As Ferris Bueller remarked, “Life moves pretty fast.” It’s astonishing how quickly you can go from a single twenty-something hitting the town with your friends to someone with a career, a house, a spouse and children you love with all your heart, and the need for something a bit more spacious than a small car. A crossover utility vehicle makes a ton of sense as a parental daily driver, as families from Los Angeles to London have found. However, what if you still want to have fun on your commute? Well, a Jaguar F-Pace SVR might be exactly what you need.
Sure, its Trenbolone-injected body kit isn’t exactly subtle, and its revolutionary war soundtrack will earn you dirty scowls from other parents in the school drop-off line, but this 550-horsepower supercharged crossover is a bit like opening a packet of Doritos in church. People might not necessarily approve of it, but secretly, some of them want a piece of the action. Best of all, you can now buy Jaguar’s adventure in CUV lunacy for the price of a loaded RAV4 Hybrid.
What Are We Looking At?
It’s easy to forget that just a few short years ago, Jaguar’s lineup offered some absolutely insane stuff. Take the F-Pace SVR, for example. Instead of being an overly serious built-by-spreadsheets machine, it’s an immaculately crafted tight-five that’ll have you grinning ear-to-ear with laughter. See, while most luxury manufacturers aside from Mercedes-Benz were turning up the wick on boosted sixes in their compact luxury crossovers, Jaguar reached into its parts bin and fished out a 550-horsepower five-liter supercharged V8. Mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and aided by an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, this rambunctious powertrain lets the F-Pace SVR slingshot from zero-to-60 mph in about four seconds.
I know what you’re thinking, that’s not quite as quick as an Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio or a Mercedes-AMG GLC 63. No, it’s not, but speed is only half the equation, because so much of a performance car’s worth lays in how it makes you feel. As Car And Driver reported:
In full-attack mode, the F-Pace SVR catapults away from stoplights with the sort of face-peeling force formerly reserved for more ground-hugging, much less family-friendly performance sleds. The Dynamic setting also is the mode of choice for connecting apexes on twisty roads, with its more aggressive suspension helping the body to resist pitch and roll motions. Precise steering lets this F-Pace stick to its driver’s intended line with the obedience of a bloodhound. Best of all, let off the accelerator in Dynamic mode and the active exhaust system emits the firecracker bangs that have become a signature trait of high-performance Jaguars. Those loud pipes also facilitate a freer-breathing exhaust system, which is more the proverbial cherry on top than a significant contributor to the SVR’s performance gains.
The F-Pace SVR is a proper experience, yet also one that won’t beat you up. Ride quality is positively supple, especially compared to a Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 or a BMW X3 M, and the high-back seats offer superb comfort and support. Jaguar didn’t forget that it needed to be a family vehicle first, which explains why such a riotous engine comes with suspension that breathes with the road and a form factor that kind of does everything. Not only can the F-Pace SVR comfortably seat five and pack away plenty of luggage, it can tow 5,291 pounds.
How Much Are We Talking?
Alright, so you can’t get an F-Pace SVR for base RAV4 money, but if you’re looking for something feature-equivalent, the tables turn. A tippy top-spec RAV4 Hybrid Limited with the optional heated steering wheel and 360-degree parking camera system will run you $43,440 including freight. In contrast, here’s an Ultra Blue 2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR that recently hammered on Cars & Bids for $40,161, and it seems lovely. Not only did it have a mere 38,800 miles on the clock when it sold, it’s in a great color and was specced way up. Driver assistance pack? Check. Cooled glovebox and four-zone climate control? Check. An 825-watt Meridian surround sound system? Check.
Alright, maybe you’re interested in something more subtle than bright blue. No worries. This 2020 F-Pace SVR is up for sale at a BMW dealer in Georgia for $38,000, and it seems pretty great. Not only does it have a clean history report and a reasonable 61,103 miles on the clock, it’s also a high-spec car with four-zone climate control, 22-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, and heated everything.
Perhaps you’re particularly daring and want to go with a properly cheap example? Well, this 2019 model is up for sale at a used car dealer in Florida for the low price of $32,999. At this point, you’re probably wondering what’s obviously wrong with it, and the news is likely underwhelming. It’s got a clean Carfax, Jaguar dealer service history into 2023, and it’s not some zero-option example either. It simply has 115,348 miles on the clock. Keep in mind, this exact car had a sticker price of $90,475 when new, and now it’s worth a bit more than a third of that.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong With A Jaguar F-Pace SVR?
