2020 Jaguar F-Pace Pros vs Cons

When it comes to combining practicality, capability, and sophistication, there is no better type of vehicle than the small luxury SUV. They have enough room for many families, are typically loaded with tech and safety features, and usually have all-wheel-drive options. The 2020 Jaguar F-PACE checks all of those boxes and is sure to catch the attention of consumers this year. Many good things can be said about this SUV, but it may not be right for everyone. It also has a decent number of competitors that consumers will no doubt consider.

What's New for 2020?

The F-PACE is a relatively new competitor in the small luxury SUV market. In fact, its first generation started in 2017. For this year, all models get both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features. They all also get stylish ambient lighting for the interior. Drivers lose the option of having a diesel engine underneath the hood as well, which may disappoint some consumers.

There are also two limited edition appearance packages available based on the R-Sport trim. The first is called the Chequered Flag edition. It has black side vents and bumpers with checkered flag badges. Inside, it has checkered flag badging on the metal tread plates. The other option for drivers is the 300 Sport. It has a higher output version of the standard engine, as well as 300 Sport brake calipers, metal tread plates, and more.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Jaguar F-Pace – The Pros

1. Exhilarating Supercharged Engines

There are four different engine options for the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE, all of which are quick and responsive. The powertrains that really shine, however, are the supercharged ones. First up is the 3.0L V6 engine that can be found in the S trim. This engine produces 380-horsepower. It gets the vehicle from 0 to 60 in just 5.1 seconds. For consumers looking for even more power, there is the SVR trim. Underneath the hood of this model is a supercharged 5.0L V8 engine that will produce a mind-numbing 550-horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. This engine takes the SVR trim from 0 to 60 in just 4.1 seconds. All engines are paired nicely with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2. Impressive Cargo Space

Even small SUVs need to be able to handle a decent amount of gear. The 2020 Jaguar F-PACE beats most of its competitors in the category. With the rear seat up, drivers have access to 33.5 cubic feet. Folding the seat down flat and reveals 63.5 cubic feet. The rear cargo mat is also reversible. Drivers can choose between an easy-to-clean rubber surface and carpet that is also made to last. As a bonus, it is easy to load the F-PACE with its standard power tailgate.

3. Superior Handling and Braking

Jaguar is famous for producing luxurious sedans that are both exhilarating and smooth. They took their knowledge and translated it to the F-PACE, which features excellent stability on top of precise steering and braking. The end result is a thrilling ride. The suspension of the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE is a bit on the firm side, which is done to help give it that sporty, track-ready feel.

4. Spacious Cabin with Luxurious Seating

The cargo hold is not the only spacious part of the F-PACE. Consumers will find that there is more than enough space for five people inside. Both the legroom and headroom are larger than many competitors. Even the entry-level model offers 10-way power adjustment for the front seats. Moving past that trim gives drivers access to seat memory as well as lumbar support in the front.

5. Advanced Technology Features

All versions of the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE are equipped with Touch Pro's infotainment system featuring a 10" screen. Many people will find it easy to use thanks to the pinch-and-zoom feature. The home screen can be customized as well. All models also have a Meridian audio system that is designed to give drivers an immersive listening experience. There are 14 strategically placed speakers throughout the cabin. Any trim except the entry-level one will also give you advanced navigation features as well as a Wi-Fi Hotspot. The Portfolio trim adds more speakers to the audio system and also gives drivers a head's up display.

6. Standard All-Wheel-Drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics

Jaguar's version of all-wheel-drive has what they call intelligent driveline dynamics. The system is actually able to predict situations where the vehicle will lose traction, whereas most all-wheel-drive vehicles simply respond to them. AWD with IDD is always monitoring the conditions of all four wheels in order to be ready to respond to any slippery situation. In normal driving situations, the vehicle responds more like a rear-wheel-drive one to enhance its performance.

7. Available Activity Key

One handy feature available for the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE is called the Activity Key. It is worn on the wrist similar to a watch. This device is waterproof up to 30" of depth. This feature is great for those who like to swim, jog, or even skydive. Essentially any activity where carrying keys is difficult can be improved by this feature. When the driver is wearing the activity key, the key fob can be left inside the vehicle. It is temporarily disabled for security reasons.

8. High-Speed Emergency Braking

While automatic emergency braking is becoming more popular, it usually only works when the vehicle is traveling less than 50 miles per hour. The 2020 Jaguar F-PACE, however, has a high-speed emergency braking feature that will try to slow the vehicle if it detects an imminent collision, no matter the speed. This is done in an attempt to minimize injury to the occupants and damage to the vehicle.

9. Fun SVR Model

The top-of-the-line SVR trim of the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE is jammed-pack with extras. It is the only model to come with the 550-horsepower engine. It also gives drivers the option of special Sport seats made with perforated grained leather. These seats have adjustable side bolsters that help keep occupants in their seats as they fly around corners. Coming standard are heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats. On the outside, this trim has quad tailpipes and the SVR body kit. The SVR has larger front and rear brakes as well as electronic active differential with torque vectoring, making it fun to both look at and drive.

10. Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter

Recognizing and displaying speed limits and no passing signs, while very useful, is not necessarily unique to the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE. What is different, however, is the adaptive speed limiter feature. This works with advanced cruise control to monitor changing speed limits and make it easy to make adjustments as drivers are cruising along. This feature is available on models with navigation.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Jaguar F-Pace – The Cons

1. Road Noise Can be Excessive

For a luxury vehicle, some consumers may find that too much road and wind noise leaks into the cabin. Many people may not be bothered or even notice this. For those that do, there is that 14-speaker audio system to drown-out any unwanted noise.

2. Interior Materials are Lacking

For the price, consumers are expecting top-notch materials all around in the 2020 Jaguar Pace. Lower trim levels on this vehicle do have more plastic pieces than expected. Drivers concerned by this will want to be sure to check out the higher trims. The Prestige trim level and up are loaded with leather.

3. Larger Wheels Can Impact Ride Quality

Although larger wheels are great for making a style statement, they do not do much for the ride comfort of the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE. Sticking with models equipped with 19" or 20" wheels is probably the way to go for most consumers.

4. Infotainment System Can be Frustrating

Although it gives you the latest in technology, some people have found the infotainment system in the F-PACE to be a bit glitchy. The method of controlling the system is also not for everyone. On the other hand, many people find it intuitive. Others still will decide it is worth it to learn how to use the system due to all of the other things the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE has going for it.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Those looking into a small luxury SUV will likely consider the Porsche Macan. This is another well-rounded vehicle, however, it is not as roomy as the F-PACE. It also does not offer as powerful of an engine. Despite this, the Macan costs more, making the F-PACE an easy choice. Another potential competitor is the INFINITI QX50. Although this is another decent option, it only has one powertrain. The F-PACE has four engine options, three of which generate more horsepower than the one underneath the hood of the QX50.

Conclusion

There are several versions of the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE, which should help it appeal to a wide variety of consumers. No matter which model drivers choose, they will find a luxurious SUV with plenty of space and some of the latest technology features. The only unavoidable drawback is potentially the road noise, which should not be a deal-breaker in most cases. The new F-PACE should be considered a smart buy.