2018 Jaguar F-Pace

Is the Jaguar F-Pace a Good SUV?

The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is a fine luxury compact SUV. With an excellent blend of engaging performance and everyday practicality, the 2018 F-Pace is a joy to drive. It inherits the athletic, carlike handling of the brand's best-performing models, like the F-Type sports car and XF sedan. There are also several peppy engines to choose from. It’s not perfect, though. Its infotainment system can be awkward to use. More concerning is the F-Pace’s poor predicted reliability rating.

Should I Buy the Jaguar F-Pace?

The 2018 F-Pace is worth considering, and its $42,000 starting price is on par with its top competitors. That said, there are similarly fun-to-drive alternatives – like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 – that have a better track record of reliability. Some, like the Acura RDX, are also thousands of dollars less expensive. Check out these top picks before deciding on the F-Pace.

Compare the F-Pace, Q5, and X3 »

Should I Buy a New or Used Jaguar F-Pace?

The F-Pace was introduced as an all-new model for 2017, and the main changes for 2018 are under the hood. The inaugural model came with a standard 180-horsepower diesel engine and an optional 340-horsepower V6. The diesel engine is now a $1,500 option for 2018, and the available V6 gets a boost to 380 horsepower. The new – and standard – engine for 2018 is a turbocharged four-cylinder with 247 horsepower. It’s offered in a 296-horsepower variant as well. Depending on the powertrain you want, you may be better off with a used 2017 F-Pace instead of a new model.

Check out our reviews of the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace for more research on a used F-Pace. If you decide a used model is right for you, check out our Used Car Deals page for savings and incentives on used vehicles.

Compare the 2017 and 2018 Jaguar F-Pace »

We Did the Research for You: 22 Reviews Analyzed

Our Jaguar F-Pace review includes far more than just one person's opinion. We collected professional evaluations from 22 sources and combined them with concrete data like fuel economy estimates, safety features, and performance specs to help you make an informed buying decision. This 2018 Jaguar F-Pace review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which spans the 2017 and 2018 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Jobs, Best Hospitals, and Best Colleges to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. We've been ranking and reviewing the Best Cars since 2007, backed by a team with more than 75 years of combined automotive experience. To keep favoritism out of the picture, we maintain a separate advertising team and decline expensive gifts and trips from car companies.

How Much Does the Jaguar F-Pace Cost?

The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace starts at $42,065. That’s more expensive than many luxury compact SUVs, but it’s still on par with close competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Other trim levels available for 2018 include the F-Pace Premium ($44,775), the F-Pace R-Sport ($54,175), and the range-topping F-Pace Portfolio ($62,000).

For great savings at your local Jaguar dealer, check out our U.S. News Best Price Program.

Jaguar F-Pace Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Jaguar F-Pace or Land Rover Discovery Sport?

If you’re looking for athletic on-road handling – the F-Pace delivers. However, if your weekend plans consist of roaming the hills and navigating four-wheel-drive trails, the Audi Q5 is one of the best luxury compact SUVs, period. It's fully redesigned for 2018 and comes loaded with standard amenities like leather seats, Apple CarPlay, and lots of advanced safety features. The Q5 also has excellent crash test scores, a higher predicted reliability rating, and nicer interior materials than the F-Pace. And its priced similarly to the Jaguar.

Which Is Better: Jaguar F-Pace or Porsche Macan?

Like the F-Pace, the Porsche Macan is a blast to drive and a great pick for enthusiasts. You'll get less room for your money though, as the Macan costs about $5,700 more than the F-Pace, and it has about half the cargo space behind the rear seats. Still, there's no wrong answer here, so go with the vehicle that best fits your priorities and budget. 

Compare the F-Pace, Q5, and Macan »

F-Pace Interior

How Many People Does the F-Pace Seat?

The F-Pace has two rows of seats and can carry up to five people. Though it doesn't set any legroom records (the Infiniti QX50 is roomier up front and the Land Rover Discovery Sport has a ton of rear-seat legroom), the F-Pace feels spacious enough to carry a full crew of adults. Adding to the soothing experience is supportive, cozy cushions. For an added splash of indulgence, check the box for heated and cooled front seats.

