2019 Jaguar XF Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

New 300 Sport trim features a 296-hp engine and unique design elements and colorsStandard 10-inch Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment systemPart of the second XF generation introduced for 2016

　　German automakers may define sport-luxury cars in the minds of most, but there are alternatives. The 2019 Jaguar XF reminds us that a sporty midsize luxury sedan can come from somewhere other than the Haus of Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Jaguar XF 25t Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$163/mo  for XF 25t Premium

　　XF 25t Premium

　　25t Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,965 MSRP25t Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,965 MSRP20d Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $51,465 MSRP20d Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $54,465 MSRP30t Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,965 MSRP30t Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $55,965 MSRP25t Prestige 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $54,985 MSRP25t Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,985 MSRP20d Prestige 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $56,485 MSRP20d Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $59,485 MSRP30t Prestige 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,985 MSRP30t Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $60,985 MSRP30t 300 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $63,810 MSRP30t 300 Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $66,810 MSRPSportbrake Prestige 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $64,575 MSRP30t Portfolio Limited Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $67,565 MSRP30t Portfolio Limited Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $70,565 MSRPS 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $67,625 MSRPSportbrake S Sport 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $71,215 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　The XF engages its driver much like its peers, despite not having a world-beating engine performance. Yet what the Jaguar lacks in outright power and speed compared to its rivals — although with up to 380 horsepower, it hardly lacks — it makes up with elegant styling and theatrical flair. How else to describe a car with a gear selector that rises from the center console upon ignition? Abundant trunk space also enhances the XF sedan's versatility.

　　Jaguar also offers plenty of choice. Getting to pick among multiple trim levels, engines and either rear- or all-wheel drive makes it easy to build a XF to suit, whether for mild-mannered commutes or more adrenaline-pumping back road explorations. There's even a wagon version for drivers seeking maximum cargo flexibility.

　　It's fair to say that the Germans still dominate in overall refinement and performance potential. But if you want a midsize sedan that's a bit different than the norm, the 2019 XF will certainly satisfy.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full tests of the Jaguar XF S Sedan (supercharged 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD) and XF S Sportbrake.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0

　　

Driving

8.0

　　Although not as quick as V8 offerings in this segment, the XF still has a fun demeanor that makes it interesting to drive in a variety of situations. Whether you're on a back road or simply commuting to work, it's an easy car to get comfortable with.

　　

Acceleration

8.0

　　Its 3.0-liter supercharged V6 generates 380 hp and 339 lb-ft and hustles the XF from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. That's not the quickest in the class, but it's more than adequate for any passing or merging maneuver.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　A medium-firm brake pedal with a medium level of travel maintains a luxury driving feel in the XF. In a panic-stop test, the brakes performed well, slowing the Jaguar to a stop from 60 mph in 116 feet.

　　

Steering

7.5

　　The XF's steering responds precisely. On-center feel is appropriate and progressively resistant as the wheel turns. In the steering's default setting, steering feel is adequately heavy without being obvious.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　Stability control keeps the XF walking a straight line in typical conditions. But in Dynamic mode, its playful character emerges. Pushing hard on the throttle mid-turn will step the back out effortlessly. Ease off, and torque vectoring tightens your line.

　　

Drivability

8.0

　　It's easy to drive in all situations. The eight-speed automatic transmission responds quickly when provoked, yet it remains smooth at low speeds, when leisurely shifts are preferred. Wheel-mounted paddle shifters hold gears regardless of mode.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　The XF straddles the line between luxury and sport. The ride quality is on the stiffer side, though not so much as to be a crutch. Meanwhile, the cabin remains quiet and isolated. The driver's seat offers plenty of space, but it's overly firm and could be a deal-breaker for some.

　　

Seat comfort

6.0

　　These seats are firm. We found a two-hour window of acceptable driving comfort before the fidgeting began. Not everyone will consider these long-haul-friendly. The rear outboard seats are fine for adults and spacious in all directions.

　　

Ride comfort

7.0

　　As sport sedans go, the ride quality of the XF is acceptably stiff in S form. Its suspension absorbs road imperfections, large or small, competently.

　　

Noise & vibration

9.0

　　Engine noise is nonexistent at cruising speeds and nearly as muted at full throttle. The cabin remains quiet over most surfaces, though some suspension noise is evident over bumps. It is quieter than others in the segment. Road noise is excessive in the Sportbrake, though.

　　

Climate control

9.0

　　With its own set of dedicated buttons, the climate control system is easy to use and effective. Seat heating is standard on the higher-level models, or can be equipped as part of a cold weather package.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　Top-quality materials extend throughout, giving the interior an appropriately luxurious feel. Infotainment is thoughtfully designed but lacks the finished details of competitors' systems. What really sets the XF apart from the class is its trunk, which is comparatively massive.

