2019 Jaguar F-Pace 20d R-Sport review: Why the diesel is smart

What would it be: A high end compact crossover by having an efficient (and fun) diesel engine together with the already nimble F-Pace chassis

Key Competitors: Porsche Macan, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, BMW X3

Base Price: $55,895 As-Tested Price: $55,895

Highlights: The Jaguar F-Pace midsize SUV gets 380- or 340-hp V6 or the base engine, a 180-hp, 2.0-liter diesel like our tester. They all are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, and also a light, aluminum-intensive chassis which causes the F-Pace our favorite utilities.

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Gallery: 2019 Jaguar F-Pace technology and infotainment

Our Opinion: The Jaguar F-Pace, in spite of trim level, is just about the best-looking luxury SUVs available. It seems low, lean and mean, plus the spoiler is just the correct quantity of aggressive.

It’s all to easy to get accustomed to the rotary knob shifter, the seats are firm and supportive as well as the interior stitching looks high-class, especially along with the reasonable cost of the Jag. It doesn’t feature Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a small oversight, nonetheless it did hook up with my iPhone with not a hitch.

The diesel may be a spunky little mill with 318 lb-ft of torque; Jag's V6 alternatives are faster overall, but they're higher priced and thirstier; I never felt such as the diesel lacked gusto. Shifts through the eight-speed auto are smooth and it always usually pick the right gear on hard downshifts.

Some publications have were unsatisfied with the F-Pace's ride — admittedly, it's sprung as being a mildly stiff European sedan, but that's not a complaint in my opinion. It’s probably additional sporty than other SUVs inside the class, but as well as the sharp steering, it's great for dicing up expressway traffic, and there’s little body roll.

The R-Sport package adds bigger wheels, metal and chrome accents and some safety features. Truly the only complaint? Any emergency braking radar, which seemed a bit more sensitive computer system must be, putting the brakes on those expressway dicing antics.