F-Pace and Car Seats

The rear seats of the F-Pace offer enough room for two or three car seats (depending on the type of seat you're installing). The LATCH hardware is easy to find and use and includes two sets of lower anchors and three tether anchors.

F-Pace Interior Quality

The interior of the F-Pace is elegant, but some feel its overall styling favors usability over luxury. That translates to lavish materials and soft-touch points mixed with some cheaper plastics.

F-Pace Cargo Space

You can carry more stuff in the back of an F-Pace than in almost any other luxury compact SUV. Accessing the 33.5-cubic-foot cargo area is easy, thanks to the power liftgate, and the available hands-free liftgate is a big help when your hands are full. The rear seats can fold almost completely flat to create a 63.5-cubic-foot cargo hold.

F-Pace Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The F-Pace comes with the InControl Touch infotainment interface, either a crisp 8- or 10-inch touch screen, and a high-end Meridian sound system. When it comes to ease of use, the interface is about average. Though mostly responsive, the base system can be hit or miss when it comes to finding your way around the menus and connecting with your phone. Most test drivers prefer the upgraded InControl Touch Pro interface, which features a configurable home screen, smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Read more about interior »

F-Pace Performance

F-Pace Engine: 4 Engines to Choose From

Jaguar mixes up the engine options for the 2018 F-Pace. Last year's standard engine – a 180-horepower, turbodiesel four-cylinder – is now a $1,500 option. Replacing it is a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 247 horsepower. It provides faster acceleration than the diesel option, though it's not as efficient. A 296-horsepower version of this engine is also available, as is a supercharged V6 with 380 horsepower. No matter which power plant you roll with, you get a fast-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

F-Pace Gas Mileage: Optional Turbodiesel Saves on Fuel Costs

The standard F-Pace engine – a 247-horsepower four-cylinder – gets typical gas mileage for a vehicle this size. It's rated at 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. If you want a more efficient SUV, you can opt for a turbodiesel engine in select F-Pace trim levels. This returns a significantly higher fuel economy rating of 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway.

F-Pace Ride and Handling: Light and Sporty

The fun-to-drive F-Pace handles more like a sports sedan than a bulky SUV. Every model comes standard with all-wheel drive, reverting to a rear-wheel bias when you don't need the extra grip. This, paired with responsive steering and well-managed body movements, adds to the F-Pace's athletic feel. Its grip on slick surfaces is excellent, but this is not a true off-road vehicle. If you plan to hit some serious trails in your SUV, look for an off-roading model like the four-wheel-drive Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Read more about performance »

F-Pace Reliability

Is the Jaguar F-Pace Reliable?

J.D. Power gives the 2018 F-Pace a dismal predicted reliability rating of two out of five, which is the lowest possible score.

Jaguar F-Pace Warranty

Jaguar covers the F-Pace with a five-year/60,000-mile warranty.

Read more about reliability »

F-Pace Safety

F-Pace Crash Test Results

Like many high-end brands, Jaguar vehicles don't undergo testing by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

F-Pace Safety Features

Rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard in the F-Pace. Unlike most luxury SUVs (including the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3), the F-Pace does not come standard with a rearview camera in the base model – it is a $410 option. However, this feature is included in all other F-Pace trim levels.

Also available is a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, active park assist with perpendicular and parallel parking abilities, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, an adaptive speed limiter, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a driver condition monitor, a head-up display, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, and autonomous emergency braking.

Read more about safety »

Which Jaguar F-Pace Model Is Right for Me?

