Jaguar F-PACE vs. E-PACE, Which Used SUV is Right for You?

The Concept, The Big Cat vs. The Cub

To understand these cars, you must first understand their DNA and who they are built for.

For instance:

The Jaguar F-PACE

The Jaguar F-PACE was Jaguar’s first SUV.

With the first model launching in 2016, it actually changed the company’s fortunes overnight. Here, Jaguar built the F-PACE on the same aluminium-intensive architecture as the XE and XF saloons.

Making it a performance SUV that is designed to drive like a rear-wheel-drive sports car, but with space for five adults and a dog.

Due to this, it sits firmly and comfortably in the "mid-size" luxury SUV category.

The Jaguar E-PACE

The Jaguar E-PACE then arrived later, in 2017.

Instead of getting a larger SUV, here it is more of a "compact" SUV.

Jaguar built this car actually on a different platform (shared with the Range Rover Evoque, for instance).

Due to this, it is smaller, stockier, and designed with a transverse engine layout.

As due to this, it can maximise your cabin space in a small footprint. It does so by actually mounting the engine sideways, which means it takes up significantly less length in the nose of the car as a result.

This then allows Jaguar to shorten the bonnet and give you that "saved" length to your passenger cabin instead.

This is how the E-PACE can be 30cm shorter than the F-PACE (making it much easier to park) while still offering you decent legroom and a usable boot at the same time.

Overall, its design takes direct inspiration from the F-TYPE sports car, especially if when you look at the headlights and its muscular rear haunches as well. 

Interior Space and Practicality

This is usually the deciding factor for many families we find.

For instance, here you have:

Boot Space

The F-PACE is the undisputed king of practicality.

Here it offers a massive 650-litre boot (with seats up).

This is one of the largest in its class, we should note, as you can fit a pram, a week’s food shop, and two sets of golf clubs in it all without removing the parcel shelf.

If you then fold the rear seats flat, the space expands to a cavernous 1,740 litres as well.

E-Pace's Boot

The E-PACE boot, on the other hand is a bit smaller, but still practical.

As here it offers you 577 litres of space. However, this figure also includes the space under the boot floor, which we should not include here.

The usable space above the floor is closer to 425 litres, which is still more than sufficient for your weekly shop or a couple of suitcases, but you will struggle with a large pram and luggage simultaneously, as we should note, which is more where the F-Type comes in.

Rear Seat Comfort

In the F-PACE, for instance, three adults can easily sit in the back.

The legroom is generous as well, as a six-foot passenger can sit behind a six-foot driver with space to spare. This is all while the rear doors open wide as well, which makes loading a child seat simple.

The E-PACE, though, is a "compact" SUV, and the rear seats reflect that.

As here it it is more perfect for children or teenagers, as tall adults will find their knees touching the front seats on long journeys.

The roofline also slopes down at the back (for that sporty look), which can, as a result, eat into your headroom slightly for taller passengers as well.

Winner Here

• Family of 4+ or Large Dog Owners, you want to look for the F-PACE.
• Couples or Young Families the E-PACE is for you here.

The Driving Experience

This is where Jaguar separates itself from other brands, as even their SUVs drive like cars in our view.

How does the F-PACE Drive?

The F-PACE, for example, uses a rear-wheel-drive bias.

For instance, here, even though most models are All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the system sends most of the power to the back wheels until it detects slip.

This gives the car a distinct "shove" from the rear when you accelerate out of a corner, and as a result, it handles corners with zero fuss - all while its body roll is minimal as well.

How Does the E-PACE Drive?

The E-PACE, though, just feels different.

As here it is built on a front-wheel-drive architecture (though most used models are AWD).

Due to this, it just feels tenacious.

As it grips hard and pulls you through corners, all while you get a heavy car for its size, which is more built like a tank.

Due to this, you do feel this weight on the road, which gives it a sense of safety and solidity as you do so.

It also does not float; it more plants itself as well, we must note.

Winner Here

• Motorway Cruiser: F-PACE.
• B-Road Blast: It is a tie, but the F-PACE feels more "natural."

Reliability and Running Costs

Buying any used luxury car requires attention to its running costs, so you know how much it will cost you down the line.

For instance, here you have:

Fuel Economy

The E-PACE is smaller, but because of its sturdy steel construction, real-world fuel economy is similar between the two.

As a result, you should expect 40-45 mpg for diesels and 25-30 mpg for petrols in either car here.

Maintenance

Modern Jaguars are reliable if maintained correctly.

The "Ingenium" engines, for instance, require high-quality oil and strict adherence to service intervals.

This is why buying from a main dealer like Sinclair Jaguar really is non-negotiable, as you are not just buying a standard used car here.

As we will even go as far as checking the AdBlue systems, the DPF health, and the software versions, along with all the other checks we carry out before we even put a car on sale.

Tyres and Brakes

The F-PACE also uses larger tyres and larger brakes.

Replacing four tyres on 22-inch F-PACE rims costs significantly more than replacing tyres on standard 18-inch or 19-inch E-PACE rims, for instance, due to this.

Winner Here

• If you are looking for lower running costs, then the E-PACE is a choice as it is slightly cheaper on consumables like tyres, for instance.

The Sinclair Verdict, Which One is For You?

We have looked at the data. Now, let’s look at the lifestyle.

You Should Buy the Used Jaguar E-PACE if:

• You live in the city, and you want a premium car that fits in tight parking spaces and navigates traffic easily.
• Style is a priority, then you will love the F-TYPE looks, but you need 5 seats.
• You are a couple or a young family, and you do not need to carry adult passengers in the back regularly.
• You are new to the brand, this is the perfect entry point into Jaguar ownership.

Buy the Used Jaguar F-PACE if:

• You need space, as you have teenagers, tall friends, or large dogs, and the boot space is non-negotiable.
• You do long distances, as you spend hours on the M4, then you want the long-wheelbase stability and the isolation of a luxury saloon.
• You want performance, then you want the option of the bigger 3.0L engines or the SVR V8.
• You tow, then the F-PACE is a superior tow car for caravans and trailers.

Final Thoughts

There is no "better" car here.

There is only one car that fits your life. The E-PACE is the energetic, stylish companion for the city driver.

While the F-PACE is the accomplished, luxurious master of the open road.