Launched last year as an all-new model, the Jaguar E-Pace continues to be the British marque's smallest and most affordable entry into its world of SUVs. With the latest compact crossover, Jaguar's SUV lineup now spans three models: the E-Pace, F-Pace, and I-Pace – each offering consumers with different levels of performance, size, and fuel efficiency. While the E-Pace is the baby of the family, its attractive styling and athletic handling could help it become the brand's most popular vehicle.
What's New for 2019
As an all-new model last year, the 2019 E-Pace arrives with no significant changes.
Choosing Your Jaguar E-PACE
All E-Pace models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, though it's available in two different tunes. In base trims, the engine produces 246 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The more capable R-Dynamic trims get a more powerful variant of the four-cylinder engine that cranks out 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is the only available gearbox, while two all-wheel-drive systems are offered.
Because of its compact size and small engine, fuel economy for the E-Pace is impressive. The SUV is rated by the EPA to get up to 21 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 combined.
There are two all-wheel-drive systems that are available for the E-Pace. The standard one distributes torque between the front and rear axles, maximizing handling, stability, and fuel economy when appropriate. In extreme conditions, the first all-wheel-drive system can send the majority of the engine's power to the rear wheels to get through a tricky situation.
The SUV can be fitted with an available Active Driveline all-wheel-drive system that ensures power is only going to the E-Pace's front wheels, locking out the need for power to the rear for added fuel economy. When the situation arises for extra grip, the system can transfer torque from both axles and even from wheel to wheel.
The E-Pace is available in six trims:
Base
Pricing for the most-affordable E-Pace trim starts at $39,595 (all prices include the $995 destination fee). The SUV comes with the 246-hp version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Standard exterior features include LED headlights, heated exterior mirrors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a spoiler, and 17-inch wheels.
On the inside, the SUV features dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, eight-way manually-adjustable front seats, a six-speaker audio system, two USB ports, four 12-volt outlets, a 10-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The E-Pace also comes with a lengthy list of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, a driver condition monitor, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors.
The only available package on the base trim is the SiriusXM All Access Package ($510) that brings a HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
S
The E-Pace S costs $41,895 and brings 18-inch wheels, LED signature daytime running lights, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors with approach lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, navigation, traffic sign recognition, and an adaptive speed limiter as standard.
There are three available packages for the S trim. The Park Package ($700) brings a 360-degree parking aid, park assist, and a rear traffic monitor. The Cold Climate Package ($795) adds a heated steering wheel, heated washer jets, and a heated windshield. Lastly, the Drive Package ($970) includes high-speed automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with queue assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Standalone options include configurable ambient interior lighting ($360), bright metal pedals ($230), Configurable Dynamics ($360) that allows you to adjust things like throttle sensitivity, shift points for the transmission, steering wheel weight, and damper stiffness, and Adaptive Dynamics ($1,020), which adjusts the electronically controlled dampers for a smooth ride.
SE
Pricing for the SE trim starts at $44,495. The trim builds on the S model and adds 19-inch wheels, auto high beam assist, a powered tailgate, 14-way front seats with memory, and a Meridian sound system. The SE can be fitted with the Drive Package ($970) and the Cold Climate Package ($795) that add the same features as on the S trim.
R-Dynamic S
The R-Dynamic S is the most affordable way to get into an E-Pace with the 296-hp engine. Prices for the trim start at $47,395. The R-Dynamic S has a lot of the same standard features as the S trim, but adds a R-Dynamic-branded leather steering wheel, sport seats, and R-Dynamic bumpers. Options on the R-Dynamic S match those found on the S trim: the Drive Package ($970), Park Package ($700), and Cold Climate Package ($640).
R-Dynamic SE
The R-Dynamic SE costs $49,995 and adds 19-inch wheels, 14-way front seats, a Meridian sound system, and adaptive cruise control with queue assist over the R-Dynamic S trim. Options include the Drive Package ($970) and the Cold Climate Package ($640) that bring similar features as on lower trims.
R-Dynamic HSE
The range-topping R-Dynamic HSE is priced at $53,845. Over lower trims, it adds 20-inch wheels and 18-way power front seats. The Cold Climate Package ($640), which brings the same features as on lower trims, is the only option pack available.
The 296-hp version of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine fits the sport character of the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace better, so we'd go with one of the R-Dynamic trims. The R-Dynamic S has a good list of features and by choosing the Cold Climate Package, Configurable Dynamics, and the Park Package, you can get into a well-equipped model that's comfortable and easy to drive. Optional features are pricey on the E-Pace, so keeping an eye on how many extras you get is crucial, as you can quickly get into something that's more expensive than the F-Pace, which has better performance and is more versatile.