SUV/Crossover

2021 Jaguar F-Pace S Review

Written By: Jerry Reynolds | Aug 9, 2021 3:36:06 PM

This week I bring you the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace S, a luxurious and sporty SUV that was completely redone for 2021, including new power trains.

Powertrain


My review vehicle has a new turbocharged-and-supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six that utilizes a 48-volt starter-generator mild hybrid system.  Mated to an 8-speed automatic with large, metal, shift paddles, it is putting out 335-horses and 354-pound feet of torque. All F-Paces are all-wheel drive.

Exterior


For 2021, Jag made some nice exterior changes to the SUV.  It has new LED head lights and taillights, a new hood, a new grill, and beautiful 21” wheels.  A rear spoiler and dual exhaust finish out the view from the rear. 

 

My tester has the black exterior package, which means all trim is black instead of chrome, such as around the windows, the roof rails, and along the bottom.

Interior


Jags have long been known for beautiful interiors and this one does not disappoint.  Bolstered and quilted leather seats are soft, and they are heated, air conditioned, and will even give you a massage.  Stitching looks great across the dash and brushed aluminum runs across the dash and into the door panels.

Hit the start button and an interactive driver display comes to life that is easy to read and colorful.  It changes with the drive modes, and you can configure the center area to your wishes, from the steering wheel controls. 

The center console has cup holders, a power outlet, your radio volume, drive modes, a cell phone charger, and an actual short, stubby gear shifter replaces the old rotary shifter knob.  In the console itself is a refrigerated compartment.

Just above that are the round knobs that control the air and heat temperature, fan speed, and the front seat climate controls. 

Perhaps the greatest improvement for 2021 is the 11.4” curved screen that runs everything from the navigation, to the Meridian sound system, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, voice recognition, and apps for real-time information. 

This is also where you activate the Dynamic pages to set up the vehicle drive and handling between Dynamic and Comfort.  There is a stopwatch, a lap timer, and a G-force meter.

The screen is much improved, simpler, and inherently faster than the old system. 

The rear seat passengers will enjoy their own climate controls, USB and power port, air conditioning vents, and a fold down armrest.

Raise the hands-free power lift gate, and you find a specious area with 27-cubic feet of cargo and you can lower the back seats to open up a huge area.

Standard Equipment


This F-Pace comes nicely equipped with a huge panoramic sun roof and power cover, keyless entry, Apple CarPlay and Android auto, and a terrific head-up display.  It does have brake hold, and has start/stop that can be disabled, but you have to do it upon every start.

On the safety front, you get adaptive cruise control, stability control, emergency braking, surround view cameras, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.

The only knock on my review vehicle is an awkward knob to adjust the tilt steering wheel.  It looks out of place.  A power tilt wheel is available, but in my opinion, should be standard in this price range.

Ride and Drive


The F-Pace is a real joy to drive, the acceleration is great, visibility is good, it is quiet inside, and it offers up a good mix of sportiness and luxury car comfort.  With a turbocharger working with a supercharger, there is zero lag when taking off.

Fuel economy is good at 20 in town and 27 on the highway.   MSRP as you see this one, is $73,420 which is comparable to its main competitors.

Verdict

There is something special and exciting about driving a Jaguar.  If you are looking for a midsized, luxury SUV, don’t overlook this one.

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