While earlier Jaguar models with the five-liter V8 are known for consuming timing components, the F-Pace SVR launched late enough that all examples come equipped with a vastly improved timing set, so the engine itself is fairly solid. The ZF 8HP automatic transmission has a great reputation for reliability and the aluminum coachwork seems to hold up well in salty climates, but even though the most important bits of an F-Pace SVR seem fairly solid, that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods.
See, while there are few super common failure points on the F-Pace SVR, a minority of owners have reported a variety of glitches, most of which seem to be resolved by chucking in a new battery. These cars really aren’t happy below 12.2 volts, and they have power-hungry electrical systems. As such, it’s probably best to treat the battery as a wear item so owners don’t run around needlessly replacing other components, which seems insane, but it’s a genuine first line of defense.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for coolant leaks. While the F-Pace SVR is late enough to get some upgraded parts over earlier five-liter supercharged V8 applications, it’s not immune to letting out some fluid unceremoniously. A handful of owners have reported auxiliary radiator failure at relatively low mileage, an issue that shouldn’t be hard to spot during a pre-purchase inspection and won’t cost an absolute fortune. As these vehicles start to reach higher mileage, the big one to potentially look out for is coolant pipes that run under the supercharger on the five-liter V8. Aluminum aftermarket replacements are available for less than $100, but the labor involved in pulling the supercharger is significant.
Should You Buy A Jaguar F-Pace SVR For RAV4 Money?
Look, a Jaguar F-Pace SVR isn’t a sensible alternative to a hybrid RAV4. Not only is it officially rated at 18 mpg combined, it rolls on seriously expensive tires, and there’s a good chance it won’t be faultless. In some ways, owning an F-Pace SVR would be a bit like having a pet elephant, but if this is the sort of machine that piques your interest, there is a way to do it right. See, many of these hot crossovers are new enough to get a good third-party extended warranty on. With that sort of protection, it may be worth taking the plunge if you can stomach the fuel bills. We’ll have plenty of time to drive sensible hybrid crossovers in the future, but supercharged V8s? Those are an endangered species.
Top graphic image: Cars & Bids
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When we were looking at replacing our leased Rav4 we did look at an F-Pace. The vehicle was for my spouse and it was well received, but the reliablity factor pushed us over to the Rav4, which was what we turned in at the end of the lease.
The other option is an F Pace P400 R dynamic with the turbo charged inline 6. Not as shouty as the SVR but still pretty quick and great to drive. Thanks to extensive use of aluminum in their construction the F Pace is surprisingly lightweight and feels more like a lifted sports sedan than a crossover to drive IMO.
Right now our two car solution is a Jaguar F Type and a Mazda CX-5. If my wife and I decided we could live with a one car solution one of the more powerful F Pace’s would be right at the top of the list.
I have seen and heard a couple of these running around my area. They really look sweet to my eye, and the sounds of the exhaust firing off are just a bonus.
And yes there’s something about them that makes me want one despite the risk involved.
Then I realize that a RAV4 is gonna have the dealer mark up crap so it’s cost rises by an easy few grand.
Yes would really like one of these before it is too late. YMMV.
My neighbor drives an F-Pace because he has to. He works for an agency where Jag is a big client. He’s as enthused about driving the Jag as I am shoveling snow.
A British car who’s electricals can be fixed with only a battery, rather than the *checks list* everything on the car being replaced? Sign me right up!
Keep in mind it’s only 6 years old and that and other issues are already being reported. I shudder to think of what a nightmare it’d be after another 6 years and 50k miles.
Yes! These are great values on the used market. The sister Range Rover Velar SVautobiography is the same size with the same drivetrain, but slightly more upscale interior if you wanted to go that route.
Also, great research on this car. You are absolutely correct, the drivetrain is stout and has been used by JLR since 2010. The early timing chain guide issues were corrected around 2013/14. The only major “gotcha” are the pesky plastic coolant pipes which you mentioned. Not an issue until relatively high mileage, and there are aluminum replacements aplenty.
The other issue is the maintenance. Many people buy/lease these new and DON’T do the proper maintenance. The SCV8 needs oil changed every 5-7k (and not 12.5k as per JLR), rear diff every 40-50k, transfer case and front diff every 50-60k. Keep up with the maintenance, and these will be reliable.
