In a world full of practical SUVs, be a sports car.
That is exactly what Jaguar has done with the 2021 F-PACE SUV. It’s not just a car that looks sporty, but one that drives like a sports car. At first glance you can’t miss the race-inspired exterior, but a test drive is required for true first impressions. And at $49,995 for a starting price and $82,245 for the fully-loaded version we drove, you know you’ll be in for a treat.
It is a revolutionary car with an eye toward the future performance driver. It’s upscale and redefines ‘premium’ with technology and efficiency at the same time. Its high-tech, low-resistance design is a major step toward making driverless cars a reality. The new vented hood, slim LED quad headlights and taillights, grille, bumpers, and wheel designs are exterior changes that you can’t miss from other F-PACE models.
It is definitely a smooth ride as it accelerates effortlessly onto roads and busy highways. You don’t feel the responses but that soft purr as you go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds reminds you that the engine is powerful — just what you want to spice up the daily ride. Driving on what could be considered the English-style countryside of New Jersey was the best way to experience the supercharged V8 while driving top speed. There is a snow and ice mode which definitely take advantage of the four-wheel drive but luckily, I didn’t need to use it.
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What’s Inside?
Inside the Jaguar 2021 F-PACE’s cabin, there are many innovations that give the driver a sense of security and confidence — not just in the car but on the road as well. It’s surprisingly roomy; at 5’11, I didn’t feel claustrophobic in the front or rear seats and had plenty of headroom. The breathable leather performance-style seats contour to your body, making your driving experience even more enjoyable.
The panoramic moonroof gives the feel of the open air no matter the terrain you are driving on. Push and pull controls are easy to reach and master. The Pivi Pro infotainment system is a 11.4-inch curved central touchscreen that can be divided into three display areas to simultaneously show audio, device, and navigation details.
The 12.3” high-definition driver display sits boldly over the dash and is not distracting to the driver or window viewing. The center console houses wireless charging that actually holds the phone, so you don’t have to worry about it shifting around while driving. There is also additional stowage underneath that can possibly house your wallet or keys. It is definitely not large enough to hold a mid-size purse or your stilettos. Big cup holders and a large adjustable arm rest with both new and old USB chargers are the icing on the cake.
Active noise cancellation keeps the outside out, but the meridian sound system will have you singing loudly. It is was probably good news that on the country road no one could hear me, but I will say that I think the playlist and voice are impeccable.
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It’s Smarter than You Think
The intuitive technology is a game changer, and it makes the driving experience simple and easy. A fully customizable digital display infotainment system ensures you have the features that work best for you. Jaguar’s updated technology, the Pivi Pro, combines touch-sensitive and physical controls. The system places the most-used shortcuts practically at your fingertips and is just the right height. Not only does the car remember your seating positions with 14 adjustable options, but you also don’t have to use the physical key to lock the car.
The sporty little SUV is designed to provide a real driving experience for customers who value road presence, and a big part of that comes down to technologies like InControl, which is an intuitive driver assistance system offered that works almost better than your mobile phone. It features forward collision warning, lane departure warning, active rear parking aid technology, blind-spot assist, and a slew of safety features.
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What’s the Jaguar F-PACE’s Towing Capacity?
The 2021 Jaguar F-PACE has a maximum towing capacity of 5,291 pounds on all trim levels. It also has a payload capacity of 1,170 to 1,540 pounds, depending on the trim. That 5,291 pounds means you can tow up to the following:
- 28-foot livestock trailer
- Horse trailer with four horses
- 30-foot camper
- 20-foot toy hauler
To achieve the highest possible towing capacity, you’ll need a few extra options that are available on all trims:
- Tow Strap
- Towing System – Rear Undertray
- Tow Hitch
- Towing Module
- Towing Receiver
The tow hitch itself can be a factory-installed option that you need to ask for. The other parts can be purchased from a Jaguar-approved dealer that you can request to have added when you purchase your vehicle. Remember, though, that you will have to request these options.
Let’s Connect!
While the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE does offer wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity, you will still need to use a USB cord to connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It is plug and go, so it is a great option if you don’t want to use the in-car system. The phone can easily be stored in the center console and can act as a remote to control not only climate settings or keyless entry but to keep you informed of diagnostics or just help you locate the car in a busy parking lot. InControl allows you to connect up to 8 devices via the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot. Busy sports moms can appreciate being able to work in the car on the go as needed.
What Does the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE Cost?
The cost for the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE is competitive in the premium midsize SUV class with a starting price of $49,995. It offers five trim levels: P250 Standard, P250 S, P340 S, P400 R-Dynamic S, and the SVR. Each at different price points to allow you to customize your experience. The F-PACE model we drove (R-Dynamic S) starts at $65,200 and is optioned to $82, 245. Included options are listed below but there are ample standard features that make this a car worth exploring.
Options:
- Hot Climate Pack, which includes lockable cooled glovebox, air quality sensor, four-zone climate control, and cabin air ionization: add $2,110.
- Premium Upgrade Interior, which includes illuminated the metal tread plates, extended leather, bright metal pedals, and adds a light oyster headliner: add $2,220.
- Black Exterior Pack: add $375.00
- 14-way performance heated & cooled memory front seats: add $2,925.
- 21” 10 spoke “Style 1068” Satin Dark Grey w/DT Finish wheels: add $2,000
- Adaptive Cruise Control: add $1,325
- Head-Up Display: add $1,010
- Meridian Surround System: add $800
- Sienna Tan Windsor leather seats: add $760
- Bluefire paint color: add $610
- Interactive Drive Display: add $550
- Wi-Fi enabled with Data Plan: add $500
- Gloss Black Rails: add $360
- Privacy Glass: add $200
- Adaptive Surface Response: add $150
- Memory function exterior door mirrors
What We Loved
- The performance driver seat
- Ease of use with Pivi Pro
- Panoramic moonroof
- InControl Driver Assistance
- Sleek and sexy exterior
- Carbon air ionization for healthy breathing
- Lots of trunk space
- All wheel drive is standard
Important Things to Know
- Seats 4 comfortably with space for 5
- Folding Rear Seats are not automatic
- Car is light weight
- Check the website to see which model is available in your area.
The new 2021 Jaguar F-PACE has a lot to offer and provides a beautiful driving experience.
Disclosure: Jaguar land Rover provided the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE for a test drive. All opinions are my own.
