Wow. I had a speedster this week, the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR, the performance division of Jaguar. I admit, this was not altogether new to me, I’ve owned a number of Range Rovers with the same power plant, and they are awesome. It is also late in the year to get a 2021, but with the microchip shortage, it is not surprising.
Performance
Let’s look at the stats first: the engine is a 5.0 Supercharged V8, putting out 550-horses, mated to an 8-speed automatic with shift paddles. Torque is 530-pound feet, top speed is 180-miles per hour, and it will get you from a dead stop to 60-miles per hour in 3.8-seconds, which is incredibly fast in a heavy SUV.
Exterior
For 2021, Jag made some nice exterior changes to the SUV. It has new LED head lights and taillights, a new hood, a new grill, and beautiful 22” wheels with red brake calipers.
The front end is designed to get air to the big Supercharged engine with vents everywhere. A rear spoiler and quad exhaust finish out the view from the rear.
Interior
Jags have long been known for beautiful interiors and this one does not disappoint. Bolstered and quilted leather and suede seats are soft, and they are heated, air conditioned, and will even give you a massage. Stitching looks great across the dash and brushed aluminum runs across the dash and into the door panels.
Hit the start button and an interactive 12” driver display comes to life that is easy to read and colorful. It changes with the drive modes, and you can configure the center area to your wishes, from the steering wheel controls.
The center console has cup holders, a power outlet, your radio volume, drive modes, a cell phone charger, and an actual short, stubby gear shifter replaces the old rotary shifter knob. In the console itself is a refrigerated compartment to keep your drinks cool. Just above that are the round knobs that control the air and heat temperature, fan speed, and the front seat climate controls.
Perhaps the greatest improvement for 2021 is the 11.4” curved screen that runs everything from the navigation, to the Meridian sound system, Blue tooth, Wi-Fi, voice recognition, and apps for real-time information. Although greatly improved, the system seems a little slow to me versus the competition.
This is also where you activate the Dynamic pages to set up the vehicle drive and handling between Dynamic, Eco and Comfort. There is a stopwatch, a lap timer, and a G-force meter.
The rear seat passengers will enjoy their own heated seats, climate controls, USB and power port, air conditioning vents, and a fold down armrest with cup holders.
Utility
Raise the hands-free power lift gate, and you find a spacious area with 27-cubic feet of cargo and you can lower the back seats with levers on both sides, to open up a huge area. There is storage underneath also, but the full-sized spare takes up a lot of the area.
Features
This F-Pace comes nicely equipped with a huge panoramic sun roof and power cover, keyless entry, Apple Car Play and Android auto, and a terrific head-up display. It does have brake hold, and has start/stop that can be disabled, but you have to do it upon every start.
On the safety front, you get adaptive cruise control, stability control, emergency braking, surround view cameras, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition, and more.
Ride and Drive
The F-Pace is a real joy to drive, the acceleration is great, visibility is good, it is quiet inside, and it offers up a good mix of sportiness and luxury car comfort. The exhaust sound is incredible with the big V8.
Fuel economy is good for a 550-horse engine at 15 in town and 22 on the highway, for a combined 18. MSRP as you see this one, is $96,229 which is comparable to its main competitors, even the supercharged Range Rover Sport.
Verdict
There is something special and exciting about driving a Jaguar. If you are looking for a fast, midsized, luxury SUV, don’t overlook this one.
- What I Liked Most: The amazing performance and exhaust sound.
- What I would change: Make the infotainment system faster.
- MSRP: Base price $84,600; as equipped $96,229 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 15 city/22 highway/18 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 5,900 miles.
- Weight: 4,306 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized spare, standard wheel.
- Length-Width-Height: 186.9” long/81.5” wide/65.5” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.9 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Official Color: SVO Premium.
- Towing Capacity: 5,291 pounds.
- 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR in a few words: A fun, sporty, and attractive SUV that is a joy to drive.
- Warranty: 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Solihull, United Kingdom.
- Manufacturer's website: Jaguar
