2020 Jaguar XF Review

　　

2020 Jaguar XF 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.

　　The 2020 Jaguar XF is an interesting alternative if you're looking for something a little different from the typical German luxury sedan. Besides hailing from this British automaker, the XF delivers high levels of comfort and accommodating passenger and cargo space. It also typically costs a few thousand dollars less than the competition.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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) (Most Popular) - $51,100 MSRP25t Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $54,100 MSRP25t Prestige 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $55,550 MSRP25t Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $58,550 MSRP30t Prestige 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $58,550 MSRP30t Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $61,550 MSRPSportbrake Prestige 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $65,150 MSRP30t Checkered Flag Limited Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $66,600 MSRPS 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $68,200 MSRPSportbrake S Sport 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $71,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　But that comes with some caveats. In an apples-to-apples comparison, the engine choices from Jaguar are at a power disadvantage, and the materials used in the cabin aren't nearly as nice as those used in its German rivals. Another issue is that the infotainment system is beset by occasional glitches and slow responses.

　　Had the XF undergone the type of freshening that Jaguar's smaller XE sedan received for 2020, it would be on more of an even playing field as its rivals. As it is, you might feel as though you're getting less for your money. We recommend checking out the German competition alongside the Jag.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the XF drive? Although not as quick as V8 offerings in this segment, the XF 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. Its 3.0-liter supercharged V6 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.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the XF? 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. Though the driver's seat is spacious, it is overly firm. The lack of comfort could be a deal-breaker for some people.

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? Respectable materials extend throughout, giving the interior an appropriate look. Passenger space is comparable to capacity in other sedans in the class. Taller drivers may be subject to larger blind spots from the rear roof pillars.

　　

Technology

6.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The touchscreen infotainment layout is logical and easy to use. Hard buttons bordering the interface offer some redundant controls and are a welcome alternative. We've had issues with Jaguar's infotainment systems, however ― they can be slow to respond and occasionally glitchy.

　　

Storage

9.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The trunk is impressively large. The space is wide and deep, and the gooseneck trunklid arms are recessed so as not to impede cargo loading. The pass-through size is average, as are the number and depth of interior nooks.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates 24 mpg combined (20 city/30 highway) for the XF with the V6. We averaged 22 mpg, including 25 mpg on the 115-mile zzdcar mixed-driving loop.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the XF a good value? Where the Jaguar sets itself apart from its peers is with an appealing warranty package and extended free-maintenance plan. The XF is otherwise competitively priced within the segment. Interior switches lack the quality of some competitors.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　The XF is a luxury sedan when it's time to button up and a sport sedan when it's time to loosen up. And it is competitive within its segment on both levels. It's well-balanced fun.

　　

Which XF does zzdcar recommend?

For most shoppers, the 30t Prestige trim should be the model of choice. It comes with a long list of features, and its 296-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder has plenty of punch. Drivers seeking the kind of performance that Jaguar is famous for will likely want the supercharged V6, but unfortunately it's only offered on the top S trim level.

　　

2020 Jaguar XF models

The Jaguar XF sedan is available in four main trim levels: Premium, Prestige, Checkered Flag 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 new Checkered Flag Edition adds advanced safety items along with cosmetic 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: 25t and 30t. 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 xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, push-button ignition, a 10-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-speaker sound system.

　　The Prestige adds upgrades such as keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated seats, a navigation system, smartphone-enabled onboard apps and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

　　The new Checkered Flag model adds to the Prestige feature list with items such as adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, premium leather upholstery, a digital gauge cluster, satellite radio, frontal collision mitigation, lane keeping assist and a blind-spot monitor.

　　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.

　　For extra safety features, look to get the Vision Assist and Driver Assistance option packages. The Tech package is also notable for its 17-speaker sound system.

　　

2020 XF Highlights

Type: SedanWagonSedan

　　Trim: 25t Premium25t Prestige30t Prestige30t Checkered Flag Limited EditionS25t Premium

　　

Base MSRP	$51,100
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