2021 Jaguar F-Pace Looks Inward to Improve
Competes with: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Looks like: The 2020 F-Pace with some subtle tweaks (the significant changes are inside and under the hood)
Powertrain: 246-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (F-Pace 250 and S 250); 335-hp, turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (S 340); 395-hp, turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (R-Dynamic S 400); eight-speed automatic transmission; standard all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: TBA, likely late 2021
In an SUV-mad world, it’s not surprising that Jaguar’s top-selling vehicle is the F-Pace, the British luxury brand’s largest SUV. We’ve been fans of the big cat’s handling and power, but felt the interior and technology were in need of an upgrade. Perhaps Jaguar heard our pleas: For the 2021 model year, the F-Pace is getting just that, along with some revised engine options and subtly updated exterior styling.
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Shop the 2020 Jaguar F-PACE near you
The 2021 F-Pace was announced with four trim levels to start: the 250 and S 250, the more powerful S 340 and the current top-of-the-line R Dynamic S 400. Notably absent from this announcement is an SVR version, which borrowed the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 and delightful exhaust note (in addition to other go-fast bits) from the F-Type R. It’s possible, even probable, that a new F-Pace SVR is coming further down the line, but for now, we’ll just have to make do with the 395-horsepower R-Dynamic S 400.
Exterior
From the outside, the changes to the F-Pace for 2021 are subtle. The headlights are slimmer and feature Jaguar’s new signature “Double J Blade” lighting pattern. A redesigned front grille and bumper air intakes along with a more sculpted hood give the F-Pace a more menacing look from the front.
In back, new taillights use the “chicane” pattern Jaguar debuted on the all-electric I-Pace. Jaguar redesigned the rear bumper, as well, to further enhance the SUV’s sporty appearance.
Interior
Much bigger changes happen inside the F-Pace. All 2021 F-Paces will come standard with heated seats, keyless entry and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. Occupant comfort is a foremost consideration, with a new seat design that has wider cushioning as well as larger heating and cooling areas, plus enhanced massage functions. Jaguar also says it used more soft-touch materials in the cabin. Premium upholstery and accent materials abound, as befits a luxury car. A first for Jaguar, active road-noise cancellation is available on the F-Pace, as is a cabin air ionizer for those looking for improved cabin air quality.
The infotainment system also receives a significant upgrade, featuring the new Pivi Pro software that allows for over-the-air updates in an 11.4 inch curved-glass display that Jaguar says is three times brighter and almost 50% larger than the previous F-Pace’s 10-inch display. According to Jaguar, frequently used functions are available “in two taps or less,” and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the F-Pace lineup. A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel with full-screen 3D navigation is optional.
Other interior updates include a redesigned gear selector lever featuring “cricket-ball” stitching … which is probably useful if you’d like to practice a variety of bowling grips. (Do cricket bowlers use different grips? I grew up playing baseball, so I’m impressed with myself that I even knew they’re called bowlers.)
Engine and Transmission
Missing from the 2021 F-Pace’s engine lineup is one four-cylinder engine choice as well as the previously mentioned SVR’s supercharged V-8. While it seems likely the SVR will be announced separately, it also seems likely that the more powerful four-cylinder is gone in the name of lineup simplification.
For now, buyers can choose a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 246 hp, a carryover from previous model years available in the F-Pace 250 and S 250, or two new turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid 3.0-liter six-cylinders. The first makes 335 hp and powers the S 340, while the second makes 395 hp under the hood of the R-Dynamic S 400. Both use an integrated electric generator and 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack to provide a jolt of extra power and improve the engine stop-start operation.
All 2021 F-Paces are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. JaguarDrive Control includes four selectable drive modes: Comfort, Eco, Rain-Ice-Snow and Dynamic, which adjust steering, transmission and throttle response. Also new for the F-Pace is Auto Vehicle Hold, which keeps the SUV stationary until the driver presses on the accelerator.
Safety
Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a 3D surround-view camera system. Other advanced safety features are optional, including what Jaguar calls Clear Exit Monitor, which can alert occupants of an approaching vehicle or bicycle when attempting to open a door.
Release Date and Pricing
Both when it’s coming and what it’ll cost are unknown at this time, though it’s a safe bet that the former answer will be “sometime late this year” and the latter will be “more.”
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