2021 Jaguar Land Rover XF, F-Pace, Defender 90 Review
As Jaguar and Land Rover set their sights on an all-electric future there’s still business to take care of here in the present. Hi, I’m Steve Hammes from Drive Time coming to you from JLR North American headquarters here in Mahwah, New Jersey. And today I’m getting some seat time in the refreshed Jaguar XF sedan, F-PACE SUV and the all-new Land Rover Defender 90.
Under new leadership, Jaguar Land Rover is being reimagined. Starting in 2025, the goal is to turn Jaguar into an all-electric luxury brand while Land Rover is scheduled to debut 6 pure EVs beginning in 2024 culminating with all JLR vehicles being available in full electric form by 2030. And distinction between the 2 brands will be much stronger than it is now.
(XF) As the brand marches towards electrification the XF is the only sedan that Jaguar still offers. They primarily sell SUVs now. But for the 2021 model year Jaguar has made it easier on their consumers by lowering the number of derivatives of this car and the price.
To say the XF sells in small numbers would be an understatement. We’re talking less than 100 per month and it’s unlikely these model year updates are going to help much. But areas of concern have been addressed, such as the new Pivi Pro infotainment system with its curved touchscreen and over the air updates – a huge upgrade over the previous screen which wasn’t even competitive when new. Still no wireless phone projection however though I’m told it is coming. The interior features a greater attention to detail, higher quality touchpoints and a focus on quietness. As compared to the previous XF, everything but the glove box has been redesigned. There’s new seating with updated colors, a sportier drive selector and Active Noise Cancellation. It’s now offered in 3 configurations starting at $45,045 including destination, representing a rather large decrease in price. There’s the XF P250 S RWD, the P250 SE RWD and the one I’m driving; the P300 R-DYNAMIC SE AWD. So while the number of possible builds goes from 10 to 3 simplifying choices, Jaguar’s naming methodology is more confusing than ever.
(XF) Now this is kind of funny but not unprecedented because this actually happened to me one time before on another Jaguar shoot many years ago out in California. But this time I am on my way on the prescribed drive route to a lake and this friendly police officer here just told me that they have closed this road temporarily for a car commercial shoot. I don’t know the brand yet but we should see it soon.
This is the model with a more performance-focused look and is equipped here with the Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive damping to complement the torque vectoring all-wheel drive and 8-speed auto with paddle shifters. MSRP as tested is $62,295.
(XF) I never did get to see what car commercial they were shooting on this road but I can see why they chose it. It is beautiful, it is windy it is wet today but with the all-wheel drive here and this turbocharged, nearly 300 horsepower 4-cylinder engine in the Dynamic mode it is a pretty exciting drive.
Still, it faces an uphill battle in the midsize luxury sedan segment – BUT, that’s a segment consumers are leaving in droves anyhow.
(F-PACE) Next up on today’s drive is the 2021 F-PACE; that is Jaguar’s mid-size SUV which has been thoroughly freshened this year, as well. And if this interior looks familiar to you it’s because it’s very similar to the XF I was just in. But unlike that car which had a turbo-4 this one has the straight turbo-6.
This is the brand’s sales leader and it’s not even close. And new this year is the aforementioned, more luxurious cabin, a freshening of the front and rear end styling, and a big powertrain shakeup. The diesel died a couple of years ago and now it’s the supercharged V6 to get the axe. Now, you’ve got the turbo-4 as the base engine and 2 mild hybrids…the P340 S which runs with a turbo- and electrically supercharged inline 6 and the one I’m driving, the P400 R-Dynamic S.
(F-PACE) Far more relevant and exciting to drive is the F-PACE equipped here with 395 horsepower and over 400 pound-feet of torque. Now, from the outside everything from the a-pillar forward has been updated and just like the XF the number of derivatives offered have has been reduced from 12 to 5 to simplify the buying process. And even though the XFR has been discontinued the F-PACE SVR lives on if you would rather a supercharged V8.
With a 48-volt lithium-ion battery storing energy generated when slowing and braking and then using it to assist the engine and provide smoother start/stop operation, this new arraignment achieves significantly better highway fuel economy, a 17% improvement, and 2mpg overall in in combined driving. This F-PACE will put away 60mph in 5 seconds flat, a tenth of a second quicker than before. The new F-PACE chassis has been updated to support the introduction of the new electrified engines as well as enabling the latest JaguarDrive Control with adaptive dynamics and new Auto Vehicle Hold feature. In addition to the same cabin updates the XF has received, the F-APCE also gets an optional air ionization system that captures ultra-fine particles and 2nd gen wearable Activity Key. Pricing starts at $51,145. All-wheel drive is standard.