Jaguar offers the F-Pace in six trim levels – base, Premium, Prestige, R-Sport, S, and Portfolio. Before deciding on a trim, pick your powertrain. There are two different turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines available: a 247-horsepower engine (standard in all but the S and Portfolio) and an upgraded 296-horsepower option (that adds $3,000 to the price). On select models, you can opt for a 180-horsepower turbodiesel ($1,500). The F-Pace S stands apart from the pack as the only model that comes with a 380-horsepower, supercharged V6. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Among these choices, the R-Sport AWD stands out as one of the most attractive. A unique body styling kit, 20-inch alloy wheels, and front fog lights distinguish its exterior from the lower trim levels. Inside, the R-Sport is outfitted with 18-way power-adjustable front sport seats, perforated grained leather upholstery with contrast stitching, bright metal sport pedals, and satellite radio. Advanced safety features such as adaptive headlights and emergency braking are also standard. You can power your F-Pace R-Sport with the 247-horsepower four-cylinder ($54,175), the 296-horsepower four-cylinder ($57,175), or the turbodiesel engine ($55,675). The other trim levels are outlined below.

Jaguar F-Pace

Standard features in the base F-Pace AWD include seats upholstered in Luxtec, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment display, an 11-speaker Meridian sound system, HD Radio, dual-zone climate control, a sliding panoramic roof, a power liftgate, cruise control, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The entry-level F-Pace comes with a 247-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and starts at $42,065.

Jaguar F-Pace Premium

A rearview camera, a Homelink garage door opener, 19-inch wheels, and auto-dimming, power-folding, sideview mirrors are added to create the F-Pace Premium AWD ($44,775).

Jaguar F-Pace Prestige

The $49,125 F-Pace Prestige AWD is even more posh. Leather seats are standard, along with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, smartphone integration, interior mood lighting, parking sensors, a navigation system, and keyless entry.

Jaguar F-Pace S

The standout feature of the high-performance F-Pace S AWD is its 380-horsepower, supercharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine. This edition builds off the F-Pace R-Sport trim, adding S-branded pedals and seats, red brake calipers, and an adaptive suspension system. Pricing starts at $59,775.

Jaguar F-Pace Portfolio

The F-Pace Portfolio AWD is an all-new trim for 2018, replacing last year's First Edition as the top-line model. It's outfitted with a Meridian surround-sound system, a 10-inch touch-screen display, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a hands-free tailgate, seats upholstered in perforated Windsor leather, reclining rear seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, a driver condition monitor, and a head-up display.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Jaguar dealer.

See 2018 Jaguar F-Pace specs and trims »

The Final Call

There's no shortage of luxury crossover SUVs with lavish interiors. In addition to the F-Pace, proof of this can be found inside the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and BMW X3. But only an elite few have driving dynamics in line with a sports sedan. The F-Pace is among this small group, alongside athletic rivals like the Q5 and Porsche Macan. With its standard all-wheel drive, varied engine options, and engaging handing, the F-Pace is an appealing choice in this class. Its only real pitfall is questionable reliability.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "Though it's a relative newcomer to the luxury crossover scene, the Jaguar F-Pace has already made favorable impressions with us as well as the buying public. Coming off its debut year in 2017, the 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is indeed an attractive package. It's elegant, fun to drive, spacious, and even potentially fuel-efficient, depending on your choice of engine and how much fun you want to have." -- Edmunds
• "Introduced just last year, the 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is the British luxury brand's first-ever SUV and it has quickly become its most popular model. This all-wheel-drive compact-crossover SUV plays well on and off-road. It seats five, and in the Jaguar tradition, it's extremely sexy on the outside and luxurious on the inside. … With many luxury and sport variations, … the new F-Pace is a worthy contender against such luxury-compact SUV stalwarts as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The Jaguar F-Pace is more brash and ballsy than an Audi SQ5 and tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than a Porsche Macan, plus it has more interior room than either. It's lovely to look at, just as lovely to drive and it spans a price range from 'downright reasonable' to 'premium but not outrageous.' Jag also includes its EliteCare program to help shoo the reliability elephant from the room, offering a five-year/60,000-mile warranty plus roadside assistance and complimentary maintenance. There's really no excuse to not give the F-Pace a try; you'll immediately see why it's about to become the best-selling Jaguar in history." -- Autoweek (2017)