　　

Ease of use

6.5

　　The touchscreen interface looks good, and hard buttons bordering the interface offer some redundant controls. Most controls are within the driver's reach. The navigation system on our test car froze several times.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　The XF is as easy to climb in and out of as any in this segment once the doors are open. They open fully but are heavy. The optional "soft close" self-closing door feature helps. We didn't have any issues in tight parking spaces.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　While the XF could be considered a sport sedan, the driver's seating position is decidedly on the comfort side. The standard seat package lacks any sort of additional seat bolstering, with only higher level models offering adjustable lumbar support.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　Front and rear headroom are comparable to what you'll find in most in the segment. There's plenty of lateral space for all outboard passengers to get cozy. Three adults in the back seat isn't such a bad proposition, at least for a short time.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　Visibility is dependent upon seating position. Those sitting farther back will find that the side and rear roof pillars combine to make one large driver-side blind spot. Over-the-shoulder visibility is OK, though. Multiview cameras are a big help.

　　

Quality

6.5

　　No build-quality issues of note on our test car. Panels aligned properly and the car was free of squeaks and rattles. The interior controls and switchgear don't quite have the sturdiness and refinement of some others in the class.

　　

Utility

　　With a large trunk volume and sizable rear seats, the XF is a good road-trip companion. If you're traveling with small children, the XF can handle both front- and rear-facing child seats with ease.

　　

Small-item storage

　　Most of your odds and ends will wind up in a moderately sized door pocket or cupholder. There's a small recess underneath the climate control system, but it's not large enough for larger smartphones — those will have to go in the center console armrest.

　　

Cargo space

　　The trunk space is wide and deep, and gooseneck trunklid arms are recessed to not impede cargo loading. The pass-through size is average, as are the number and depth of interior nooks.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

　　Four Isofix LATCH points are clearly marked behind plastic covers, while three top-anchor mounts are located directly behind their respective headrest positions.

　　

Technology

　　The XF's primary infotainment system now uses a 10-inch display. It controls almost all of the Jag's functions aside from climate controls. Standard functions such as the audio and phone are easy to use, but navigation capability and smartphone connectivity are lacking.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　Fitted with the Meridian digital surround-sound system, you can easily fill the cabin with the sounds you want. Using the navigation system takes some patience, but it becomes easier once you understand its logic.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　The standard XF comes only with Bluetooth and a USB hookup. Smartphone connectivity is handled via a proprietary app interface that's paired to an onboard subscription-service hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't offered.

　　

Which XF does zzdcar recommend?

　　We're tempted to recommend the XF's sublime 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, but it's only available on the loaded S trim level. That's overkill for most buyers, so we suggest the 30t Prestige. It hits the sweet spot with an impressive set of luxury features (heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, navigation system) and a powerful 296-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine

　　

2019 Jaguar XF models

　　The Jaguar XF sedan is available in five main trim levels: Premium, Prestige, 300 Sport,  Portfolio Limited Edition and S. The Sportbrake wagon is available only in Prestige and S trims. The Prestige builds on the Premium trim's standard set of features, while the Portfolio loads on more luxury features. The 300 Sport is a new-for-2019 trim largely distinguished by exclusive visual touches inside and out. The S trim includes almost all of the Jag's available features, including maximum engine performance.

　　Jaguar also uses designations to indicate which engine a particular car is equipped with: 20d, 25t and 30t. The 20d has a diesel-powered four-cylinder (180 horsepower, 318 pound-feet of torque) that gets up to 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The 25t (247 hp, 269 lb-ft) and 30t (296 hp, 295 lb-ft) have gas-powered four-cylinders. An eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

　　Standard Premium features include 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with driver-seat memory, power-adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, push-button ignition, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, a 10-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and an 11-speaker sound system.

　　The Prestige adds 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, blue ambient cabin lighting, a navigation system, smartphone-enabled onboard apps, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and front and rear parking sensors.

　　The new 300 Sport shares many of the Prestige features, but it adds a sport-tuned suspension, dark satin gray exterior trim, and active driver safety features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist and a drowsy driver warning system.

　　The Portfolio Limited Edition dials up the tech and luxury with adaptive LED headlights, auto high-beam assist (which dims high beams for oncoming traffic), a hands-free-opening trunklid, premium leather upholstery, upgraded power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats with seat position memory, heated rear seats, four-zone climate control, rear and side window shades, customizable ambient interior lighting, a head-up display and a more powerful 17-speaker sound system.

　　Finally, the S trim comes with a supercharged V6 (380 hp, 332 lb-ft), 20-inch wheels, an S-specific body kit and an adaptive suspension. Feature-wise, it's similar to the Prestige, though it also comes with sport front seats and a few extra safety features.

　　A few optional packages include the Vision Assist package for Premium and Prestige trims, which has adaptive LED headlights, auto high-beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, emergency braking, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning and lane departure warning. There's also a Driver Assistance package that has upgraded driver safety aids and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.

　　The Comfort & Convenience package, available for most trims, includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a hands-free-opening trunklid and a soft door-close function. The Tech package bundles the 17-speaker sound system with a customizable digital display that replaces the driver's analog gauge cluster, while a Cold Climate package offers heated front and rear seats, steering wheel, and front windshield and washer jets.

　　

2019 XF Highlights

Type: SedanWagonDieselSedan

　　Trim: 25t Premium20d Premium30t Premium25t Prestige20d Prestige30t Prestige30t 300 Sport30t Portfolio Limited EditionS25t Premium

　　

Base MSRP	$49,965
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles