Coming soon to a Pepperdine parking lot near you: the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace.
Pros Gorgeous exterior True torque vectoring Planted, confident drive Efficient interior space Some bits borrowed from F-Type
Cons the materials don’t scream luxury Priced close to the F-Pace Lagging automatic Gruff-sounding engine
The Jaguar E-Pace brings the British brand’s trademark style to the ever-expanding segment of small luxury crossovers. A turbo 2.0-liter inline-four makes 246 hp and has all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Pros Excellent road manners, comfortable for the driver plus one.
Cons Snug back seat; no, the I-Pace is the electric one.
We recommend the P250 E-Pace SE for its balance between cost and features. This model comes with the base engine, which puts out a respectable 246 horsepower, has standard all-wheel drive, and is packed full of features such as a power tailgate, 14-way power leather seats with memory function, an 11-speaker premium audio system, and a suite of advanced driving and parking aids.
PROS Ample power from turbocharged four-cylinder engines Relatively spacious accommodations Appealing mix of standard and optional luxury features Striking design from the inside out
CONS Highest cost of entry in the luxury compact segment It's the heavyweight of the class at more than 4,000 pounds Ride quality can be harsh in some configurations with bigger wheels
Unless the NX 300 F Sport's adjustable suspension and tighter seat bolstering are must-haves, we recommend sticking with the more comfortable NX 300. Add the Comfort package for its heated and ventilated front seats and blind-spot detection, and you'll have a well-equipped, quiet and refined luxury compact SUV.
PROS Generous backseat room Available power-folding rear seat Cabin is very quiet at highway speeds
CONS Remote Touch Interface can be distracting to use Limited rear cargo volume
The 2018 Lexus NX ranked #11 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Lexus NX has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 34 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Lengthy list of standard tech and safety features Ample legroom in both rows of seats
Cons Frustrating infotainment controls Small, restricted cargo space
Pros Striking looks, improved spaciousness, commendable ride quality, excellent build and finish
Cons Poor ergonomics, difficult-to-use infotainment system