(F-PACE) I’ve drive a bunch of F-PACEs through the years but I’ve never really grown attached to them but I have to say that I’m really enjoying the driving dynamics of this R model. But at over $82,000 I’m not so sure.
(Defender 90) And last up for me today is the new Defender 90. This is the 2-door Defender following the 110 – the 4-door – which went on sale last year. And as Land Rover describes it, this is the one meant for you.
With a shorter wheelbase and a lower price, you can think of the new 90 as more of a coupe experience. And you certainly don’t see many SUVs without rear doors anymore. With a starting MSRP of $47,125 including destination, the 90 is $4,400 less than the 110 yet the rear seat room is almost identical. It’s in the cargo area where it loses space. Its 31 degree breakover angle is also the best.
(Defender 90) Unfortunately there won’t be any off-roading today but on these windy passes here in northern New Jersey I can tell you the 90 feels even more nimble on-road than the 110 does. It’s a beautiful drive so don’t think of the Defender as a one trick pony that’s meant for off-roading because out here it feels just as good.
There are 5 trims with 2 different powertrains starting with 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 296 horsepower and here, in this Defender 90 First Edition, the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 with electric assist. With 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, this is the quickest Defender with a 0-to-60mph time of 5.7 seconds with max towing of over 8,200 pounds. This well-equipped model I’m driving stickers at $66,475 and nets 19mpg on premium and the accessories offered are nearly endless.
(Defender 90) This is definitely my favorite test drive of the day. You know I’m a big Defender fan if you’ve watched my 100 review and this one just seems a little cooler. It also has some improved off-road chops and even this optional middle seat up here so you could seat 6. It is a spectacular vehicle both off- and on-road.
And if you’re wondering, the 2022 model year offers a familiar 3rd engine to the Defender 90 and 110 lineup – the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 – with a starting price of near $100,000.
Under new leadership, Jaguar Land Rover is being reimagined. Starting in 2025, the goal is to turn Jaguar into an all-electric luxury brand while Land Rover is scheduled to debut 6 pure EVs beginning in 2024 culminating with all JLR vehicles being available in full electric form by 2030. And distinction between the 2 brands will be much stronger than it is now.
(XF) As the brand marches towards electrification the XF is the only sedan that Jaguar still offers. They primarily sell SUVs now. But for the 2021 model year Jaguar has made it easier on their consumers by lowering the number of derivatives of this car and the price.
To say the XF sells in small numbers would be an understatement. We’re talking less than 100 per month and it’s unlikely these model year updates are going to help much. But areas of concern have been addressed, such as the new Pivi Pro infotainment system with its curved touchscreen and over the air updates – a huge upgrade over the previous screen which wasn’t even competitive when new. Still no wireless phone projection however though I’m told it is coming. The interior features a greater attention to detail, higher quality touchpoints and a focus on quietness. As compared to the previous XF, everything but the glove box has been redesigned. There’s new seating with updated colors, a sportier drive selector and Active Noise Cancellation. It’s now offered in 3 configurations starting at $45,045 including destination, representing a rather large decrease in price. There’s the XF P250 S RWD, the P250 SE RWD and the one I’m driving; the P300 R-DYNAMIC SE AWD. So while the number of possible builds goes from 10 to 3 simplifying choices, Jaguar’s naming methodology is more confusing than ever.
(XF) Now this is kind of funny but not unprecedented because this actually happened to me one time before on another Jaguar shoot many years ago out in California. But this time I am on my way on the prescribed drive route to a lake and this friendly police officer here just told me that they have closed this road temporarily for a car commercial shoot. I don’t know the brand yet but we should see it soon.
This is the model with a more performance-focused look and is equipped here with the Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive damping to complement the torque vectoring all-wheel drive and 8-speed auto with paddle shifters. MSRP as tested is $62,295.
(XF) I never did get to see what car commercial they were shooting on this road but I can see why they chose it. It is beautiful, it is windy it is wet today but with the all-wheel drive here and this turbocharged, nearly 300 horsepower 4-cylinder engine in the Dynamic mode it is a pretty exciting drive.
Still, it faces an uphill battle in the midsize luxury sedan segment – BUT, that’s a segment consumers are leaving in droves anyhow.
(F-PACE) Next up on today’s drive is the 2021 F-PACE; that is Jaguar’s mid-size SUV which has been thoroughly freshened this year, as well. And if this interior looks familiar to you it’s because it’s very similar to the XF I was just in. But unlike that car which had a turbo-4 this one has the straight turbo-6.
