Another Freshened Face: Jaguar Updates the F-Pace

The model-year updates are starting to come in fast and furious.

That includes the Jaguar F-Pace.

For 2021, the changes include an updated interior, an exterior refresh, new engine choices, updated tech, and a couple of convenience goodies.

Let’s start with the outside. The SUV gets quad headlamps that are all-LED. The hood, front bumper/air intakes, grille, and taillights all get updated, as well. Jaguar adds its famed “Leaper” logo to the fenders.

Inside, the biggest change is a curved HD infotainment touchscreen that measures 11.4 inches. The infotainment system is updated to simplify menus – Jaguar claims most actions will require two taps or less – and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the ability to pair two phones simultaneously via Bluetooth are standard.

A 12.3-inch digital display for drivers is available, and it includes features like a turn-by-turn navigation overlay. A head-up display is available, too. Wood and aluminum trim bits will be available to dress up the cabin. Jaguar claims to have further spiffed up the joint by increasing the use of soft-touch materials, particularly in frequently touched areas, such as the armrests and side of the center console.

The center console is new, and it includes a wireless phone charger. New seats have wider cushions to go along with massage functionality, and Jaguar claims that the heated and cooled seats will cover more of one’s, um, seated area. Some models will get the Leaper logo embossed into the headrests and a set of upholstery tags that reference Jaguar’s history.

Noise cancellation will cancel out road and engine noise, and there is standard ambient lighting.

Over-the-air software updates are now available, along with an exit-monitoring safety feature that alerts occupants to approaching cyclists or cars or whatever before they open the door. Blind-spot assist with rear-traffic monitor is standard, along with a 360-degree camera with 3D capability.

Heated seats, premium audio, keyless entry, and satellite radio are standard. Jaguar’s Activity Key can now start the F-Pace even when the key fob isn’t present.

There are three gas engines available, all pairing to an eight-speed automatic transmission: A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 246 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque (250, S 250 trims), a 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-six that makes 335 horsepower (S 340), and a 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-six that makes 395 horsepower (R-Dynamic S 400). All-wheel drive with a rear-drive bias is standard and the two six-cylinder powertrains are mild hybrids.

The mild hybrids use a belt-driven starter/generator to harvest energy that would otherwise be wasted during braking and stores it in a 48V lithium-ion battery. From there, that energy can be re-used to assist with acceleration. Drive modes include Comfort, Eco, Rain/Ice/Snow, and Dynamic. An Auto Vehicle Hold feature builds on hill-hold assist systems and applies the brakes to hold your F-Pace in place until you touch the gas.

[Images: Jaguar Land Rover]