Jaguar F-Pace Review 2024

Jaguar F-Pace At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Jaguar F-Pace is a posh SUV that not only looks the business, it's also incredible to drive. The interior is superb – especially since the 2021 facelift brought fresh technology.

+Handles incredibly well for an SUV. Very quiet and refined at speed. Huge boot space. Wide range of engines, including plug-in hybrid and monstrous V8 SVR.

-It's not cheap to buy or run.

New prices start from £45,325
Insurance Groups are between 27–44
On average it achieves 83% of the official MPG figure

The Jaguar F-Pace is a sporty alternative to SUVs like the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and BMW X3. It encapsulates all that's great about the British brand – with stylish looks, an upmarket (and spacious) interior and a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience. Read on for our full review of the Jaguar F-Pace.

While Jaguar's 'grace, space and pace' marketing slogan preceeded the SUV boom by a good half a century, it probably describes the Jaguar F-Pace better than any other car the brand's ever sold. The F-Pace was its first SUV, arriving in 2016 and raising eyebrows when it wasn't based on a Land Rover.

There's a reason for that, though. Jaguar wanted to go its own way with the F-Pace, using the same lightweight aluminium structure as the XE and XF. It does share a range of engines with Land Rover, though, including (from 2021) mild- and plug-in hybrid motors.

A small number of early F-Pace models were sold with manual gearboxes and two-wheel drive, but the majority feature automatic transmissions and four-wheel drive. They suit the car well – changing gear yourself feels a bit pointless in a car like this and the grip provided by four-wheel drive provides loads of confidence.

Indeed, it's the way the F-Pace drives that gives it the edge over competitors. It's only really beaten by the Porsche Macan in this regard, changing direction eagerly and feeling most un-SUV-like in the bends. Pleasingly, it doesn't compromise on ride quality, either. Sure, it's a little on the firm side, but you're not going to flinch at the mere sight of a pothole.

If you really want an entertaining Jaguar F-Pace, look for an SVR. This uses a thumping great 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which provides an immense soundtrack and 0-62mph acceleration in 4.3 seconds (or 4.0 seconds flat on later post-facelift models).

No F-Pace will be particularly cheap to run (although the plug-in hybrid P400e can cover up to 33 miles under electric power), but the F-Pace SVR's official 23.1mpg fuel economy figure might soon get a bit tiring.

It's hardly an affordable choice to buy, either, but it's no costlier than other premium SUVs. You get more physical car for your money than something like an Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC, with more interior space and a bigger boot than most competitors.

The interior on earlier models is fine, although lacks the sparkle of the GLC. It was much improved in 2021, with a noticeable move upmarket in the quality of materials used. Jaguar's 11.4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen media system arrived at the same time, too – a really modern, slick system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Overall, the Jaguar F-Pace really brings something different to the premium SUV market. It's an ultra stylish choice, with loads of interior space and a delightfully upmarket cabin. It's also great to drive, with a wide range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines to choose from. Its biggest downfall is its price – but that's true for competitors, too.

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

Ask Honest John

Can I increase the sound of my indicators?

"Is there any way of increasing the indicator volume on the Jaguar F-Pace as mine are very quiet? More like non existent."
We have spoken to Jaguar about this as a number of F-Pace and E-Pace owners have reported a similar issue, but apparently the volume is fixed and cannot be increased. Jaguar says it didn't want the indicator noise to intrude on the refinement of the car, but you are certainly not alone in wishing it was a bit louder!
Answered by Craig Cheetham

Will not using a main dealer for service affect resale value?

"I had my Jaguar F-Pace serviced at a main dealer when it was two years old and it will soon be due for a four year service. There is a local Jaguar specialist with a good reputation who is cheaper than a main dealer, but if it is serviced outside of the official Jaguar network, will this have an impact on resale value?"
It is difficult to assign a monetary value to a full history from a main dealer as opposed to part main dealer and part independent, but we would expect the former to be worth a little more, at least to a private buyer. It will also be more attractive to potential buyers with a full main dealer service history.
Answered by David Ross

Looking for a quiet car with a big boot for £30,000 - what do you recommend?

"I need a quiet, refined car with a big boot (600 litres) which is fun to drive and has good visibility. I currently run a top of the range Seat Leon which is much fun but has awful tyre noise despite choosing the quietest tyres and fitting extra sound deadening. I'm looking for something around three years old at around £30,000. What do you suggest? Jaguar F-Pace? "
The Jaguar F-Pace is definitely an option – it handles well for a relatively large SUV and it'll be quieter than your Leon. You'll also have plenty of space. Your budget is enough to get you a low-mile 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel or a high-mile 3.0-litre six-cylinder. The latter has loads of power, is smoother and quieter than the 2.0-litre. Petrol models are also available, but we'd only advise one of them if you have a relatively low annual mileage because the fuel costs can be terrifying. F-Pace review, here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/jaguar/f-pace-2016/ If you prefer to go all out for comfort, the Audi Q7 is a great shout. It has even more space than the Jaguar, and the more powerful version of its six-cylinder diesel engine is very refined. Get one with air suspension, and you won't find many more comfortable cars: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/audi/q7-2015/
Answered by Russell Campbell

Car repairs are taking too long - what are my rights?

"The power steering on our 2017 Jaguar F pace failed in heavy rain at the beginning of November and it has been in the dealership awaiting repair ever since. The latest we have heard is they expect the part to arrive at the end of January. Do we have any recourse for this appalling service? They offered us a tiny reduction on the estimate, but that was over a month ago. "
The garage is required to complete the work within a 'reasonable timeframe'. But the 2015 Consumer Rights Act doesn't actually stipulate what length of time is 'reasonable' and which isn't. I would advise that you contact the dealer and try to agree on a deadline for the work. As a minimum, I'd expect them to supply a loan car. If they don't, make a record of all receipts and costs you have incurred while your car has been in for repair - you'll need these if you want to take legal action at a later date. If you are unable to negotiate a loan car or an acceptable deadline for the repair then you may need to get your car back and pay for another garage to do the work. You can then make a claim for the time wasted/extra costs incurred via the trade organisations the dealer is a member. Or, as a last resort, seek legal advice for a claim via the Small Claims Court.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Jaguar F-Pace cost?