This is the brand’s sales leader and it’s not even close. And new this year is the aforementioned, more luxurious cabin, a freshening of the front and rear end styling, and a big powertrain shakeup. The diesel died a couple of years ago and now it’s the supercharged V6 to get the axe. Now, you’ve got the turbo-4 as the base engine and 2 mild hybrids…the P340 S which runs with a turbo- and electrically supercharged inline 6 and the one I’m driving, the P400 R-Dynamic S.
(F-PACE) Far more relevant and exciting to drive is the F-PACE equipped here with 395 horsepower and over 400 pound-feet of torque. Now, from the outside everything from the a-pillar forward has been updated and just like the XF the number of derivatives offered have has been reduced from 12 to 5 to simplify the buying process. And even though the XFR has been discontinued the F-PACE SVR lives on if you would rather a supercharged V8.
With a 48-volt lithium-ion battery storing energy generated when slowing and braking and then using it to assist the engine and provide smoother start/stop operation, this new arraignment achieves significantly better highway fuel economy, a 17% improvement, and 2mpg overall in in combined driving. This F-PACE will put away 60mph in 5 seconds flat, a tenth of a second quicker than before. The new F-PACE chassis has been updated to support the introduction of the new electrified engines as well as enabling the latest JaguarDrive Control with adaptive dynamics and new Auto Vehicle Hold feature. In addition to the same cabin updates the XF has received, the F-APCE also gets an optional air ionization system that captures ultra-fine particles and 2nd gen wearable Activity Key. Pricing starts at $51,145. All-wheel drive is standard.
(F-PACE) I’ve drive a bunch of F-PACEs through the years but I’ve never really grown attached to them but I have to say that I’m really enjoying the driving dynamics of this R model. But at over $82,000 I’m not so sure.
(Defender 90) And last up for me today is the new Defender 90. This is the 2-door Defender following the 110 – the 4-door – which went on sale last year. And as Land Rover describes it, this is the one meant for you.
With a shorter wheelbase and a lower price, you can think of the new 90 as more of a coupe experience. And you certainly don’t see many SUVs without rear doors anymore. With a starting MSRP of $47,125 including destination, the 90 is $4,400 less than the 110 yet the rear seat room is almost identical. It’s in the cargo area where it loses space. Its 31 degree breakover angle is also the best.
(Defender 90) Unfortunately there won’t be any off-roading today but on these windy passes here in northern New Jersey I can tell you the 90 feels even more nimble on-road than the 110 does. It’s a beautiful drive so don’t think of the Defender as a one trick pony that’s meant for off-roading because out here it feels just as good.
There are 5 trims with 2 different powertrains starting with 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 296 horsepower and here, in this Defender 90 First Edition, the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 with electric assist. With 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, this is the quickest Defender with a 0-to-60mph time of 5.7 seconds with max towing of over 8,200 pounds. This well-equipped model I’m driving stickers at $66,475 and nets 19mpg on premium and the accessories offered are nearly endless.
(Defender 90) This is definitely my favorite test drive of the day. You know I’m a big Defender fan if you’ve watched my 100 review and this one just seems a little cooler. It also has some improved off-road chops and even this optional middle seat up here so you could seat 6. It is a spectacular vehicle both off- and on-road.
And if you’re wondering, the 2022 model year offers a familiar 3rd engine to the Defender 90 and 110 lineup – the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 – with a starting price of near $100,000.
2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Review
According to my YouTube channel it’s been 3 years since my last full F-PACE review. I did briefly drive the updated 2021 model this past spring along with other new Jaguar Land Rover products; that video is available by clicking the link up here. But the F-PACE SVR? This is my first time, though I’ve had my week with another SVR model – the Range Rover Sport. So I kind of knew what to expect but so far this Jag – with a host of performance, design and tech tweaks – is raising the bar as to what SVR can truly be.
This is the only Jaguar that sells in an appreciable number. Not this super high-performing SVR trim, mind you, which sits here at over $97,000 but the F-PACE in general which resides in the popular mid-size SUV segment and starts at a relatively attainable $51,145 including destination. And just like every gas-powered vehicle in Jaguar’s current lineup, it’s only here for 4 more years as the full electrification of the brand begins in 2025. So if you’ve got lots of money, may I suggest you tuck one of these away while it’s still available because nothing beats a Jag with a supercharged V8.
