2021 Jaguar F-Pace P400 R-Dynamic S First Test: Getting Better All the Time

We had a mostly positive experience with the 2017 jaguar f-pace we evaluated during a year-long test back in 2018, and the revised 2021 jaguar f-pace P400 R-Dynamic S delivers a more polished body and a beautifully refreshed interior for Jaguar's best-selling model. We enjoyed our previous experience of the F-Pace P400 R-Dynamic S, and we recently recalled the model to our testing fleet to record some tangible numbers to accompany our seat-of-the-pants impressions. Sitting below the range-topping F-Pace SVR, our evaluation vehicle carried a price of $82,245, which covered an array of optional equipment. Enticing options included the $2,220 Premium Upgrade Interior package, Hot Climate package at $2,110, and 14-way performance-style seats for $2,925.

At first glance, the 2021 jaguar f-pace P400 R-Dynamic S' seats, though gorgeously upholstered in Siena Tan Windsor leather, appear aggressive and potentially uncomfortable. But once you make your necessary adjustments, including side-bolster and lumbar-support settings, you find a sweet spot that accommodates you comfortably on the road all day long. We thanked the ventilated seats when climbing into the Jaguar after hiking in the heat of a toasty Los Angeles summer day—we also appreciated how swiftly the air conditioning system cooled the cabin.

Besides the sleek seats, we approved of the updated F-Pace interior's 11.4-inch infotainment display. The tablet-style touchscreen is positioned conveniently, and it's intuitive to use and pleasingly responsive. It integrates well-designed graphics, a good choice of muted colors, and a clean menu layout. This infotainment setup excels at navigation; listening to a British woman's voice guide us around Los Angeles was amusing, too. Meanwhile, an alert that appears briefly in the center of the instrument cluster to inform you that you're about to reach your exit is super helpful.

We also noted several clever design features, including the pop-up drive-mode selector, volume level indicator, and multifunctional HVAC controls. Following a stroll down Carroll Ave. through a historical L.A. suburb featuring 19th-century Victorian homes, an image of Dusty Springfield's "The Look of Love" streaming on Spotify surfaced on the instrument cluster. It was a welcome touch: This feature isn't unique to the F-Pace, but most vehicles usually display only the artist's name and the song title.

Our 2021 jaguar f-pace P400 R-Dynamic S test vehicle was equipped with an excellent 360-degree camera, which proved welcome when we pulled into a crowded shopping mall parking lot. On the flip side, a minor annoyance revealed itself when we attempted to figure out how to disable the engine auto stop/start system. We finally discovered tapping the settings icon on the lower right of the default touchscreen menu brings up the option to defeat it.

Power to the 2021 jaguar f-pace P400 R-Dynamic S springs from a 3.0-liter turbo- and supercharged I-6 with mild hybrid technology. The engine produces 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Power delivery is direct, and transmission shifts are brisk.

Whether it was slicing through freeway traffic, maneuvering on overwhelmingly crowded Hollywood streets, or gently ascending an uphill road, the jaguar f-pace performed like a confident leader. While the ride quality is reasonably smooth on most road surfaces when driving in Comfort mode, switching to Dynamic mode means you feel almost every blemish. Indeed, Dynamic engages the Jag's aggressive side and means the suspension becomes stiffer and rapid acceleration doesn't require a heavy foot.

Nimble and fun around corners, this luxury compact SUV drives with precision thanks to its steering, stopping power, and body control. In our testing, the all-wheel-drive jaguar f-pace P400 R-Dynamic S accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and its best braking distance from that same speed registered 116 feet. It completed our figure-eight handling course in 26.4 seconds at an average of 0.68 g. For the quarter mile, the F-Pace registered 14.3 seconds at 99.4 mph. For a brief comparison, in our previous testing, the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 recorded a quarter mile time of 13.6 seconds at 101.6 mph, the Acura RDX PMC Edition needed 14.9 seconds at 93.3 mph, and the Audi Q5 required 14.4 seconds at 95.0 mph.

When the sun began its descent, our day's L.A. voyage concluded with a final stop at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. We located film legends Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Douglas Fairbanks and paid our respects. Upon returning the glowing blue Jaguar to our headquarters in El Segundo, we couldn't help but get a bit sentimental. It was a bloody good day behind the wheel of a 2021 jaguar f-pace P400 R-Dynamic S.