Auto review by Veeno Dewan,
The Jaguar F-Pace debuted in 2017 as the historic British automaker’s first SUV. Now it has the distinction of being Jaguar’s last vehicle with a fully powered gasoline engine as the company transitions to electric vehicles. Eight years on, the supercharged V8-powered SVR remains a superb-looking, aggressive yet graceful compact SUV. It sits low and dramatic with its sculpted hood, menacing black mesh grille, hunched shoulders, and wide track. With optional 22-inch forged alloy wheels, new LED headlights, and quad-exhaust tips, it remains wonderful to look at and attracts stares and admiration everywhere. Changes are minimal for these years with standard blacked-out exterior trim and an ebony headliner. Meanwhile, there are two 22-inch wheel packages available.
We were fortunate to evaluate the high-performance F-Pace P575 SVR, powered by a highly tuned supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine under the hood. This unit generates an impressive 567 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends torque to all four wheels. The SVR trim is denoted by blacked-out exterior trim, grille, and badges. Discreet SVR badging on the trunk lid and wheel rims, flared side air intakes, and aggressive quad exhausts finish the look. Performance is rated at very quick 0-100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds.
The F-Pace interior matches the gorgeous exterior with a mix of sublime sportiness, elegance, and comfort. This SUV seats four comfortably and five people at a squeeze. The materials inside the F-Pace SVR are premium as you would expect, while build quality, fit, and finish are superb. It is all there—suede, carbon fibre, polished metal, and premium cream Windsor leather draping the cabin’s doors, dash, and seats. The sports-themed sculpted seats are heated and ventilated, and decked out in a posh quilted design. The rear cabin is equally as good as the front, with decent enough legroom in the back, although shoulder room is at a premium. The generous 650-litre rear cargo capacity means the F-Pace is practical as well as sporty for everyday driving.
Jaguar has equipped the F-Pace SVR with plenty of technology. All models come standard with a powerful audiophile-quality 12-speaker Meridian audio system and an infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen display. Navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is standard. There is also full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support with Google Assistant or Apple Siri augmenting the onboard voice assistant.
The 2026 Jaguar F-Pace model comes in 3 trim levels. Canadian pricing ranges from $66,900 to $104,200. The entry-level, P250 R-Dynamic S model starts at $66,900 for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The price for the mid-range P400 R-Dynamic S trim is $76,400. The as-tested most expensive P575 SVR is priced at $104,200. Freight and PDI are $1,950.
The F-Pace SVR comes with full safety features, including driver-assistance aids such as standard automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
On the road, the F-Pace SVR offers an awesomely engaging driving experience. The cool, dedicated exhaust button offers an instant cacophony of the engine valves opening as the engine roars to life. The thrills don’t stop as the instant power delivery from the supercharged engine rockets you with an addictive rush of acceleration. Paired with the 8-speed gearbox, upshifts are quick, and the SVR offers three fixed drive modes for more modulated performance. On-road dynamics are impressive. There is agile, quick responding handling, and precise steering. Importantly for such a quick SUV, braking matches performance with fast-acting, responsive, and non-grabbing effectiveness. No downsides in the SVR, but beware the ride is firm on less than great surfaces- a compromise to deliver better handling. Fuel economy with the thirsty V8 is 14.5 L/100 km combined, but this should not be a concern if you can ante up for the SVR’s price.
For buyers looking for a more discerning take on a high-performance luxury SUV with distinctive British heritage, the SVR version of the F-Pace is the one to buy. The 2.0L will somehow always leave you hankering for more. Major rivals in this compact luxury segment include the usual German brands that are competent, but also a bit commonplace. The Jaguar does offer exclusivity for sure.
To sum up, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR offers a unique look, feel, sound, and tremendous performance from the supercharged V8. Yet it still offers everyday driving practicality. Sadly, V8 gasoline engines are a dying breed, and the F-Pace must be seriously considered if a thrill-inducing luxury performance SUV is a must-have. Wonderful in every way.
2025 Jaguar F-Pace SVR – Base Priced from: $104,200. Plus, tax, delivery, and options.
