The compact luxury crossover SUV market is fiercely competitive, and the 2018 model year saw some compelling contenders vying for the top spot. Among them, the 2018 Jaguar F-pace emerged as a significant player, directly challenging established rivals like the Audi Q5. Both the Q5, a veteran in the segment with its second generation debuting in 2018, and the F-PACE, Jaguar’s groundbreaking foray into crossovers, were top sellers for their respective brands in 2017 and continued their strong performance into 2018. The Audi Q5 achieved record sales, surpassing 57,000 units in the US, while the Jaguar F-PACE, in its inaugural year, impressively sold over 17,000 vehicles, marking a successful entry for Jaguar into the SUV domain. The question remains: in this head-to-head matchup, does the 2018 Jaguar F-PACE stand out as the superior choice? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison.
Brand Heritage: A Tale of Two Automotive Worlds
Audi and Jaguar, while both respected luxury brands, boast distinctly different histories and brand identities. Audi, rooted in German engineering, traces its origins back to 1909. After periods under Daimler and Volkswagen Group ownership, Audi today is synonymous with sophisticated technology and refined performance within the VW Group umbrella. Jaguar, on the other hand, began its journey in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company, officially becoming Jaguar Cars in 1945. Through mergers and acquisitions, including stints with British Motor Corporation, British Leyland, Ford, and ultimately Tata Motors in 2008, Jaguar has navigated a complex path. Tata Motors’ creation of Jaguar Land Rover Limited in 2013 solidified Jaguar’s current operational structure.
Both brands have faced periods of fluctuating reputation. However, in recent times, Audi and Jaguar have both experienced revivals, earning accolades for their design innovation, advanced technology, and driving dynamics. They consistently receive high marks for initial vehicle quality and long-term reliability, making them strong contenders in the luxury market.
Verdict: Tie in Brand Appeal
Exterior Styling: Athletic Precision vs. British Elegance
The 2018 Audi Q5 presents a sharp, athletic, and meticulously crafted exterior. Its design language is characterized by crisp lines and assertive styling cues. The prominent single-frame Audi grille, adorned with the iconic four rings, immediately establishes its brand identity. The sculpted hood and body panels, featuring strong character lines and deep contours, contribute to its dynamic appearance. The Q5’s tall wheel arches frame the wheels effectively, and an integrated rear spoiler provides a refined finish to the roofline.
In contrast, the 2018 Jaguar F-PACE embodies Jaguar’s signature design ethos. It incorporates the brand’s distinctive grille and multiple air intakes, projecting a sense of sporty sophistication. A muscular hood design seamlessly connects the grille to the sweeping roofline. The body sides are elegantly sculpted, subtly flaring at the fenders and culminating in a gracefully convex tailgate. Notably, the F-PACE has a slightly longer wheelbase (113.2 inches versus 111.0 inches) and overall length (186.3 inches versus 183.6 inches) compared to the Q5, visually translating to a larger road presence.
Verdict: Jaguar F-PACE for Distinctive Styling – The F-PACE offers a more visually striking and emotionally engaging design, staying true to Jaguar’s sporty heritage while embracing SUV practicality.
Interior Ambiance: Minimalist Modernity vs. Driver-Focused Cockpit
Audi has long been lauded for its interior design prowess, particularly its commitment to minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired aesthetics. The Q5’s cabin reflects this philosophy with a wraparound dashboard design and strong horizontal lines, creating a sense of spaciousness and calm. A large infotainment screen is positioned prominently atop the center stack, ideally placed within the driver’s line of sight. Audi’s virtual cockpit, an optional fully digital 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, is a standout feature, offering both functionality and visual appeal.
The 2018 Jaguar F-PACE adopts a more driver-centric interior layout. The instrument panel, center stack, and center console converge to create a cockpit-like environment, emphasizing the driving experience. The F-PACE’s infotainment screen is positioned lower on the dashboard, beneath the air vents. Both SUVs offer seating for five, though the rear center seat is less comfortable in both models, best suited for occasional use.
Verdict: Tie – Audi Q5 for Minimalist Elegance, Jaguar F-PACE for Driver-Focused Design – Interior preference is subjective. The Q5 appeals to those who appreciate modern, uncluttered design, while the F-PACE caters to drivers seeking a more engaging and cockpit-like feel.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Diverse Power Options
The 2018 Jaguar F-PACE offers a broader range of engine choices. It features two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines: a 247-horsepower version in the 25t models and a more powerful 296-horsepower variant in the 30t models. For performance enthusiasts, the S model boasts a 380-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6, and the top-tier SVR model houses a potent 550-horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V8. A fuel-efficient 180-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine is also available in the 20d version. Fuel economy for the 25t and 30t is rated at 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, the S at 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined, and the 20d at 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.
The Audi Q5, in comparison, offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 252 horsepower. The sportier SQ5 variant upgrades to a 354-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. The Q5 is rated at 23 mpg city/27 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, while the SQ5 achieves 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.