If you’ve never driven a JLR product with the 5.0SC, I highly recommend it. Great throttle response, plenty of power, and amazing sound. 15 years later, they’re still putting the same engine in some defenders.
I gently pushed my wife into getting a 2020 SVR last year and do not regret it at all. I work from home and my office is next to the garage. Every morning when she leaves for work and fires it up I get a big-old grin on my face. Damn it sounds good. Sure, she only uses about 20% of it’s capabilities but it sure does make my Home Depot runs on the weekend a lot more entertaining.
The only ages of Jag to own are “still under factory warranty” or “wake up at 4AM to phone an odd Brit for parts.”
I’m replacing my 2018 Grand Cherokee this summer (and sadly selling my MRoadster for garage space) as my oldest turns 16, and she’s getting it. I’m leaning heavily to a 2020-2021 X5 xDrive40i, but I’ll be damned if these F-Paces don’t keep catching my eye in either SVR or P400 guise. My mind and wallet say no, but my heart and eyes say yes.
I’ve always been tempted by these. What else can you get for 50 grand-ish that’s wife proof and has a supercharged V8? I also cannot overstate how good this engine sounds. It’s an absolute feast for the senses in ways that the German competition simply cannot match.
It’s appealing in the way all Jaaaaaasgs are appealing-they’re very emotional machines. They’re sexy (by crossover standards in this case), they come in gorgeous colors, they go fast, they sound like they belong on a racetrack, etc. At the end of the day it’s hard to put a price on that and these sorts of machines are as good as dead outside of supercars and similarly priced ultra luxury land yachts.
…but there’s a reason they depreciate so much. These are going to be a chore and a half to keep running, and unfortunately that’s why they fail at being crossovers. If you really want this engine I almost think you should just go balls to the wall and get an F Type with it. A used F Pace SVR will be in the shop more in the first 18 months than a RAV4 Hybrid will be in its entire lifetime.
Would I respect the hell out of anyone willing to take the plunge? Of course! Just know that the cost of admission is only the tip of the iceberg, and if you’re stretching your budget to be able to own a secondhand one of these you’re putting yourself in a very precarious position that’s not worth it. But if they’re comfortably within your budget? Play ball, if you dare.
Honestly if you want a super crossover just track down an X3M. They apparently ride like shit and somehow get similarly terrible fuel economy to these but that S58 engine is an absolute beast. There are plenty of them out there that are already at six figure mileage without any major issue and you can have them pushing 700 horsepower on stock internals without issue. BMW overbuilt the shit out of those engines and they’re really, really good.
I can’t speak to the other assorted German-ness you’ll inevitably encounter but the powertrain is pretty bulletproof.
CTS-Vs, GT500s, C7 Z06s, older AMGs, and so on.
Wait, I’m just now hearing that the above are only recommended by *my* wife?
Carry on, then.
My wife sees a rumbling American coupe and says absolutely not. But a rumbling psychotic crossover? Totally fair game. Although we’re going to buy her exactly what she wants in the next year or so (and she says she wants a CX90 PHEV which is downright reasonable in the grand scheme of things) so that may buy me some wiggle room…although I really do think I’m just going to wind up with a 4Runner or Land Cruiser for dad duty.
$50K, supercharged V8, crossover-shaped thing you say?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/5df998d7-ac46-4e79-8c76-b6efea7680ed/
These are cool as hell but I have a hard time justifying them over similar luxury cars at the same price. I think the Mopar SUVs are a little overvalued on the secondhand market to be honest…but as you might imagine I’ve certainly done my due diligence.
So you’re saying you’re only ready for only the tip?
Appreciated and related to the first paragraph. When shopping for a new vehicle a few years ago I took my wife to drive just about anything that seemed kind of interesting (to her tastes). The F-Pace gave her the most feels and giggles, but we ended up with the X3 as it seemed like the better overall vehicle. Lasted almost 3 years before she decided she wanted a truck instead.
I keep soft-shopping for an F-Type or Sportbrake though.
We’re about 10 months into that 18 months, so far zero issues with ours (knocks on wood). Rock solid reliable, no warning lights, no issues – just brakes and tires so far. Well there was this one time the radio didn’t have any output until we shut it off for a few minutes. Outside that all smiles and giggles.
Crackpipe, at any price.