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2020 Tesla Model Y vs. 2020 Jaguar I-Pace
2019 Jaguar I-Pace ・ Photo by Jaguar
This comparison has been a year in the making: the Jaguar I-Pace, which was introduced just last year, versus the new Tesla Model Y, the latest SUV from the world’s most successful maker of electric vehicles. Two luxury electric five-passenger SUVs head to head, mano a mano, punch for punch.
The I-Pace is Jaguar’s first and only electrically powered model. It debuted in 2019 to rave reviews and is considered one of the best luxury EVs available. Tesla, however, owns the EV market, and its latest product, the Model Y, is its smallest and most affordable SUV. Introduced this year, it’s expected to revolutionize and dominate the market — and it’s off to a fast start. But which is best? Let’s examine the 2020 Tesla Model Y and 2020 Jaguar I-Pace in key areas and decide.
Styling and Design
Designed and built in California, the Tesla Model Y looks like a cross between the brand’s Model 3 sedan and its larger Model X SUV. Basically, it looks like every other Tesla. It’s undeniably attractive, but some of us are waiting for the brand to branch out stylistically. On the road, it’s easy to mistake the Model Y for another Tesla model. Although it looks like a scaled-down Model X, the Y is without the fancy swing-up Falcon doors found on its bigger brother. All of its doors work conventionally.
In stark contrast to the familiar lines of the Tesla, the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE looks like nothing else on the road, including other Jaguars. With its tight proportions, blunt silhouette, and hunkered-down stance, it’s extremely attractive, appearing futuristic but not cartoonish. Although the SUV is built in Austria, it was designed in the U.K., Jaguar’s home turf.
Photo by Jaguar Land Rover
Comfort and Cargo
These are two comfortable SUVs, with supportive seats, quiet interiors, and agreeable ride quality. However, the Jaguar is the more comfortable of the two due to its more inviting interior design and its superior ride. They offer about the same amount of people space, with one dimensional exception: The Tesla has considerably more rear legroom. Next year, Tesla says it will also offer an optional third row of seats, a feature not offered in the Jag.
The Model Y also offers more cargo space. Jaguar says there’s 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space back there and 52 cubic feet with its 60/40 split rear seat folded flat. Tesla doesn’t say how much space is behind the Y’s rear seat but says there’s 68 cubic feet of space with its rear seat folded.
Tie
Photo by Jaguar Land Rover
Infotainment System
Tesla’s infotainment system is the standard of the industry and it has been for nearly a decade. In this category, all the other automakers are fighting for second place. Meanwhile, Tesla continues to make its system better. From the size of its touchscreens to the speed of its response and the system’s connectivity, it’s without question state-of-the-art. Although we prefer the vertical screens found in the Model S and Model X, the horizontal screen in the Model Y also works extremely well.
By comparison, the infotainment system in the Jaguar I-PACE feels like it’s stuck in the past. Though large enough, its touchscreen is much smaller than the Teslas. Plus, its navigation and other functions aren’t as intuitive, and the system is much slower to respond. On the upside, there is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and onboard Wi-Fi.
Tesla Model Y
Photo by Tesla
Safety and Technology
Neither of these two SUVs has been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That said, According to Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk, the Model Y shares about 75 percent of its components with the Model 3, and that sedan is scored a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS. All-wheel drive, automated emergency braking, a lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode are standard.
Jaguar also fits the I-Pace with an assortment of standard high-tech safety systems. The standard list includes all-wheel drive, a forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, a lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control costs extra, though.
Tesla Model Y
Photo by Tesla
Power and Performance
Two versions of the Model Y are available, both with all-wheel drive and two electric motors. Tesla has promised a rear-wheel-drive Standard Range model next year, which should have a lower base price. The company doesn’t quote the output of its powertrains, but the base model, called the Long Range, packs quite a punch, blasting to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The even more powerful Performance model gets there in just 3.5 seconds, which is crazy quick.
Every 2020 Jaguar I-PACE is also all-wheel drive and powered by two electric motors. Their total output is impressive with 394 hp and 512 lb-ft of torque, and Jag says the I-Pace can accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. That’s quick enough to push you back in the seat and put a big grin on your face, but not quick enough to keep up with the Model Y Performance.
Tesla Model Y
Photo by Tesla
Range
The efficiency and battery range of its Tesla’s powertrains continues to befuddle the rest of the industry, and the Model Y delivers the longest range numbers of any electric SUV besides its larger brother, the Model X. The Model Y Long Range offers an estimated 316 miles of range, while the much more powerful Performance model delivers 291 miles of range. Tesla also offers its customers exclusive access to its network of fast chargers located all around the country. The company says there are 16,585 Superchargers in 1,870 locations.
According to the EPA, the Jaguar I-Pace can be driven 234 miles on a full charge, which is more than enough for most buyers with a typical commute and daily travels, but it’s radically less range than you get in the Tesla. Charging the Jag is another issue. It is compatible with fast chargers from brands like ChargePoint, but that network isn’t as comprehensive as Teslas.
Tesla Model Y
Photo by Tesla
Driving Dynamics
Both of these SUVs offer sport sedan handling to go along with their explosive acceleration. The Tesla weighs about 300 lbs less than the Jag, and it has the firmer suspension, so it can be bit more fun to drive on a twisty road. But the Jag is also fun to toss around and engaging to drive. Both SUVs bring impressive amounts of grip to the party, thanks to their all-wheel drive and large sticky tires, and they are well balanced. Both brands mount their hefty battery packs as low as possible in the center of their chassis to improve balance, stability, and overall performance.
In the city and out on the highway both SUVs are comfortable, but some buyers may find the Tesla’s suspension to be unnecessarily firm. The Jag’s dynamic shortcoming is an inconsistent brake pedal feel. Overall, we prefer the feel and superior ride quality of the Jag.
Jaguar I-Pace
Photo by Jaguar
Value
With a base price right around $45,000, including a $1,300 destination fee, the Model Y Long Range costs considerably less than the I-Pace. And for $10,000 more, you can step up to the Performance, which makes it a very strong value — especially compared to the cost of the Jaguar.
I-Pace prices start at $70,495, including $995 for destination and handling, and climb to $77,245 for the SE. The top of the line HSE costs about $82,000. Although the I-Pace is about the same size as the Model Y, it’s actually priced closer to the larger Model X, which has a base price of about $76,000.
Photo by Tesla
Verdict
Considering the I-Pace is Jaguar’s first and only electric vehicle, it’s an impressive package. We like its style, inside and out, its thrilling performance, its more comfortable ride quality, and its superior driving dynamics. It’s also packed with features, and it offers enough range for most buyers most of the time.
But the 2020 Tesla Model Y is the more compelling package. It offers significantly more range, quicker acceleration, more interior space, more safety systems, and the world’s best infotainment system, all at a much lower price. Though we recommend the Jaguar I-PACE, we recommend the Tesla Model Y more highly.
Tesla Model Y
Photo by Tesla