Jaguar E-Pace Review 2024

Jaguar E-Pace At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Jaguar E-Pace is a stylish SUV that's recently been improved with hybrid engines and fresh infotainment. It's still an expensive choice, though, and the interior isn't as impressive as a Volvo XC40's.

+Sporty little SUV. Plug-in hybrid P300e can travel up to 38 miles under electric power alone. Much improved infotainment system from 2021.

-Surprisingly expensive to buy. Interior doesn't feel as plush or as spacious as rivals. Petrol models will cost a lot to run.

New prices start from £40,010
Insurance Groups are between 28–42
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

The Jaguar E-Pace is a stylish small SUV that now shares a platform with the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. It's been given quite a heavy mid-life facelift to make it more competitive against cars like the BMW X2, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 – but is it enough to justify its high price tag? Read on for our full Jaguar E-Pace review to find out more.

One of the most significant updates in 2021 for theJaguar E-Pace was the addition of a new flagship plug-in hybrid model badged the Jaguar E-Pace P300e. This combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine with a 108PS electric motor on the rear axle and a 15kWh battery, giving it an electric range of up to 38 miles.

The PHEV is also the quickest Jaguar E-Pace in the range, although it doesn't feel quite as sprightly as its combined 309PS and 6.5 second 0-62mph time suggests. It's a sportier choice than a Volvo XC40, though, with sharp steering and a relatively firm suspension setup.

If you're not ready to splash a serious amount of money on a plug-in hybrid, you can still buy a Jaguar E-Pace with a conventional petrol or diesel engine 2.0-litre units. All come with automatic gearboxes and four-wheel drive. You can also have the P160 model that uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine with, you've guessed it, 160PS and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The P160 sticks with front-wheel drive, however.

Every Jaguar E-Pace model is now badged R-Dynamic, which comes with desirable tech and some snazzy exterior highlights. You can also opt for one of the option packs (S, SE Black and HSE Black) allowing you to pick and choose desirable features.

The cabin has a clean, uncluttered design although – on pre-facelift models (that's those sold before 2021) – it wasn't quite up to the standard you'd expect for a premium SUV.

A new infotainment system was added to the E-Pace in 2021. With its 11.4-inch touchscreen display, this is much better than the older 10-inch system, which wasn't the most user-friendly. The later system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too, allowing you access to your phone's apps through the car's media display.

The latest updates mean the Jaguar E-Pace is easier to recommend than before, although we still think a Volvo XC40 does the whole 'non-German small SUV' thing better. You may also wish to look at the Lexus UX – which is also sold as an electric vehicle and is likely to be more dependable on the reliability front than the Jaguar E-Pace.

Looking for a second opinion? Check out heycar's review of the Jaguar E-Pace here.

Ask Honest John

Should I choose a low mileage car over one with a higher mileage?

"I’m looking at two Jaguar E-Paces, one 2018 with 70K and one 2019 with 40K. Should the difference in mileage urge me to purchase one over the other?"
Mileage is just one variable to consider when looking at a used car, as this needs to be balanced against condition, history, specification and price. Although the lower mileage example may seem the more desirable option, it could be that this car has performed lots of short journeys, whether the other has been used mostly on motorways which is less wearing on a vehicle.
Answered by David Ross

My car won't fit in my garage, can I return it?

"I just bought a Jaguar E-Pace from a dealer and it won’t fit in my garage, have I got any right to return the car?"
If you bought the car online or remotely (without ever visiting the showroom) then you may have grounds to reject the car under the 14 day 'cooling-off' period as stipulated under the distance selling regulations. If you visited the dealership to test drive and purchase the vehicle then you will not have the automatic right to reject the car. But the dealer may take a sympathetic view and offer to refund you or swap the vehicle for something else. For your consumer rights, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-consumer-rights/
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best used, premium SUV?

"I'm after a used, premium SUV. It needs to be automatic, of decent spec and petrol. I have £20,000 - £25,000 to spend and am looking at the Jaguar E-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40 and BMW X1. I'd welcome your thoughts, tips, suggestions and recommendations!"
The XC40 is the best compact SUV on sale right now. It was named the Honest John Car of the Year in 2019 and has been a huge success story for Volvo: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/xc40/ For the latest Volvo XC40 deals, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/cars-for-sale/search/Volvo/XC40/shape-SUV/?l=0&s=PriceAsc
Answered by Dan Powell

My car struggles at 30mph but refuses to change down a gear - is this a common issue with modern autos?

"My 2018 Jaguar E-Pace struggles at 30mph but refuses to change down a gear. There is a similar problem at 50mph (common speed limit at motorway roadworks). It would seem that the software is set at too high a gearing. I have spoken to Jaguar but they do not seem able to recognise the problem. Is this s common issue?"
This is pretty standard, I'm afraid. These days, automatic gearboxes are tuned to hold onto high gears in a bid to reduce emissions and provide better fuel economy. If you press hard on the accelerator it should drop down a gear or two. Modern autos will also learn your driving style, so it might get better over time.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Jaguar E-Pace cost?