The Checkered Flag Edition is the only model available with Photon Red exterior paint. This model also comes standard with the panoramic glass roof and power tailgate. Finally, it adds an interactive driver display.

The R-Design S costs quite a bit more than the SE while losing several popular features. This trim will likely only appeal to those more concerned with performance than with comfort.

2020 Jaguar E-PACE R-Dynamic S vs R-Dynamic SE. What is the difference?

Unsurprisingly, going with the R-Dynamic SE trim means getting the more powerful engine while regaining the features found for the SE. The wheels are back up to 19-inches but have 5-spokes rather than 10. Like the base R-Dynamic S, this trim gets an aerodynamic body kit. The Meridian sound system comes back here, as well as the safety features lost on the last trim.

Drivers who want the more powerful engine and more features will likely be drawn to the R-Design SE. They just need to keep in mind that the price of this vehicle reflects the fact that this trim has both.

2020 Jaguar E-PACE R-Dynamic SE vs R-Dynamic HSE. What is the difference?

Consumers who decide on the top-of-the-line 2020 E-Pace will be looking at the R-Dynamic HSE. This model has the P300 and rides on stylish 20-inch wheels with five-split-spokes and a satin grey finish. Also standard for this trim is keyless entry, something consumers might have expected to see on lower trim levels.

Inside, the seats are upgraded to 18-way adjustment with a memory feature. The upholstery is now perforated Windsor leather. A digital instrument panel is also added here, adding to the sophisticated look of the R-Dynamic HSE.

This trim level once again adds more standard driver aids to the E-Pace. It gets full-speed cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking and a blind spot monitoring system. This trim also features all of the aids found on earlier models. As a result, the R-Dynamic HSE has pretty much every driver assistance feature available today.

Families might be attracted to the R-Dynamic HSE for the safety features alone. Consumers should keep in mind that this trim is far from cheap, with a base price that is over ten thousand dollars higher than that of the base model.

Which Trim to Choose?

Like with many vehicles, the first thing consumers will want to do with the 2020 Jaguar E-Pace is cross the top and bottom trim levels off of their list. The SE has way more to offer than the entry-level model, while the R-Dynamic HSE is simply lacking enough features to justify its high price. The middle trim levels are where buyers will want to stay.

A good argument can be made for the SE thanks to its upgraded sound system and extra driver aids. Most consumers, however, will find that the P300 engine is way more satisfying to drive than the P250. Since the R-Dynamic S loses all the great features that the SE added, the R-Dynamic SE ends up being the best option.

Going with the R-Dynamic SE trim level of the 2020 E-Pace will mean getting a subcompact SUV with plenty of power, tech, and safety aids.