2020 Jaguar E-Pace Performance

The 2020 Jaguar E-Pace has solid engine power, along with balanced and mildly sporty handling, but fuel economy is subpar.  

• "Once you spec your ideal configuration and jump behind the wheel, you'll find that the E-Pace is one of the most rewarding small crossovers out there. The turbocharged engine is potent – especially in R-Dynamic tune – and the handling is sublime." -- Edmunds
• "Going up against the likes of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Jaguar E-Pace … retains the sporty dynamics Jaguar is known for yet also introduces a reasonable level of off-road capabilities." -- Kelley Blue Book (2019)
• "Spanking the E-Pace P300 R-Dynamic up and down Corsica's mountain roads felt like flogging a fully insured vacation rental car. Initially thrilling, quickly tiring, and by the tenth time your luggage rolls across the cargo bay you're wondering: 'why am I doing this?' Now part of me feels like a bully here, knocking what is really meant to be a small practical luxury car for being too soft for canyon carving duty. On one hand, I mean, of course it is. But at the same time, if you put the face of an F-Type on something and have a switch with a checkered flag on the console, certain expectations are going to be set. And the E-Pace comes up short on pure driving pleasure." -- Jalopnik (2018)

Acceleration and Power

The standard engine in the E-Pace is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 246 horsepower. A stronger version of this engine is available, and it puts out 296 horsepower. Although that seems like a noticeable jump on paper, critics say it doesn’t feel significantly more capable in the real world. Both engines feel lively, but some rivals are stronger and have swifter acceleration. A nine-speed automatic is the only transmission available, and critics are mixed on how promptly it shifts.

Fuel economy estimates hardly vary between the engines. The EPA estimates that you'll get 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the base engine. If you opt for the stronger engine, that rating drops by 1 mpg in the city. Unfortunately, those figures are below average for the class.

• "Slip behind the wheel, stomp on the throttle and you’ll quickly be in for a pleasant surprise." -- Kelley Blue Book (2019)
• "Jaguar's 296 horsepower four-cylinder has plenty of pep to pull around the E-Pace's 4,100 pounds, but the ZF-sourced nine-speed auto is the weak link in the chain. Up- and down-shifts are leisurely and can't be coaxed to move any faster with the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Just an example of how the nine-speed hurts performance - the E-Pace can go from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds but requires 6.4 seconds to reach 62mph, with a lazy gear change the likely reason for that half-second penalty." -- Left Lane News (2018)
• "JLR's 2.0-liter Ingenium engine isn't the smoothest in class. There's almost a diesellike graininess at idle and under light throttle at low speed, especially when cold. But it delivers good performance and drivability on the road. The nine-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated to deliver smoother and faster shifts, especially in Dynamic mode, and R-Dynamic models also benefit from having paddle shifters on the steering wheel for drivers who like DIY driving in the twisty bits." -- Motor Trend (2018)

Handling and Braking

While its ride is generally comfortable, the E-Pace receives mixed reviews for its athleticism, with some critics finding it to be agile and others saying its vague steering reduces driving enjoyment. It’s still relatively lively compared to some rivals though. All-wheel drive comes standard.

• "Even the base version has a delightfully sporty feel as you enter tight corners, and that’s enhanced when you’re driving the E-Pace R-Design, which punches out a spry 296 horsepower from its turbocharged inline-4. Steering is precise, with just the right sense of boost. And, despite weighing in a bit over 4,000 pounds -- depending upon the model and options -- the E-Pace never feels lumbering." -- Kelley Blue Book (2019)
• "It responds well, even if you'll never mistake it for a sporty anything -- the steering is just a little too vague and the body roll, while well-controlled via the continuously variable Adaptive Dynamics dampers, is still more than I'd have liked." -- Autoweek (2018)
• "As is befitting something wearing a Jaguar badge, the E-Pace's handling is on the sporty side and the ride is a bit firm -- particularly on my test model's 20-inch low-profile tires (21s are available)." -- CNET (2018)