Overview

The 2020 Jaguar F-Pace is the luxury automaker's best-selling model, and the crossover helps reinvigorate the brand's previously stodgy image. While Jaguars still sell in relatively low numbers, the F-Pace's flashy appearance and sporty dynamics make the leaping logo more prominent. Its powertrain options are highlighted by a mighty supercharged V-6, and every model is legitimately enjoyable to drive. It also possesses useful cargo storage and a bevy of desirable features. Unfortunately, its interior lacks cubby storage and the infotainment system is notoriously finicky. Still, the 2020 F-Pace is among the most alluring and exciting mid-size luxury crossovers out there.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, Jaguar only makes minor changes to the F-Pace lineup. Every model now comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. There are also two new limited editions: the Checkered Flag Special Edition and the 300 Sport. The former is fitted with the less powerful four-cylinder engine and wears gloss-black trim and other unique details inside and out. The latter features the more powerful four-cylinder along with dark-gray exterior bits and upgraded interior materials and equipment.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Jaguar only offers its supercharged V-6 on the F-Pace S, which costs more coin than we'd want to pay. The rest of the lineup gets the 247- or 296-hp turbo four-cylinder. Since the latter improves acceleration and doesn't sacrifice fuel efficiency, we'd choose the more powerful engine. Pair that with the Prestige trim level that has standard luxuries such as nicer dash materials, power-adjustable steering column, built-in navigation, mobile hotspot, and passive entry. While we could be convinced to upgrade to the 20-inch wheels, we'd definitely avoid the 22-inchers that hurt the ride. We'd also add automatic high-beams and the Drive Pack (blind-spot monitoring, high-speed automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology. These help maintain the Jag's sophisticated image and make the driver's experience less taxing.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every 2020 F-Pace features a prudent eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Its engine lineup includes a standard turbocharged four-cylinder that makes either 246 or 296 horsepower. The F-Pace's supercharged V-6 is the engine to get, ripping from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder isn't terrible. It's offered in 247-hp or 296-hp potencies and badged as 25t and 30t, respectively, but it's not as refined as the turbo fours in the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Jaguar intentionally tunes the F-Pace's suspension on the firm side for a sporty feel. The ride is never harsh, although the larger available wheel sizes (Jaguar offers up to 22-inch-diameter wheels) can add some jiggle to the suspension's movements over bumps. Regardless of model, every F-Pace's steering setup is quick and delivers confidence-inspiring feedback from the front tires to the driver's hands. Driven quickly, the F-Paces sharp responses are genuinely impressive and make this Jaguar crossover truly fun to drive.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Even in its most powerful S trim level, the F-Pace's EPA city and highway fuel-economy estimates are on par with the figures of most of its six-cylinder competitors. Believe it or not, its turbocharged four-cylinder earns the same 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway ratings despite their power disparity. On our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, the last four-cylinder F-Pace we tested achieved 26 mpg. The supercharged V-6 model is rated at 18 mpg city and 23 highway, and it missed the latter estimate by 1 mpg in our real-world test.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

In keeping with Jaguar's lineup-wide minimalist interior aesthetic, the F-Pace's cabin features simple detailing, easy-to-reach secondary controls, and lots of window area for enhanced visibility. You sit high in both the front and rear seats, and the driver is treated to an excellent seating position, square to the steering wheel and pedals. The F-Pace's front-seat legroom and headroom measurements are among the roomiest in this class, while the aft quarters are merely average. Large climate-control buttons are easy to use, and the central touchscreen display is only a slight reach for either occupant of the front seat. However, the rotary dial for the gearshift uses up valuable real estate on the center console, space that could be used instead for cupholders or storage. Aside from its relative lack of cubby space for front-seat passengers, the F-Pace's cargo-hauling capabilities are far greater than its sexy styling would suggest. Release handles in the trunk and atop each rear seatback lowers the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats to a nearly flat position. Doing so created room for up to 22 carry-on suitcases.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Jaguar's touchscreen-based infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro, distills core functions into simple, well-arranged menus, and it looks slick. In practice, the system was buggy and prone to malfunction. Every F-Pace comes standard with a 10-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 380-watt Meridian audio system; built-in navigation and a mobile hotspot also are available.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The F-Pace hasn't been crash-tested by either U.S. agency that conducts these evaluations. Still, buyers who want the latest safety and driver assists still have a satisfying selection of choices, including a generous suite of standard driver-assistance technology and several high-tech options. Key safety features include:

Standard forward collision-warning and automated emergency braking

Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

In its attempt to turn around public perception of the brand's historically rocky reliability, Jaguar provides warranty coverage that tops the segment. The highlight is Jaguar's lengthy complimentary scheduled maintenance program.