What Is the Difference Between PEPS and UWB Keys for Jaguar Land Rover

Not all Jaguar Land Rover keyless keys are the same. If your vehicle is fully keyless and registered after 2023, it requires a UWB compatible key. A standard PEPS key may unlock the doors but it will not start the engine.

PEPS vs UWB Explained

PEPS (Passive Entry Passive Start) is the original keyless system used by Jaguar Land Rover from around 2010. The key unlocks the car when nearby and allows push button start. It relies on radio signal presence and is vulnerable to relay theft.

UWB (Ultra Wideband) was introduced from 2018 onwards. It measures the exact distance between the key and the vehicle. The car will only unlock and start when the key is physically close. This makes UWB systems highly resistant to relay attacks.

Why the Correct Key Matters

If a standard PEPS key is programmed to a UWB equipped vehicle:
• Lock and unlock will work
• The engine will not start

This is the most common replacement key problem we see.

Using a UWB key on an older non UWB vehicle will work, but it is unnecessary and more expensive.

Vehicles That Commonly Require UWB Keys

UWB was phased in, so year alone is not enough to be certain. Common examples include:

Land Rover
• Range Rover and Range Rover Sport from late 2018
• Velar from late 2018
• Evoque from 2019
• Defender all models from 2020

Jaguar
• I Pace all models
• F Pace E Pace and XF from 2021
• F Type from 2020

Vehicles built before 2018 and non keyless models do not have UWB.