2023 Jaguar F-Pace Performance

When the F-Pace came along to join the segment, it had one distinguishing factor - it was the keenest driver's SUV of the lot. But since then, BMW has refined the X3 and Alfa Romeo has released the frankly phenomenal Stelvio. The Jag has also lost access to the supercharged V6 engine that once lent it so much character. Now, there's an inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance in the uppermost trims - SVR model aside which we review separately. In the regular F-Pace range, the R-Dynamic S uses all 395 hp and all-wheel drive to run from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and top out at 155 mph. With only 335 ponies from the same powertrain, the P340 manages the same acceleration feat in 5.8 seconds while its top speed dips slightly to 149 mph. Then there's the runt of the litter, with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, and a V-max of 135 mph. But the British SUV is bested by the BMW X3 M40i, putting to use less power from its own straight-six to hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

If you wish to haul a trailer along, the entire F-Pace range boasts an unbraked towing capability of 1,653 pounds and a maximum rating of 5,291. That's a good amount more than what you can pull in the X3 models.

The Jaguar F-Pace's engine lineup starts with the Ingenium 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 246 hp and 269 lb-ft. Like all other models in the range, it sends these outputs to an all-wheel drive system using an eight-speed torque converter automatic from ZF. For urban and extra-urban use, this combination provides sufficient power but on the freeway, you'll find that this unit runs out of steam. It's not the most refined combination as engine noise and vibrations are noticeable from within the cabin and the engine itself sounds a little gravelly. The automatic transmission is rapid on the upshifts, but when it comes to gearing down, there is a bit of hesitancy which can infringe on the overall driving experience.

The F-Pace range is better suited for the turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six, which generates 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the P400. It benefits from the assistance of an electric motor positioned in the transmission that sources energy from a 48-volt system. Now with the added benefit of mild hybridization, the six-pot SUV is smoother than ever but lacks the aural pleasure of the old V6. Combining a turbocharged six-pot with a small electric motor means that it's a more responsive powertrain that can be used with ease and under urban and freeway driving conditions. The P400's jump in power is immediately noticeable and delivers a thrilling driving experience that makes the most of an eager chassis.

The 2.0-liter Jaguar F-Pace doesn't have any hybrid assistance, but because it is quite a bit smaller and less powerful than the straight-six models, it remains the most economical powertrain in the range with EPA-rated gas mileage of 22/27/24 mpg city/highway/combined. With this engine under the hood, it'll clear a full 21.9-gallon tank of gas in 521 miles. With the added assistance of a 48-volt system, the larger engine in the P400 model doesn't stray too far from this at 19/26/22 mpg, respectively. Range drops to 477 miles. While these may come as respectable figures, the mild-hybrid is still slightly heavier than the BMW X3 M40i, which has a claimed consumption of 21/26/23 mpg.