This is one of 2 Jaguar SVR models for sale with the other being the F-TYPE 2-seater and new this year is higher torque output for the 5.0-liter engine leading to even quicker acceleration and a raised top speed of 178 mph. With more speed also comes better braking. The steering system and adaptive dampers have been retuned for more control and greater comfort at low speeds and the new front bodywork reduces unwanted lift. And then inside everything has been touched to bring the interior up to date and give it the high end appeal it thus far has been lacking. So this feels like a comprehensive freshening and one that turns this Velocity Blue beauty into a dream machine – this special paint costs over $4,500, by the way. The stance, the color, the wheels, the sound – this is Jaguar at its modern best exceeding expectations as to what a crazy fast SUV can be. Even if a sport-ute that can cut down 60mph in in a mere 3.8 seconds isn’t really your thing, I promise just one drive of the F-PACE SVR can go a long way to changing your mind. And this isn’t a Durango SRT Hellcat situation; the driver will truly appreciate the prodigious power while turning the wheel. This drives like a honed sports car that just happens to also have 8.5” of ground clearance and all-wheel drive.
The drive is 550 horsepower of supercharged awesomeness with bellowing pipes and neck-snapping acceleration and despite the 4,500 pounds it has to manage the handling and steering feel is impeccable for an SUV. This is truly a great drive; the kind you crave to do again and again. And the balance here between ride comfort and its dynamic characteristics is spot on. So there really isn’t anything would change here about the driving experience.
The exhaust sounds are intoxicating as you work the bulked up 8-speed and its paddle shifters in Dynamic mode but for quieter times the pipes default to a more neighborhood-friendly setting upon startup. If you prefer it louder you can switch it on regardless of drive mode. The Dynamic mode can also be configured using 4 individual parameters. And without having to specifically select it, the new Dynamic Launch function is responsible for keeping the power to the pavement with the uprated 516 pound-feet of torque delivered more precisely through the rear differential for even better acceleration. And let me tell you; this thing is fast. Taking it down the runway is a mind-blowing experience. Transitioning to the road can be as serene and as peaceful as you want it to be…that’s this F-PACE’s wide dynamic range. And even with the stiffer shocks and springs and these Pirelli P Zero max performance summer tires – wider in the rear, the ride quality is surprisingly compliant when in comfort mode. The cabin is quiet, too. So this is a do-it-all machine – thrilling and visceral when provoked and docile when left to be. My favorite times are paddle shifting on the backroads where the torque vectoring all-wheel drive system, precise controls and immediate supercharging make carving up the curves an absolute delight and the exhaust is oh-so Jaguar. And these sport seats not only look amazing with their new garnishes but they provide the perfect amount of support for SVR driving.
Jaguar has done an excellent job here in thoroughly updating this F-PACE and all of the areas they’ve paid special attention to practically make it seem like brand new. And perhaps nothing is more notable than the new electronics architecture which replaces their old navigation screens and displays that weren’t even competitive really back when they were new. Unfortunately, you still do need your phone cable in order to project here but Jaguar tells me that’s about to change in the not so distant future. And this system here is called Pivi Pro and it’s really, really good but a couple of more off-screen buttons could make it great. The satellite mapping, the colorful head-up display and the look and feel of all of the upgraded materials really hits a homerun. Now, my only areas of beef concern the new shifter which is kind of stubby and difficult to engage and a lack of center console space.
Yeah, this system is a huge step up in every way. Simple but robust; it’s faster, cleaner and more modern with some very cool imagery and camera controls. But I really would appreciate a tuning knob for the radio…an old school thing that has yet to be properly replaced. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shifted into drive only to realize I’m still in reverse. There’s a great head-up display and the driver information area – though not as customizable as that of some if its rivals -finally looks modern. Push and pull, turn and press – that’s how the cleaner look of the F-PACE’s controls work. The rear seats are deep and legroom friendly with a big pano roof overhead and separate climate controls with seat heating. And cargo room continues to be abundant and widely cut. Added goodies include a cooled glovebox, air quality sensor and cabin air ionization with filter. This F-PACE also benefits from an incredible Meridian Surround Sound System which compliments the cabin’s luxury-sport ambiance replete with ambient lighting that pops at night.
Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations has gotten this exactly right and it’s cheaper and faster than the comparable Range Rover Sport. So get it before it’s gone.
This is the only Jaguar that sells in an appreciable number. Not this super high-performing SVR trim, mind you, which sits here at over $97,000 but the F-PACE in general which resides in the popular mid-size SUV segment and starts at a relatively attainable $51,145 including destination. And just like every gas-powered vehicle in Jaguar’s current lineup, it’s only here for 4 more years as the full electrification of the brand begins in 2025. So if you’ve got lots of money, may I suggest you tuck one of these away while it’s still available because nothing beats a Jag with a supercharged V8.
