The Jaguar F Pace has never been nearly as popular or desirable as the Audi Q5, but the latest facelift version of the F Pace hopes to change that. This is indeed a difficult task as the Q5 is and always was one of the most popular luxury executive mid-size SUVs.
The 2022 Jaguar F Pace arguably seems like a more authentic choice when compared to the Q5 as it seems to offer more character, but the Q5 feels like a more complete package. Technology-wise, they are quite similar even though the Audi seems to have an upper edge.
All in all, both of these belong to the compact/mid-size SUV department while the F Pace is also the range-topping Jaguar flagship SUV. Audi also offers the gargantuan Q7 and the more stylish Q8 which are both in an entirely different league when compared to the F Pace.
Picking a clear winner between these two is difficult, but the Audi does seem a bit more well-rounded. The F Pace is a huge upgrade over older Jaguar products both from the reliability and technology standpoint which means that Jaguar is on the right path towards rivaling the executive German luxury trio.
2022 Audi Q5 – The mid-size luxury Audi SUV
The base-level Audi Q5 45 TFSI starts at $44,100 for the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic DCT gearbox and permanent Audi Quattro AWD system. The 55 TFSI e hybrid Q5 costs $55,400 and the range-topping Audi SQ5 costs $56,995.
The 55 TFSI gets the same 2.0L 4-cylinder engine mated with an electric engine for a combined output of around 362hp while the entry-level 45 TFSI gets 265hp. The range-topping SQ5 is actually a tad bit less powerful when compared to the 55 TFSI e even though the SQ5 is faster and more exciting to drive thanks to a 3.0L supercharged V6.
Design-wise the Q5 is a class act as it seems both refined and understated. However, if that bothers you and you want your SUV to look like it means business, you should opt for the S-Line package. Interior-wise, the Q5 looks progressively luxurious as it is lined with high-quality materials and lovely widescreens.
The Q5 offers a lot of space which means that it beats the F Pace both in seating space and in cargo space. The Q5 is also a tad bit more composed and comfortable to drive and is more reliable.
2022 Jaguar F Pace – The British alternative
The entry-level Jaguar F Pace starts at $50,900 for the more sensible 246hp 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine. The F Pace is also available with a 3.0L V6 with 335hp, a 3.0L V6 hybrid with 395hp, and the range-topping 542hp absolutely ridiculous 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 which costs more than $85,000.
The F Pace also comes with a relatively smooth and fast-shifting DCT gearbox and all-wheel drive. The 2022 facelifted F Pace is a far cry from the old model as the F Pace is now able to compete with the likes of the Q5, the GLC, and the X3 both for technology and luxury.
The F-Pace looks more exciting than the Q5, especially if you go for the fire-breathing SVR model. Interior-wise, the F Pace looks more like a Range Rover than the old F Pace, and many people deem it to be a lot better looking when compared to the Q5.
Driving-wise, the F Pace is the one to get because the F Pace is not as composed at the Q5. It is true that the F Pace feels more characterful and authentic, especially now when it is actually a good car.
Conclusion – The Audi Q5 is still better, but the new F Pace is a huge upgrade over the old one
The Q5 is still better, but the F Pace is now able to rival the likes of the Q5, the GLC, and the X3 more than ever. The Q5 is more refined, more comfortable, more spacious, more practical and it offers higher overall build quality.
The F Pace SVR is the craziest performance model out of the bunch and the SQ5 is not nearly as exciting nor fun to drive. However, this is the only segment where the F Pace beats the Audi comfortably. In almost every other segment it’s a clear win for the Audi.
FAQ Section
Is the Audi Q5 more reliable than the Jaguar F Pace?
Jaguars are widely known for their lackluster reliability results, but that is mostly regarding older Jaguar models. Newer Jaguars are a lot better and the F-Pace is more or less equally reliable as the Q5. According to a few reliability studies the F Pace actually placed higher than the Q5.
Either way, both of these are mediocre at best when it comes to reliability, especially when compared to SUV built by Lexus. However, if you do your homework all the time and you maintain these cars properly, they are likely going to last you a long time.
Is the Audi Q5 safer than the Jaguar F Pace?
Both the Jaguar F-Pace and the Audi Q5 are 5-star crash-rated cars which means that you should not worry about safety whatsoever. They both come with all sorts of active software safety systems which are able to keep you safe in most situations.
However, if you want to fully equip your Q5 or your F Pace with all the necessary safety kit, you are going to have to pay quite a lot of money, so much so that it even enables you to buy higher-end SUVs.
Does the Audi Q5 hold a better resale value when compared to the Jaguar F Pace?
It depends on the trim you go for and the engine you choose as these are closely matched when it comes to resale value. The Jaguar does indeed come with higher predicted resale value numbers according to a few credible online sources.
The differences here are relatively marginal which means that it makes little to no difference and resale value is more associated with how well you maintain your car, how often you service it, and how well you preserve the interior and the exterior condition.