Verdict: Jaguar F-PACE for Engine Variety and Top-End Power – The F-PACE provides a wider spectrum of engine choices, catering to diverse driving preferences, and offers significantly more powerful options at the higher end of the range.
Transmission and Drive System: All-Wheel Drive Prowess
All 2018 Jaguar F-PACE models come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and Active Driveline torque-on-demand technology, primarily sending power to the rear wheels for a more dynamic driving feel. The Audi Q5 and SQ5 are equipped with Audi’s renowned Quattro AWD system. The F-PACE utilizes a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission across the range. The standard Q5 features a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), while the SQ5 employs an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are standard in both models, providing manual gear control.
A notable feature of the F-PACE is the availability of Adaptive Surface Response, a traction control system designed to optimize performance in various low-grip conditions.
Verdict: Tie – Both Offer Capable All-Wheel Drive Systems – Both the Jaguar F-PACE and Audi Q5 provide confident all-weather capability with their respective all-wheel drive systems.
Technology and Features: Infotainment and Innovation
The 2018 Jaguar F-PACE offers Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, an optional virtual 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster with full-screen navigation, and a laser head-up display. InControl Wi-Fi, capable of supporting up to eight devices, is also available. The innovative Activity Key, a waterproof wearable wristband, allows drivers to lock the vehicle and leave the traditional key fob behind.
The Audi Q5 comes standard with a 7.0-inch high-mounted TFT infotainment display, with an optional upgrade to an 8.3-inch TFT display. Audi’s “virtual cockpit,” MMI all-in-touch with handwriting recognition, a Bang & Olufsen 3D surround sound system, and advanced keyless entry and start are among the available technology features.
Verdict: Tie – Both Offer Advanced Technology Suites – Both SUVs are well-equipped with modern infotainment and technology features, catering to the demands of tech-savvy buyers.
Braking, Suspension, and Handling: Agility and Comfort
The 2018 Jaguar F-PACE utilizes a lightweight and rigid aluminum-intensive four-wheel independent suspension system (double-wishbone front/Integral Link rear). Ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four wheels, with larger front brakes on higher trim levels. Torque vectoring and electronically assisted power steering are also standard.
The Audi Q5 and SQ5 feature five-link front and rear independent suspension. Adaptive damping suspension is available on the Q5 and standard on the SQ5, while adaptive air suspension is an option for the SQ5. Ventilated disc brakes are standard on all Q5 models. Electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering and torque vectoring are also standard, integrated with the Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Verdict: Tie – Both Offer Balanced Handling and Ride Comfort – Both SUVs deliver a blend of agile handling and comfortable ride quality, suitable for daily driving and spirited cornering.
Cargo and Towing Capacity: Practicality Matters
Crossover SUVs are popular for their enhanced utility, offering increased cargo space compared to traditional sedans. The Audi Q5 and SQ5 provide 26.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 60.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Q5 has a towing capacity of 4,400 lbs when properly equipped.
The Jaguar F-PACE offers slightly more cargo room, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. It also boasts a higher towing capacity of 5,291 lbs (with trailer brakes).
Verdict: Jaguar F-PACE for Superior Cargo and Towing Capacity – The F-PACE edges out the Q5 in terms of both cargo volume and towing capability, offering greater practicality.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Luxury for a Price
The 2018 Audi Q5 is available in three trim levels: Premium (starting at $41,500), Premium Plus ($45,500), and Prestige ($50,800). The SQ5 comes in Premium Plus ($54,300) and Prestige ($58,500) trims. Audi provides a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and complimentary first scheduled maintenance.
Jaguar offers a wider range of seven 2018 F-PACE trims: base ($42,065), Premium ($44,775), Prestige ($49,125), R-Sport ($54,175), S ($59,775), Portfolio ($62,000), and the high-performance SVR ($79,990). Jaguar’s warranty coverage surpasses Audi, with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, five years/60,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance, and five years/unlimited miles of Jaguar InControl Remote & Protect.
Verdict: Jaguar F-PACE for Better Warranty and Maintenance Package – While the base prices are comparable, the Jaguar F-PACE offers a more comprehensive warranty and included maintenance, adding long-term value.
Conclusion: The 2018 Jaguar F-PACE – A Compelling Choice
If you are in the market for a luxury compact SUV and considering either the Audi Q5 or the 2018 Jaguar F-PACE, you are indeed in a fortunate position to choose between two excellent vehicles. While exploring options, you might also consider competitors such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Porsche Macan, Lexus RX, Infiniti QX50, Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, and BMW X3.
However, if your decision is narrowed down to the Q5 and F-PACE, the recommendation leans towards the 2018 Jaguar F-PACE. Despite potentially requiring a slightly higher investment for a comparably equipped model, the F-PACE offers a more distinctive and exclusive ownership experience, representing Jaguar’s pinnacle of achievement in the SUV segment. You will benefit from its greater interior space, enhanced cargo capacity, and the added assurance of a longer factory warranty coupled with complimentary scheduled maintenance. The 2018 Jaguar F-PACE stands out as a truly compelling choice in the luxury compact SUV arena.