This is one of 2 Jaguar SVR models for sale with the other being the F-TYPE 2-seater and new this year is higher torque output for the 5.0-liter engine leading to even quicker acceleration and a raised top speed of 178 mph. With more speed also comes better braking. The steering system and adaptive dampers have been retuned for more control and greater comfort at low speeds and the new front bodywork reduces unwanted lift. And then inside everything has been touched to bring the interior up to date and give it the high end appeal it thus far has been lacking. So this feels like a comprehensive freshening and one that turns this Velocity Blue beauty into a dream machine – this special paint costs over $4,500, by the way. The stance, the color, the wheels, the sound – this is Jaguar at its modern best exceeding expectations as to what a crazy fast SUV can be. Even if a sport-ute that can cut down 60mph in in a mere 3.8 seconds isn’t really your thing, I promise just one drive of the F-PACE SVR can go a long way to changing your mind. And this isn’t a Durango SRT Hellcat situation; the driver will truly appreciate the prodigious power while turning the wheel. This drives like a honed sports car that just happens to also have 8.5” of ground clearance and all-wheel drive.
The drive is 550 horsepower of supercharged awesomeness with bellowing pipes and neck-snapping acceleration and despite the 4,500 pounds it has to manage the handling and steering feel is impeccable for an SUV. This is truly a great drive; the kind you crave to do again and again. And the balance here between ride comfort and its dynamic characteristics is spot on. So there really isn’t anything would change here about the driving experience.
The exhaust sounds are intoxicating as you work the bulked up 8-speed and its paddle shifters in Dynamic mode but for quieter times the pipes default to a more neighborhood-friendly setting upon startup. If you prefer it louder you can switch it on regardless of drive mode. The Dynamic mode can also be configured using 4 individual parameters. And without having to specifically select it, the new Dynamic Launch function is responsible for keeping the power to the pavement with the uprated 516 pound-feet of torque delivered more precisely through the rear differential for even better acceleration. And let me tell you; this thing is fast. Taking it down the runway is a mind-blowing experience. Transitioning to the road can be as serene and as peaceful as you want it to be…that’s this F-PACE’s wide dynamic range. And even with the stiffer shocks and springs and these Pirelli P Zero max performance summer tires – wider in the rear, the ride quality is surprisingly compliant when in comfort mode. The cabin is quiet, too. So this is a do-it-all machine – thrilling and visceral when provoked and docile when left to be. My favorite times are paddle shifting on the backroads where the torque vectoring all-wheel drive system, precise controls and immediate supercharging make carving up the curves an absolute delight and the exhaust is oh-so Jaguar. And these sport seats not only look amazing with their new garnishes but they provide the perfect amount of support for SVR driving.
Jaguar has done an excellent job here in thoroughly updating this F-PACE and all of the areas they’ve paid special attention to practically make it seem like brand new. And perhaps nothing is more notable than the new electronics architecture which replaces their old navigation screens and displays that weren’t even competitive really back when they were new. Unfortunately, you still do need your phone cable in order to project here but Jaguar tells me that’s about to change in the not so distant future. And this system here is called Pivi Pro and it’s really, really good but a couple of more off-screen buttons could make it great. The satellite mapping, the colorful head-up display and the look and feel of all of the upgraded materials really hits a homerun. Now, my only areas of beef concern the new shifter which is kind of stubby and difficult to engage and a lack of center console space.
Yeah, this system is a huge step up in every way. Simple but robust; it’s faster, cleaner and more modern with some very cool imagery and camera controls. But I really would appreciate a tuning knob for the radio…an old school thing that has yet to be properly replaced. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shifted into drive only to realize I’m still in reverse. There’s a great head-up display and the driver information area – though not as customizable as that of some if its rivals -finally looks modern. Push and pull, turn and press – that’s how the cleaner look of the F-PACE’s controls work. The rear seats are deep and legroom friendly with a big pano roof overhead and separate climate controls with seat heating. And cargo room continues to be abundant and widely cut. Added goodies include a cooled glovebox, air quality sensor and cabin air ionization with filter. This F-PACE also benefits from an incredible Meridian Surround Sound System which compliments the cabin’s luxury-sport ambiance replete with ambient lighting that pops at night.
Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations has gotten this exactly right and it’s cheaper and faster than the comparable Range Rover Sport. So get it before it’s gone.