Overview
In the world of compact luxury SUVs, the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace is one of the most beautifully designed options out there, and the SVR variant adds breathing performance via a V-8 powertrain. Indeed, this is no soft-spoken Brit. Its 550-hp engine means this Jag can really hustle. And unlike so many of its high-performance rivals, the F-Pace SVR retains the smooth and agreeable ride of its luxury-minded siblings rather than ratcheting up the stiffness. In the handling department, the Jag is confident and fun but not quite up to the level of the Porsche Macan Turbo or BMW X3 M. The passenger and cargo areas are suitably spacious, and the cabin boasts all the expected contemporary tech features. Buyers seeking a balance of performance, handling, luxury, and technology should find the F-Pace SVR a perfect fit, but driving enthusiasts who prefer a slightly more focused package may be underwhelmed.
What’s New for 2021?
Like the base F-Pace, the high-performance SVR model receives a few exterior styling revisions for 2021. The powertrain also gains a bit more torque, which should improve acceleration, and Jaguar tweaked the transmission tuning. Inside, an 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen displays the brand’s Pivi Pro infotainment system, and new faux-suede accents adorn the door panels and redesigned dashboard. Jaguar made some changes to the center console, too, which now features a wider leather-wrapped shift knob and a larger roll-top storage cubby. Plus, a wireless smartphone charging pad and active noise cancellation join the list of standard features.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All Jaguar F-Pace SVR SUVs come with a muscular supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 under the hood. This engine generates an impressive 550 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends torque to all four wheels. In our testing, the 2019 F-Pace SVR made the 60-mph run in a scant 4.1 seconds, but improvements to the powertrain for 2021 should result in even quicker acceleration. But while 4.1 seconds is indeed impressive for a vehicle this size, it trails the time logged by the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. That SUV made the dash in a crisp 3.4 seconds. It also lags the 3.7-second time of the Performance-pack-equipped Porsche Macan Turbo. The F-Pace SVR offers keen handling and precise steering but not for the sake of driver comfort. Jaguar tuned the SVR to ride softly over harsh roads, making this ute a pleasant choice for daily commutes.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The cabin design is both elegant and sporty. The aggressively bolstered front seats are attractive to the eyes and comfortable to the backsides. We’re fans of the quilted upholstery, which boosts the luxury quotient within the cabin. Both rows of seats provide reasonably roomy accommodations for adults. The F-Pace SVR offers 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row. That’s considerably more cargo capacity than you’ll find in rival models such as the Porsche Macan (18 cubic feet) and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (19 cubic feet). Plus, the F-Pace SVR’s rear seat has a 40/20/40 split that allows you to accommodate a variety of luggage while also keeping some seating available.