ASPEN, Col. — There’s an old saying that when you’re the last one to arrive at the party, you better be wearing the prettiest dress. As one of the last automakers without an SUV in its lineup, Jaguar called on design director Ian Callum to deliver on this task. And so, the legendary British marque adds the all-new F-PACE to its portfolio.

Visually inspired by the F-TYPE sports car, the F-PACE features Jaguar’s current design language including the signature “J” blade headlamps found on the 2017 XE and XF sedans. Even the huge grille and lower air intakes are carryovers from Jaguar’s lineup of performance sedans. F-PACE borrows the minimalistic tail lamps from the original E-TYPE Jaguar sports cars. 

From the bulging hood and clean side profile to the strong rear shoulders, the overall look recalls the strength, purity and agile stance of a Panthera onca, ready to pounce.

Consistent with its sedan siblings, the interior is a near perfect blend of sportiness and refined elegance with generous seating for five. The new Incontrol Touch infotainment system with an eight-inch touch screen and Meridian sound system is standard; the Pro™ version with a huge 10.2-inch screen is optional.

A unique innovation for runners and those with an active lifestyle is Activity Key, a fully waterproof wristband that allows you to leave the bulkier key fob in the vehicle and lock and unlock your car with just the wristband.

F-PACE is available with a choice of three engine options, beginning with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel "20d" with 180 horsepower starting at $40,990, followed by a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 in either 340-horsepower "35t" or 380HP "S" forms, from $42,390 and $56,700 respectively. The turbodiesel and 340-horsepower V-6 versions come in normal, Premium, Prestige, or R-Sport trim levels. I drove both gas-engine models and it really took back-to-back driving to discern any difference in power.

All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on all models. The F-PACE S gets adaptive dynamics, which adjust the damping based on body and wheel movement for a smoother and more agile ride.

Overall, the range of models, trim levels and options is vast and allows you to custom build the F-PACE how you like it, but the price climbs easily with added options. Jaguar’s new SUV is easily more sports sedan-like than any rivals in its segment, and is an excellent choice for those seeking a true sports utility vehicle.

Vital Stats

Price: $40,990 - $70,735
Price as Tested: $70,735
Seating: 5
Engine: 2.0-L turbocharged diesel, 3.0-L supercharged V6
Horsepower: 180, 340 or, 380
Fuel Economy: 18/23 – City/Highway V6 – 380hp

Fab Features

Striking design inside and out
Advanced technology
Surprisingly roomy and comfortable

— Jim Prueter